Hit songs in Japan in the late 1960s
When we think of Japan in the late 1960s, we picture an extremely vibrant era: the country had entered the period of rapid economic growth later dubbed the “Izanagi Boom,” and Expo ’70 was held in Osaka.
Musically, it was also a time when waves like the electric guitar craze, the Group Sounds boom, and the folk song boom produced numerous works that left a lasting imprint on listeners and powerfully influenced Japan’s music scene for years to come.
In this special feature, we present famous songs from Japan’s late-Showa 40s era (the 1965–1974 period).
We’ve tried to select as wide a range as possible so that both those who experienced the time in real time and those of later generations can enjoy it.
We hope you enjoy it.
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Hit songs in Japan from the 1960s (1–10)
Isn’t it fine as long as you’re happy?Sara Naomi
One of the most iconic songs representing Japan in the late 1960s is this smash hit by Naomi Sagara.
Its lyrics, which celebrate a free way of life unbound by the social norms of the time, resonated with many listeners.
Released in July 1969, the song won the Grand Prize at the 11th Japan Record Awards that same year—a first for a female singer.
It has been covered by a variety of artists, including Nana Kinomi and Keisuke Kuwata, and continues to be loved across generations.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to value their individuality or pursue happiness without worrying about others’ opinions.
Why not reflect on your own happiness while being enveloped by Naomi Sagara’s gentle vocals?
lieNakaijō Kiyoshi
It’s a classic song that portrays the ache of unrequited love.
Even as she realizes her lover is lying, the woman finds herself drawn to his kindness, and the song captures her inner struggle.
Released in January 1974 as Kiyoshi Nakajo’s re-debut single, it became a massive hit, selling over 1.5 million copies.
It won the Popularity Award at the 16th Japan Record Awards and led to his first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.
The song drew renewed attention when it was featured in the 2007 drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad,” as a tune the mother often sings.
Highly recommended not only for those wrestling with love but also for anyone who wants to feel the subtleties of human relationships.
Why not savor both the joys and the bittersweetness of love, carried by its unforgettable melody?
Thank you, night fog, again tonight.Ishihara Yūjirō
It’s a beloved song that sings of the bittersweet feelings of lovers wrapped in the night fog.
Yujiro Ishihara’s sweet vocals beautifully capture the emotions of two people secretly in love.
Released in February 1967, it was also used as the theme song for a film of the same name.
In the movie, Yujiro Ishihara and Ruriko Asaoka star, portraying a romantic love story.
This piece is a song that resonates with those troubled by love or carrying a sense of heartache.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to immerse yourself in that sweet mood of thinking about the one you love in the night fog.
Japanese hit songs of the Showa 40s (11–20)
White Swingbiriibanban
The first single by the Japanese folk duo Billy BanBan, formed by brothers Takashi Sugawara and Susumu Sugawara, was released in January 1969 (Showa 44).
Despite being their debut single, it sold over 200,000 copies, and the duo quickly became a representative presence in Japan’s folk scene.
I’m listening to the song now as I write this, and although its melody and structure are very simple—something you don’t often find in today’s music—it has a strikingly catchy charm that lingers in the ear.
Even for someone like me who didn’t experience that era in real time, I can understand why it sold so well.
The string arrangement is beautiful and lovely, too.
Please enjoy it along with the lyrics that evoke nostalgic scenes.
Kanda RiverMinami Kōsetsu & Kaguyahime
This was the fifth single by Kosetsu Minami and Kaguyahime, released in September 1973.
The lyricist, Tadashi Kitajo, wrote the words based on memories of living with his girlfriend in an apartment near the Kanda River while he was a student at Waseda University.
Those lyrics resonated with young people at the time, turning the song into a signature hit for the group.
It reportedly sold over 1.6 million copies.
With a melody, arrangement, and lyrics full of poignancy, it’s no surprise that so many listeners connected with it and that it’s regarded as a classic.
In the song, the violin counterline that comes in behind the vocals further heightens its bittersweet atmosphere, showcasing an exquisite sense of arrangement.
Scat at DawnYuki Saori
It’s one of the signature songs of the late 1960s, and you can’t help but feel excited when you hear it.
The melody, sung briskly in scat style, has a refreshing quality that evokes the crisp air just before dawn.
After its release in 1969, the song became a massive hit and catapulted Saori Yuki to stardom.
She made her first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year, and the song earned a Lyrics Award at the Japan Record Awards, among other remarkable achievements.
Listening to it on your morning commute or on the way to school will set a positive tone for the day.
Why not welcome the start of a new day by listening to this energetic song that seems to break the stillness before dawn?
Waltz of StarlightSen Masao
Released in March 1966, this song initially struggled in sales, but thanks to Masao Sen’s own promotional efforts, it gradually gained popularity and became a major hit, selling over 2.5 million copies.
Set to a three-beat waltz rhythm, the lyrics poignantly portray a heartrending love that really resonates.
Their depiction of the pain of choosing to part ways and the deep love for the other person is especially compelling.
It’s a perfect song for when you want to bask in nostalgia or when you’re feeling a little blue.