Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-POP Artists Among People in Their 60s [2026]

My good friendKamayatsu Hiroshi57rank/position

Hiroshi Kamayatsu “My Good Friend,” 1975

As a member of The Spiders, Hiroshi Kamayatsu helped ignite Japan’s Group Sounds boom.

After going solo, he continued to produce many classic songs with refined musical sensibilities.

Among his works, the one I especially recommend to men in their 60s for its ease of singing is “Waga Yoki Tomo yo” (“My Good Friend”).

Though the melody has a cool, mature tone, the vocal line is surprisingly light and comes together with an unexpectedly simple feel.

The range is narrow and there are no sections that require belting, so it should be easy for anyone to sing.

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Funky Monkey BabyKyaroru58rank/position

Funky Monkey Baby / Carol

A quintessential Carol song that wraps a straightforward love story in breezy rock ’n’ roll, remaining as vibrant as ever.

It portrays the protagonist’s pure feelings as he becomes captivated by his lover’s playful gestures, carried by a melodious sound.

Released in June 1973, it achieved an exceptional 300,000 sales for a rock band at the time.

Its edgy guitar riffs and rhythmic phrases left a significant mark on the history of Japanese rock.

The track was also included on the album “Funky Monkey Baby.” With its catchy melody and infectious rhythm, this song is perfect for getting hyped with close friends at karaoke.

If we ever meet in the city somedayNakamura Masatoshi59rank/position

If we ever meet in the city someday

It’s a gently written, heart-touching classic about memories of a past lover and the wish to meet again.

From parting in the city of memories, to love and resentment, and even the moment when dreams were shattered, it weaves together every moment the two spent together.

Masatoshi Nakamura’s warm vocals blend beautifully with the soothing melody crafted by Takuro Yoshida, resulting in a song that evokes both nostalgia and bittersweet longing.

Released in May 1975, it was used as an insert song in the drama “Oretachi no Kunshō” and reached No.

6 on the Oricon charts.

Many artists, including Naoko Ken and Masayuki Suzuki, have covered it.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to if you’ve experienced parting from someone dear, or when you’re in the mood to reminisce about the past.

PRIDEImai Miki60rank/position

Miki Imai - 'PRIDE' Music Video

A heart-stirring anthem that turns hidden love into pride is delivered by Miki Imai.

Gazing up at the southern night sky, this piece sings of deep affection and resolve for a beloved, a gem of a love song crafted by Tomoyasu Hotei.

It gently speaks of the kindness to forgive one another and the joy of cherishing each other’s individuality, tenderly resonating with listeners’ hearts.

Released in November 1996, it was selected as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc,” generating a huge response by topping the Oricon charts for three consecutive weeks.

For those who wish to keep moving forward or who hold thoughts of someone precious close to their heart, it will offer gentle companionship—like a gift from the starry sky.

Midnight Door ~ Stay with MeMatsubara Miki61rank/position

"Midnight Door ~ Stay With Me" / Miki Matsubara Official Lyric Video

The bittersweetness of the night that resonates with her lustrous singing voice invites you into the world of urban mood music.

Miki Matsubara’s debut single is a gem that sets lingering feelings for a former lover to a disco-style rhythm.

Its appeal lies in the sophisticated atmosphere woven by an urban sound that evokes adult romance and polished English phrases.

Released in November 1979 and included on the album “POCKET PARK,” the track became a major hit, reaching No.

28 on the Oricon charts.

It’s recommended for moments when you want to immerse yourself in precious memories while picturing a city nightscape like a scene from a film.

It’s also cherished as an adult love song that can be sung with a smooth, mellow mood.

At all times.Makihara Noriyuki62rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “No Matter What” (Music Video) [3rd Single] (1991) Noriyuki Makihara/donnatokimo [No. 1]

A signature work by Noriyuki Makihara that delivers a universal message of living true to yourself, carried by a powerful yet gentle melody.

While acknowledging the doubts and anxieties of life, this classic is imbued with a strong resolve to cherish your true self.

Included on the album “Who Do You Share a Happy Yawn With?”, it became a massive hit, surpassing one million copies within six months of its June 1991 release.

It was also selected as the entrance march for the 64th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in spring 1992.

The melody, featuring a distinctive acoustic guitar and a calm tempo, makes it easy to sing.

For many people, it’s a song that resonates in the heart when standing at a crossroads or when they feel on the verge of losing themselves.

Door of LifeTakeuchi Mariya63rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi – The Doors of Life (Official Music Video)

A song by Mariya Takeuchi released in 2007.

In the context of her overall career, it’s a mid-period work, so it might not be from the generation of women in their 50s, but it is extremely popular among fans.

Its appeal lies in lyrics whose depth becomes clearer with age, paired with a warm melody crafted to match.

The vocal range is slightly wide at mid1E to hiC#, but the pitch movement is gentle, making it a relatively easy song to sing overall.

There’s an English lyric section in the middle, so if you’re unsure about pronunciation, make sure to drill the linking beforehand.

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