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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Japanese hit songs of the Showa 40s (11–20)
The Drunkard Has ReturnedZa Fōku Kurusedāzu
This was the debut single by the Japanese folk group The Folk Crusaders, released in December 1967 (Showa 42).
The specially processed (?) vocal part and the outlandish lyrics make it a truly memorable classic of the Showa era.
With today’s studio technology, you could easily recreate that vocal processing using pitch-correction plugins and the like, but considering they did this in an era without such tools—well, as someone who’s usually doing studio work and sound design, my honest reaction is, “Impressive!” (laughs).
It was probably done by speeding up the tape, and it’s not hard to imagine how difficult it must have been to fine-tune the tempo and pitch to fit the backing track.
Anyway, technicalities aside, it’s a gem that makes you feel good even if you just let it play in the background—so please enjoy!
A rose has bloomed.Maiku Maki
It was Maki Mike’s debut single, released in April 1966 (Showa 41).
This is another classic of Showa-era Japanese folk music, notable for its very simple melody and arrangement.
Due to the recording technology and circumstances of the time, the acoustic guitar and overall sound can’t really be called hi-fi, but I feel that very quality effectively enhances the song’s warm atmosphere.
Just by listening, you can almost feel the warm spring sunlight under which roses are blooming—wouldn’t you say it’s that kind of song?
Misty Lake MashuFuse Akira
This was Akira Fuse’s fifth single overall, released in December 1966 (Showa 41).
Incidentally, the composer was the great Showa-era songwriter Masaaki Hirao, who won the Composer’s Award at the 9th Japan Record Awards (1967) for this piece.
Speaking of Akira Fuse, I’ve always had the impression of him as a singer with a dynamic, somewhat canzone-like vocal style, but I was pleasantly surprised by the remarkably youthful voice you can hear on this recording.
True to its title, it’s a classic of the Showa era that even conveys the chilly atmosphere of Lake Mashu in Hokkaido, floating in the misty night.
My castle townKoyanagi Rumiko
Rumiko Koyanagi is known for her strikingly transparent singing voice.
Released in April 1971, this song became a massive hit, selling 1.6 million copies.
It was also her debut single as a singer, following her acting debut in the NHK morning drama series “Niji” (Rainbow).
The song features lyrical lyrics that portray the bittersweet feelings of a young woman in love, set against the backdrop of an old Japanese castle town.
At the time, it was also used as a tie-in song for Japanese National Railways’ “Discover Japan” campaign, resonating with Japan’s traditional townscapes.
It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to immerse yourself in nostalgic scenery and memories of first love.
Angel’s TemptationMayuzumi Jun
This song captivates with its emotionally rich expression that fuses vocal performance and acting.
The way it conveys the pain and emptiness of heartbreak, along with a wistful longing for reunion, profoundly moves listeners.
Released in February 1968, it won the 10th Japan Record Award that same year.
It was also used as the theme song for a film starring Jun Mayuzumi, solidifying her status as a singer.
Selling five million records over 1967–1968, it can be said to symbolize Jun Mayuzumi’s golden era.
It’s recommended for times when you want to heal the pain of a broken heart or when you’re holding onto a bittersweet love.
March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko
Known as one of Kiyoko Suizenji’s signature songs, it became a massive hit immediately upon its release in November 1968.
Chosen as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament the following year, it grew into a beloved national popular song cherished by generations.
Reflecting Buddhist teachings and the spirit of the tea ceremony, the lyrics serve as a pep song that encourages a positive approach to life.
Because happiness won’t come if you just wait for it, the song’s hope-filled message—urging us to move forward step by step—resonated with many people.
Especially when facing difficulties, why not listen to this piece and draw courage from it?
Hit Songs of Japan in the Late 1960s to Early 1970s (21–30)
Let’s go, Rider Kick!Fujioka Hiroshi
It’s the theme song of the landmark Japanese tokusatsu drama Kamen Rider! Two versions were released: one sung by Hiroshi Fujioka, who starred in the series, and another by Koichi Fuji (later known as Masato Shimon).
It was released in May 1971 (Showa 46).
The Kamen Rider series went on to become a long-running franchise that continues to this day, and I believe this theme song played a very significant role in the show’s success.
Over the years, many artists have released various arrangements of the song, so if you’re interested, please look them up and give them a listen! For the record, my favorite is the hard arrangement by RIDER CHIPS (lol).