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 of Japan in the Late 1960s to Early 1970s (21–30)
A Dangerous Pairsawada kenji
This was Kenji Sawada’s sixth single, released in April 1973 (Showa 48).
It’s said to be the first of his solo songs to reach No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
Incidentally, it also won the Grand Prize at the 15th Japan Record Awards, among several other honors.
Don’t you find that the guitar phrase in the intro—likely using a wah pedal—and Sawada’s peculiarly sultry vocals really stick in your ears? In particular, the sensuality of his high notes in the B-melody section is noteworthy.
The vocal timing toward the end of the singing part is also distinctive and excellent.
What you wantZa Hapuningusu Fo
This single, released in November 1967, carries a classic of the Group Sounds era into the present.
With a distinctive lineup that puts keyboards front and center, its experimental sound fuses a wide range of musical styles—from Baroque to Latin and jazz.
The earnest lyrics, expressing deep feelings for a loved one, resonated strongly with young people at the time.
The Happenings Four set themselves apart from other GS bands with innovative arrangements incorporating elements of classical music.
The jacket design by Tadanori Yokoo is particularly striking.
Highly recommended for those who want to bask in the sweet memories of youth or are interested in the experimental music of the 1960s.
Song of Ultra SevenMisuzu Jidō Gasshōdan, Ji Ekōzu
This is the theme song from Ultra Seven, the second installment in the Ultraman series—one of Japan’s tokusatsu dramas so iconic it needs no introduction.
Despite its simple melody, the meticulously crafted orchestral arrangement and choral work brilliantly capture the show’s world and Seven’s heroics, building irresistible anticipation for the story that’s about to unfold.
I think it’s fair to call it a classic.
I’m sure many of you reading this were once glued to the screen watching the show.
I hope you’ll enjoy it on a visceral level, no explanation needed.
Beach of MemoriesZa Wairudowanzu
Released in November 1966, this was the debut single by The Wild Ones, a pioneering presence in Japan’s Group Sounds scene.
With delightful harmonies and string arrangements woven throughout, it conjures vivid images of a summer shore even without focusing on the lyrics—an excellent piece with masterful scene-setting.
It’s no surprise that later cover versions by various artists were produced and also achieved strong sales; a true classic.
soft; gentle; pliantMisora Hibari
This was the 211th(!) single by Japanese singer Hibari Misora, released in November 1964 (Showa 39).
Since Misora debuted in 1949 (Showa 24), it’s astonishing how prolific she was—this came just 15 years after her debut! Incidentally, this is one of her signature songs and won numerous awards, including the 7th Japan Record Award.
The theme of the song is, of course, judo.
Its composition and Misora’s remarkably powerful vocals convey a very heroic atmosphere.
It likely had a significant influence on the naming and world-building of the later popular anime YAWARA!.
A world without youZa Bībāzu
A masterpiece woven from a psychedelic rock sound and a wistful melody, this is The Beavers’ second single, released in November 1967.
Its heartrending tune vividly portrays the pain of a broken heart.
Showcasing beautifully balanced twin vocals and the twin-guitar virtuosity of Hideki Ishima and Masayuki Hirai, the track reached No.
57 on the Oricon chart.
The band also appeared on the TV program “Young 720” that same year.
It’s a song to play on nights when you want to soothe a love-broken heart, or on a quiet afternoon when you’re nostalgic for your youth.
Blind BirdZa Moppusu
This is the debut work released in November 1967 by The Mops, known as pioneers of the psychedelic movement during the tumultuous 1960s.
Its innovative arrangement—melding heavy guitar riffs with a dreamlike sound—shocked Japan’s music scene at the time.
Drawing attention for performances featuring outlandish costumes and light shows, this piece was also included on the album “Psychedelic Sound in Japan,” spawning numerous legends.
With the April 2014 release of the complete edition “Psychedelic Sound in Japan +2,” it became available on CD, prompting a renewed appreciation of its innovation.
It’s a must-listen for those who want to explore new musical possibilities or who are interested in the history of Japanese rock.