Interesting Japanese songs recommended for men in their 60s

Run, Kotaro!Sorutī Shugā

Run, Kotaro!

A masterpiece packed with humor and satire, modeled after a live horse race broadcast.

Released in July 1970, Salty Sugar’s work began as a joke about a chronically late band member and blossomed into superb popular entertainment.

The production weaves in race-style narration, horse names that parody popular buzzwords of the time, and even an impersonation of Governor Minobe, resulting in uproarious comedy.

It was adapted into a Toho-distributed film in February 1971, starring Shunji Fujimura.

The song sold around one million copies and won the New Artist Award at the 12th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a perfect pick to liven up parties and drinking gatherings with friends.

Marilyn Monroe No ReturnNozaka Akiyuki

Marilyn Monroe No Return

With a voice tinged with heartbreak and resignation that evokes the end of the world, this classic has been deeply etched into many listeners’ hearts.

Its weighty, socially reflective poetry blends beautifully with a chanson-like, elegant melody line, crafting a singular soundscape.

Interweaving Buddhist imagery and the changing seasons, Nosaka Akiyuki’s vocal performance is breathtaking as it quietly speaks of life’s impermanence and the cycle of rebirth.

Released by Nippon Columbia in 1971 and included on the album “Nosaka Uta Taizen I: Singing Sakurai Jun,” the song was also featured in the 1973 film “Contemporary Gangsters: The Three Blood-Cherry Brothers.” It’s a recommended piece for those seeking to touch a deeper truth of life, or to quietly reflect on their hearts on a still night.

Examinee BluesTakaishi Tomoya

Examinee Blues (Single Version)

A masterful folk song that portrays the agony and inner conflict of exam-takers with humor and irony.

Goro Nakagawa, then a third-year high school student, wrote the lyrics during a remedial class, and Tomoya Takaishi completed the piece by setting them to a lively, country-style melody.

Vividly depicting a day in the life of a student preparing for entrance exams, the song sharply expresses the emptiness of a life consumed by studying.

Released in February 1968, it became a hit with total sales of 900,000 copies.

It still resonates today and is often sung at parties and gatherings with friends.

It can be considered a valuable work that allows people across generations to look back on the exam wars that symbolized Japan’s rapid economic growth era in the Showa period.

Suddenly, SinbadSazan Ōrusutāzu

Suddenly, Sinbad

When the chorus hits, you can’t help but want to shout at the top of your lungs! Released in August 1978 as Southern All Stars’ debut single, this song had a major impact on the Japanese music scene.

With its distinctive lyrics and upbeat rhythm, it portrays young love on a summer seaside.

Although it was reportedly panned at the time for being “nonsensical,” it has since become a beloved karaoke staple for many.

You can really see Keisuke Kuwata’s foresight! The work is packed with various elements, including homages to Kenji Sawada’s ‘Katte ni Shiyagare’ and Pink Lady’s ‘Nagisa no Sindbad.’ How about singing it together and having fun while reminiscing about your summer memories?

Matsuken SambaMatsudaira Ken

[Official] Ken Matsudaira “Matsuken Samba II” MV

It was truly shocking to see Ken Matsudaira—famous for Abarembō Shōgun—singing and dancing vigorously in traditional Japanese attire.

Released in July 2004, this song is an innovative work that fuses samba rhythms with Japanese elements.

As symbolized by the lyric “Dance, southern carnival,” it captivates with a passionate and cheerful atmosphere.

The choreography is distinctive as well, created by Shigeki Majima.

Beloved by people of all ages, the song became a karaoke and party staple.

This work reveals a new side of Ken Matsudaira—why not give it a listen?

Ah, I’m so fed up.Maki Shinji

“Ah, I’m Fed Up” by Shinji Maki, 1964

Makishinji’s unique style—delivering a memorable chorus phrase alongside lively ukulele playing—cheerfully sings about the social satire and everyday contradictions of the time.

Set to the melody of the Hawaiian classic “Tahu-a-Faai,” this single portrays relatable scenes everyone experiences, such as outings with a sweetheart, family leisure, and hierarchies among relatives.

Released by Nippon Columbia in December 1964, it’s a heartwarming song that shines in settings where everyone can laugh together, like banquets and dinner gatherings.

The Song of KemekoZa Dātsu

The Darts / Kemeko’s Song (1968)

This work transforms a poem about feelings for a ninth-grade classmate into a charming yet bittersweet pop song.

Sung from the perspective of someone enamored with a girl who excels at chemistry, the song’s unique appeal lies in its twist: the love confession initially succeeds, only to take an unexpected turn.

The intro, which boldly quotes the scat from a Neil Sedaka classic, is also striking.

The Darts’ version, released by Nippon Columbia in February 1968, reached No.

2 on the Oricon chart and sparked a major craze, being featured on Fuji TV’s “Owarai Tag Match” and even adapted into a film.

It’s a perfect pick for those who want to bask in sweet-and-sour memories or liven up a party.