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.