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

Door of LifeTakeuchi Mariya50rank/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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Listening to OliviaAnri51rank/position

Anri / Listening to Olivia [Official Video]

A melody that gently envelops the lingering ache of a bittersweet romance, paired with refined musicianship, resonates deeply in the heart.

The lyrics, which carefully depict a woman healing her delicate emotions after a breakup while listening to Olivia Newton-John’s songs, have struck a chord with many.

With Anri’s clear, translucent vocals giving the piece a sophisticated, urban feel, it was released in November 1978 and included on the album “Anri.” In 2008, it was also featured as an insert song in the Nippon TV drama “Saito-san,” cementing its status as a timeless classic loved across generations.

This warm ballad offers comfort to those trying to recover from the pain of heartbreak and to anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.

Suddenly, SinbadSazan Ōrusutāzu52rank/position

Suddenly Sindbad [2024 Remaster]

Just a few bars of the nimble percussion and the rapid-fire vocals, and that blazing summer from back in the day floods right back into your mind—that’s the kind of classic this is.

It’s the landmark debut single by Southern All Stars, released in June 1978.

With its innovative wordplay that blends Japanese and English and its Latin rock sound, the song sent shockwaves through the music scene at the time.

It’s also well known as the CM song for Asahi Soft Drinks’ Mitsuya Cider.

Put it on during a summer drive, and the sparkle of your youth—and the thrilling, slightly dangerous feeling of a summer fling—will come rushing back all at once.

Mary AnnTHE ALFEE53rank/position

Mary Ann

A classic youth anthem that beautifully fuses bittersweet romance with an energetic rock sound.

Released in June 1983, this track became THE ALFEE’s first major hit, reaching No.

7 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and No.

30 on the year-end ranking.

It later climbed to No.

3 on The Best Ten.

Riding this success, the band made their first appearance at the 34th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen at the end of 1983.

Also included on the album ALFEE’S LAW, the song has remained a beloved staple of THE ALFEE’s live performances.

With romantic lyrics woven together in perfect balance with hard rock, this piece is a must-listen for anyone cherishing a secret love.

wintering swallowMori Masako54rank/position

wintering swallow

This gem of a ballad, which eloquently sings of the aching melancholy of painful love, is a masterpiece that showcases Masako Mori’s outstanding vocal prowess.

Its poetic world is striking: the feelings of a woman who has thrown herself into a forbidden romance are overlaid with the image of a lone swallow that defies the seasons and makes its home out of place.

Mori’s limpid voice intertwines with the heartrending melody, where sorrow and passion cross, creating a deeply moving song.

After its 1983 release, her tearful performance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen drew widespread attention, and the song earned her the Best Vocal Performance award at the 25th Japan Record Awards.

Even among enka songs that give voice to bittersweet longing, this work stands out for its richly expressive phrasing.

It’s the perfect piece for those moments when you want to pour your emotions into the song and sing your heart out, as if setting your soul free.

12th graderFunaki Kazuo55rank/position

12th grader

This is a masterpiece whose nostalgic, march-like melody and warm vocals—enveloping the bittersweet farewell of youth—resonate deeply.

It begins with the scene of the setting sun reflected on the school building, moves through images of boys and girls dancing a folk dance, and gently depicts the end of high school life with memories shared among friends before parting.

Released in June 1963 as Kazuo Funaki’s debut single, it became a massive hit, selling over one million copies within a year.

In November of the same year, a film of the same title was produced, with Funaki himself in the starring role.

It’s a song I’d recommend to those who cherish memories of their youth or feel nostalgic for their school days.

Why not give it a listen in the springtime, when you want to spend your days with a calm and peaceful heart?

the first strong spring windkyandīzu56rank/position

The First Spring Wind / CANDIES

One of Candies’ signature songs, it celebrates the arrival of spring and the sense of anticipation for new beginnings.

The catchy chorus stands out, expressing the changing season’s scenery along with hints of romance and an uplifting mood.

Released in March 1976, it became a major hit, reaching No.

3 on the weekly Oricon chart.

Listening to this song brings a buoyant feeling, as if your heart is dancing in the spring sunshine.

If you listen to it with older adults, it might spark lively conversations about memories from their youth.

On a day when you can feel spring in the air, why not open the window and give it a listen?