[Ages 60s] Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Rankings [By Generation]

A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu8rank/position

A long night

Here is a timeless classic that sings of passionate love.

Known as one of Chiharu Matsuyama’s signature works, this song was released in 1981 and became a massive hit, selling a total of 866,000 copies.

It marked a bold departure from his previous folk style, transforming into a rock-influenced piece.

Written and composed by Matsuyama himself, it powerfully expresses the emotions of a heart swayed by love.

Though regarded as an “unconventional rock song,” it has continued to be cherished across eras and generations.

Listen to it while doing household chores or on a drive, and it’s sure to resonate with your heart.

Why not surrender yourself to Matsuyama’s soul-stirring vocals?

Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji9rank/position

Do whatever the hell you want.

A love song that strikingly portrays a man trying to keep his pride even as he’s tormented by the premonition of a breakup.

The scene of a lover packing up and leaving in the middle of the night is exquisitely rendered through Yu Aku’s delicate words and Katsuo Ono’s wistful melody.

The conflicting emotions—lingering attachment to the other and a man’s stubborn pride—intertwine, and Kenji Sawada’s sultry vocals shake the soul.

Released in May 1977, the song claimed the No.

1 spot on the Oricon weekly chart for a total of five weeks.

It went on to achieve the remarkable feat of sweeping numerous music awards that year, including the Japan Record Award.

A gem of a masterpiece that resonates deeply with those who have experienced parting with someone precious or who stand at a crossroads in life.

Cactus Flowerchūrippu10rank/position

Cactus Flower

A poignant love song themed around parting and renewal with a loved one.

Sparked by a small incident one day, the girlfriend storms out of the room; from there, the lyrics delicately depict the scene of the room left behind and the man’s inner feelings.

Gentle lines evoke everyday images—the snowy view from the window, a half-knitted glove, laundry—rising vividly to the mind.

Released in February 1975, this work is cherished by many fans as one of Tulip’s signature songs.

It drew renewed attention as the theme song for the 1993 TV drama “Under One Roof,” making it widely known among younger generations as well.

Its beautiful melody, conveying both the pain of heartbreak and a sense of hope, carries a universal message that resonates with the heart.

It’s the perfect song for looking back on a bygone romance or deepening your feelings for someone special.

A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe11rank/position

Momoe Yamaguchi - Good Day to Set Out on a Journey

For people in their 60s, the most popular idol is probably Momoe Yamaguchi.

She left behind many classic songs, and “Ii Hi Tabidachi” is especially recommended as a catchy piece that anyone can sing.

While it’s not an upbeat track, the vocal range sits at mid1F to hiC, which is comfortable for female vocals, so most people can sing it in the original key.

The melody doesn’t have extreme pitch changes either, so try singing it together with your karaoke friends.

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Ryo

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Into the DreamInoue Yosui12rank/position

Yosui Inoue - Into the Dream

The song that makes you want to drop all the little hassles of everyday life and just go have a blast is Yosui Inoue’s “Yume no Naka e.” Released in 1973, it has been covered by many artists, including Yuki Saito and Keisuke Kuwata, and has been featured across eras in various commercials and TV programs.

Because of that, people of many generations have heard it, making it an easy pick not only among people in their 60s—the song’s original generation—but also for karaoke with younger colleagues.

Why not sing this bright, catchy tune and use it to build a closer rapport with your team?

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SAKI

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setting sunyoshida takurou13rank/position

setting sun

Takuro Yoshida is a pioneering figure among Japanese singer-songwriters.

As an artist who brought folk music into the mainstream, I believe he has many fans even among men in their 60s.

Among his songs, the one I particularly recommend for aiming at a high score is Rakuyō (Sunset).

Although the song spans a fairly wide vocal range for a male vocalist—mid1 B to hi G—its tempo is an unusually relaxed BPM 87, making it, overall, a song that’s relatively easy to score highly on.

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Ryo

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Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo14rank/position

EXILE ATSUSHI – Sake, Tears, Men and Women (EXILE ATSUSHI SPECIAL SOLO LIVE in HAWAII)

This is a socially conscious masterpiece that portrays the subtle miscommunications between men and women and the nuances of emotional expression with deep insight.

It warmly observes how men open up through drinking and women through tears, each revealing their inner feelings.

Born from impressions Eigo Kawashima had at age 18 during a family memorial gathering, the song was included on the November 1975 album “Jinrui” (Humanity) and released as a single in June 1976.

Also known as the jingle for the sake brand Kizakura, it became a major hit, reaching No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It is a gem I recommend to anyone who wants to face their heart honestly when confronted with life’s sorrow and poignancy.