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

Love will winKAN50rank/position

Aiwa Katsu

A signature song by KAN, known for his warm vocals and relatable lyrics.

With its bright, catchy rhythm and a simple yet deeply resonant message, it has brought comfort to many listeners.

Both the melody and the abstract, universal lyrics make it a gem that skillfully incorporates elements of Western music while remaining distinctly Japanese pop.

Released in September 1990 by Polydor Records, it was featured as an insert song on the TV program “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsute Nai Terebi.” Sales exceeded 2.01 million copies, and KAN also performed it at the 1991 Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The song’s pleasant piano tone and relaxed tempo make it an easy and enjoyable choice for karaoke.

Pink sighTakahashi Mariko51rank/position

Pink sigh

Mariko Takahashi’s classic “Momoiro Toiki.” It features a distinctly exotic melody and, while it carries elements of mood kayō (mood enka), it also incorporates contemporary J-pop characteristics.

The piece sits within a relatively narrow vocal range of mid1 G# to high C.

Since the most frequent pitch is around mid2 G#, most women should be able to sing it without difficulty.

As the song prioritizes mood, it’s recommended to sing with careful dynamics.

If a phrase ends with a consonant, letting it fade out as a voiceless sound can be an effective touch.

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Sailor Suit and Machine GunYakushimaru Hiroko52rank/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?

PRIDEImai Miki53rank/position

Miki Imai - 'PRIDE' Music Video

A heart-stirring anthem that turns hidden love into pride is delivered by Miki Imai.

Gazing up at the southern night sky, this piece sings of deep affection and resolve for a beloved, a gem of a love song crafted by Tomoyasu Hotei.

It gently speaks of the kindness to forgive one another and the joy of cherishing each other’s individuality, tenderly resonating with listeners’ hearts.

Released in November 1996, it was selected as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc,” generating a huge response by topping the Oricon charts for three consecutive weeks.

For those who wish to keep moving forward or who hold thoughts of someone precious close to their heart, it will offer gentle companionship—like a gift from the starry sky.

Door of LifeTakeuchi Mariya54rank/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 OliviaAnri55rank/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.

Mary AnnTHE ALFEE56rank/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.