Popularity Ranking of Songs by Generation: 60s [2026]

era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki8rank/position

era; age; time; period

This is Miyuki Nakajima’s second single, released in December 1975.

Within its calm, narrative delivery, layers of life’s many scenes—parting, loss, and new encounters—overlap, giving it a warmth like a vessel into which listeners can easily pour their own memories and emotions.

Winning the Grand Prix at the 6th World Popular Song Festival held the same year, the song quickly boosted her recognition, and it has continued to be loved across media—for example, it was chosen as the theme song for the film “Memories: You Will Not Be Forgotten,” released in January 2020.

On days when your spirits sink for no particular reason, why not surrender yourself to its gentle melody that feels like a soft push on your back? It’s a song that will stay close when your heart is tired—like a protective charm.

Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo9rank/position

Eigo Kawashima – Sake, Tears, Men and Women

A singer-songwriter who left behind timeless songs that gently accompany us through life’s many moments, Eigo Kawashima’s signature work.

This song, which deeply portrays alcohol, tears, and the bittersweet melancholy and helplessness between men and women, was originally included on the June 1975 album “Jinrui” (Humanity) by Eigo Kawashima and Homo Sapiens, and was later released as a solo single in June 1976.

It also became widely known as the jingle for the sake brand Kizakura.

Kawashima’s rich yet gentle voice—he passed away at the young age of 48—is perhaps what you’ll want to hear when everyday stress and pressure leave your heart weary.

It’s a classic from the Showa era, perfect for a night when you want to forget everything and take a deep breath—best enjoyed alone, quietly listening.

A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe10rank/position

Momoe Yamaguchi - Good Day to Set Out on a Journey

For people in their 60s, the most popular idol is probably Momoe Yamaguchi.

She left behind many classic songs, and “Ii Hi Tabidachi” is especially recommended as a catchy piece that anyone can sing.

While it’s not an upbeat track, the vocal range sits at mid1F to hiC, which is comfortable for female vocals, so most people can sing it in the original key.

The melody doesn’t have extreme pitch changes either, so try singing it together with your karaoke friends.

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Ryo

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setting sunyoshida takurou11rank/position

setting sun

Takuro Yoshida is a pioneering figure among Japanese singer-songwriters.

As an artist who brought folk music into the mainstream, I believe he has many fans even among men in their 60s.

Among his songs, the one I particularly recommend for aiming at a high score is Rakuyō (Sunset).

Although the song spans a fairly wide vocal range for a male vocalist—mid1 B to hi G—its tempo is an unusually relaxed BPM 87, making it, overall, a song that’s relatively easy to score highly on.

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Ryo

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Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko12rank/position

“Falling in Love ~Fall in love~” Akiko Kobayashi (VINYL)

Akiko Kobayashi’s signature song continues to resonate with many people even after more than 30 years.

With its crystal-clear, beautiful vocals and lyrics that portray the bittersweet feelings of someone in love, it leaves a lasting impression.

As the theme song for the TBS drama “Kinyōbi no Tsuma-tachi e III: Koi ni Ochite” (Friday Wives III: Falling in Love), it became a major hit, ranking high on the Oricon charts after its release in August 1985.

It also topped The Best Ten for three consecutive weeks, maintaining widespread popularity over an extended period.

This work is characterized by a warm, gentle melody that seems to tenderly embrace the delicate emotions of a woman in love.

The yearning for a distant lover and the frustration of unspoken feelings leave a deep imprint on the listener’s heart.

Into the DreamInoue Yosui13rank/position

Yosui Inoue - Into the Dream

The song that makes you want to drop all the little hassles of everyday life and just go have a blast is Yosui Inoue’s “Yume no Naka e.” Released in 1973, it has been covered by many artists, including Yuki Saito and Keisuke Kuwata, and has been featured across eras in various commercials and TV programs.

Because of that, people of many generations have heard it, making it an easy pick not only among people in their 60s—the song’s original generation—but also for karaoke with younger colleagues.

Why not sing this bright, catchy tune and use it to build a closer rapport with your team?

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SAKI

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Cactus Flowerchūrippu14rank/position

Cactus Flower

A poignant love song themed around parting and renewal with a loved one.

Sparked by a small incident one day, the girlfriend storms out of the room; from there, the lyrics delicately depict the scene of the room left behind and the man’s inner feelings.

Gentle lines evoke everyday images—the snowy view from the window, a half-knitted glove, laundry—rising vividly to the mind.

Released in February 1975, this work is cherished by many fans as one of Tulip’s signature songs.

It drew renewed attention as the theme song for the 1993 TV drama “Under One Roof,” making it widely known among younger generations as well.

Its beautiful melody, conveying both the pain of heartbreak and a sense of hope, carries a universal message that resonates with the heart.

It’s the perfect song for looking back on a bygone romance or deepening your feelings for someone special.