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

Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko29rank/position

Mata Au Himade

Released in March 1971, this song is known as Kiyohiko Ozaki’s signature work.

Its lyrics, depicting a scene of a couple resolved to part ways, resonated with many people.

Chosen as the entrance march for the 44th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in 1972, it has continued to be cherished across generations.

The piece offers comfortable pitch and tempo, making it easy to sing even for men in their 60s.

When performing it at karaoke, why not convey the depth of Ozaki’s sentiments while expressing mature judgment and a mutual understanding of hearts?

At all times.Makihara Noriyuki30rank/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.

Thank youikimonogakari31rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

A gem-like ballad gently wrapped in warmth and gratitude.

Beautifully blending Kiyoe Yoshioka’s clear, transparent vocals with a melody that resonates in the heart, this work was released in May 2010 as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Gegege no Nyobo.

Its lyrics tenderly weave together the everyday happiness of walking hand in hand with someone dear and the feelings that words cannot express, warming the hearts of many.

The song won the Excellence Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards and was included in high school music textbooks in 2013.

It continues to be sung at life’s milestones such as weddings and graduation ceremonies.

It is a song to sing with all your heart when you want to reaffirm bonds with family, partners, and friends, or when you wish to express your gratitude.

Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko32rank/position

Fall in Love - Koibito ni Ochite by Akiko Kobayashi

It was the theme song for the TBS TV drama “To Wives on Friday III: Falling in Love.” Thanks to this drama, the term “Kin-tsuma” (Friday Wives) also became popular.

The song is slow-tempo and very easy to sing, but be aware that most of the second verse is in English.

If the setting isn’t too solemn, it might be fun to sing the English parts in your own style.

It’s a song that will definitely bring back memories, so please use it as background music when reminiscing.

My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu33rank/position

Southern All Stars – Itoshi no Ellie [Live at Southern All Stars Kickoff Live 2018 “A Slightly Naughty La-La Old Man”, 2018]

This is Southern All Stars’ third single, released in March 1979.

It’s truly a classic of Showa-era New Music and a pop ballad masterpiece.

If you’re in your 60s, there’s probably no one who hasn’t heard it.

When singing this at karaoke, I think the biggest tip for making it sound good is not to try too hard to sing it perfectly.

Put your feelings into it and enjoy.

I also think it’s totally fine to have fun by singing it in a Kuwa-chan (Keisuke Kuwata) impression!

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Kei Takahata

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Ruby RingTerao Akira34rank/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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PRIDEImai Miki35rank/position

Miki Imai - 'PRIDE' Music Video

Praised as a “refreshingly pure love song,” this piece is one of Miki Imai’s signature tracks, known for her powerful and beautiful vocals.

Its lyrics, portraying a woman who lives with pride in her love for her partner, resonated with many listeners.

Released in November 1996, it gained attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc.” It topped the Oricon singles chart and became a major hit, selling over 1.6 million copies.

With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing calmly at karaoke.

Why not sing it while holding close the joy of being in love and your feelings for someone special?