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

outdatedKawashima Eigo36rank/position

Eigo Kawashima: Outdated

Eigo Kawashima was a singer-songwriter with a refined musicality who earned overwhelming support from men.

For people in their 60s, he might be the perfect artist.

Among the many classic songs he created, the one I especially recommend is Jidai Okure (Behind the Times).

It’s a no-nonsense piece portraying a man admired by men, and it became a major hit in the 1980s.

Despite that, the song is also very easy to sing.

Even those who aren’t confident singers find it approachable, and it remains a popular choice at karaoke.

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Ryo

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Robinsonsupittsu37rank/position

Spitz / Robinson

With its translucent melody and poetic lyrics, this classic song captures the bittersweetness of spring and snapshots of youth.

While carrying loneliness and solitude, the lyrics overflow with a tenderness that cherishes everything that exists, soaking into the heart.

Released in April 1995, it became a massive hit, selling over 1.62 million copies.

It was used as an insert song for the drama “Hakusen Nagashi” and won an Excellence Award at the 37th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a recommended song for times when you want to look back on nostalgic memories or reevaluate your relationship with someone important.

Ruby RingTerao Akira38rank/position

Ruby No Yubiwa

Mr.

Akira Terao, who has left behind numerous masterpieces as a renowned actor.

For those in their 60s, his image as a singer may be even stronger than his image as an actor.

Many were likely surprised that he wasn’t just a one-hit wonder, but kept releasing hits with an unwavering, cool musical style.

Ruby no Yubiwa is his biggest hit.

While the lowest note drops to a very low low G, there are solid moments of lift within its cool, understated mood—such as a key change toward the end.

Despite the modulation, the piece has a narrow vocal range, so you might even try raising the key on purpose and experimenting with a more powerful delivery different from the original.

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Ryo

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Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi39rank/position

Blue Light Yokohama

A signature song by Ayumi Ishida that became a major hit in December 1968.

Its elegant, sophisticated melody and lyrics themed around the blue lights that color Yokohama’s nightscape blend beautifully.

The city’s stunning harbor night view overlaps with a fleeting love reflected within it, creating a unique atmosphere.

Written by lyricist Jun Hashimoto, who was influenced by Cannes in France and Picasso’s paintings, the piece brought a fresh breeze to Japanese popular music at the time.

It set an astonishing record by surpassing one million copies in ten days and won the Composition Award at the Japan Record Awards.

Beloved in South Korea as well, it has long been a karaoke staple.

With its relaxed tempo and singable style, it’s a song you’ll want to perform from the heart while picturing the enchanting night views of the port city.

Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri40rank/position

Crossing Amagi Pass

A single that tells the story of a woman’s heartrending love as she makes her way to Amagi Pass on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture.

As she passes through dark tunnels and winds along switchback roads, her shifting emotions—upon noticing signs of infidelity—are depicted with the force of a waterfall, at times fierce, at times delicate.

Released in July 1986 as Sayuri Ishikawa’s 45th single, the song later became one of her signature numbers, performed many times on the NHK New Year’s song contest Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

In 2008, it also drew attention when Major League Baseball player Ichiro adopted it as his walk-up music.

Possessing a power that seems to give a gentle push when one stands at a crossroads in life, this work endures as a standard that almost everyone has heard at least once, continuing to resonate closely with many people even today.

Parting at 22kaze41rank/position

Kaze – Farewell at 22 (Official Audio)

With a folk-like, simple chord progression and a conversational melody, this is a song you can sing without straining your voice.

Emotion matters more than technique, and even if you’re not confident at singing, a calm tone unique to men in their 60s can convey plenty of charm, making it a safe choice to try at karaoke.

Also, since few people sing folk songs, performing it in a relaxed, listening-focused way will gently touch listeners’ hearts.

When you sing, don’t belt—deliver it as if you’re speaking to match the song’s mood.

Because a spoken style uses more breath, practicing with humming and lip rolls beforehand will make it easier to produce your voice.

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Kubota Mami

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I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu42rank/position

Walk looking up Sakamoto Kyu — with lyrics

This work, which depicts a scene of walking while looking up at the sky even amid sorrow, is a warm song infused with hope that faces forward even in loneliness.

Kyu Sakamoto’s gentle, embracing voice resonates deeply in the heart, doesn’t it? Released as a single in October 1961, it became widely beloved after being featured in a segment of a popular television program.

The following year, a film with the same title was also released.

Furthermore, in 1963 it topped the U.S.

charts, becoming a worldwide hit.

Don’t we all sometimes feel our spirits sink as we go about our days? This is the kind of music that softly and kindly stays by your side when your heart is tired.

Listen to it slowly while gazing up at the starry sky, and take a deep, relaxing breath.