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

Funky Monkey BabyKyaroru57rank/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.

youthMorita Kōichi to Toppugyaran58rank/position

Koichi Morita and Top Gallant “Youthful Days” 1976 (original audio)

Released in 1976, Koichi Morita & Top Gallant’s song “Seishun Jidai” is etched deeply in the hearts of those in their 60s.

Nostalgic yet powerful, it brings back the feelings of those school days for many.

Yasushi Akutagawa’s lyrics carefully capture the complexities of youth, and their message still resonates unfaded today.

A million-seller that appeared on the 1977 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it has been covered many times over the years and continues to be loved by people of all generations.

Let’s sing along as we reflect on those days that remain in our hearts.

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo59rank/position

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

Released in February 2004, this work has continued to be loved as a classic of J-pop.

Hitoto Yo’s clear, translucent vocals and lyrics imbued with prayers for peace make this song deeply moving.

With its relaxed tempo and stepwise melodic progression, it’s surprisingly easy to sing.

It has also been used on Nippon TV’s “Tuesday Suspense Theater” and in commercials, making it familiar to many people.

It’s a perfect song to sing with thoughts for someone special.

Why not sing it slowly, layering your own experiences and emotions into it?

At all times.Makihara Noriyuki60rank/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.

The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi61rank/position

The Last Rain

Yasushi Nakanishi’s classic, filled with gentle yet heartrending emotion, is a ballad about parting with a lover.

The breakup scene, overlaid with imagery of rain, along with the portrayal of deep affection, possessiveness, and the acceptance of being unable to make the other person happy, leaves a strong impression.

The beautiful arrangement of piano and strings further highlights the crystalline quality of his vocals.

Released in August 1992, it was later used as the theme song for Hitachi’s “Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” and gradually gained support, ultimately becoming a massive hit with total sales of 900,000 copies.

In karaoke, its relaxed tempo and relatively narrow vocal range make it easy to sing calmly.

Why not sing it while carefully unfolding its story-like lyrics, together with your cherished memories?

Sailor Suit and Machine GunYakushimaru Hiroko62rank/position

Sailor Fukuto Kikanju (Original Version)

A perfect song for anyone who has parted ways with someone important to chase their dreams.

Released in November 1981 as Hiroko Yakushimaru’s debut single, it became a huge hit as the theme song for the film of the same name.

With its simple melody and careful, heartfelt vocals, it felt fresh amid the fierce idol boom of the time.

It was also used as an insert song in the anime Maison Ikkoku, making it beloved across generations.

Sing it at karaoke, and memories of your youth will come rushing back—sure to spark lively conversations with friends.

Why not sing it together with your closest companions?

Tokyoyashiki takajin63rank/position

Tokyo

Released in March 1993, this mood-kayō song fuses tearful enka with sophisticated urban pop.

Through Kansai-dialect lyrics, it movingly portrays a romance and breakup with a man she met in Tokyo, along with her complex feelings toward the city.

Takajin Yashiki was an artist who was active mainly in the Kansai region, also serving as a host of the popular program “Sei! Young.” This piece became a hit as requests on cable radio surged, ultimately selling a total of 600,000 copies.

In live performances, he would sometimes change the place name in the chorus to match the concert location, valuing a sense of unity with the audience.

When singing it at karaoke, it’s recommended to sing at an easy, relaxed pace while thinking of your hometown and the special people you’ve met.