[60s] Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation [2026]

Kanda RiverMinami Kōsetsu86rank/position

Kaguya-hime – Kandagawa

Sung by Kōsetsu Minami, this emblematic folk song was released in 1973.

Many people likely spent their student days in a manner similar to the world depicted in this so-called “four-and-a-half-mat Showa folk” song.

It’s a piece to be cherished and sung with a sense of nostalgia for one’s youth.

In addition to karaoke, it’s also a great choice for solo performance with an instrument.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Marilyn in 1986Honda Minako87rank/position

Minako Honda – Marilyn in 1986

Minako Honda was an idol singer who gained popularity from the late 1980s to the early 1990s thanks to her strong vocal ability and powerful singing style.

I believe she was especially popular among people in their 60s as a leading example of an idol with outstanding singing skills.

“Marilyn in 1986” is her biggest hit.

While the track is notable for its danceable synths, the vocal line leans strongly toward kayōkyoku (traditional Japanese pop), and the range—mid1F to hiF—is not particularly wide, giving it a light, effortless feel when sung.

It’s easy to sing yet still delivers plenty of excitement, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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loveMatsuyama Chiharu88rank/position

love

It’s a love ballad by Chiharu Matsuyama, and it’s the kind of song where you really need to be mindful of the spaces, or you won’t quite catch the groove.

If you only look at the lyrics, you might feel like singing line after line without pause, but if you place each phrase carefully and let the resonance linger, it will deepen the sense of poignancy.

The overall vocal range is C3 to G4, so it’s not too high and there’s no need to belt.

When the chorus comes, project your voice, add clear dynamics, and sing with confidence—the performance will land stylishly.

That way, even listeners who don’t know the song will recognize where the chorus is and will be able to groove along with you!

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Kubota Mami

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atonementTeresa Ten89rank/position

Atonement – Teresa Teng (Full)

Depicting a heartrending farewell between a man and a woman, this piece can be considered Teresa Teng’s re-debut song in Japan.

Released in January 1984, it became a massive hit, selling over 1.5 million copies.

Set in a room where the western sun streams through the window, it conveys a woman’s loneliness as she reminisces about a past love, along with a faint wish for the one she’s parting from.

Its simple, singable melody gains even greater depth when performed with emotion.

Whether at a gathering with friends or during a solo relaxation moment, it’s a superb choice.

Why not add it to your repertoire for your next karaoke session?

The Maiden with Flaxen HairZa Virejji Shingāzu90rank/position

The flaxen-haired maiden Village Singers

It’s a classic by the “young master”-style Group Sounds band, The Village Singers.

The song had a revival hit in 2002 thanks to Hitomi Shimatani.

It’s one of those songs younger people will still say they know at karaoke.

It’s fun when you can share it with younger folks and everyone gets hyped.

A little trivia: The Village Singers’ version is actually a cover—the original was by Michi Aoyama, titled “Kaze Fuku Oka de” (On the Windy Hill), with a different title, too.