A love song that makes a man in his sixties relive his youth. Timeless classics that rekindle the romances of those days.

No-No BoyZa Supaidāsu

The Spiders — No No Boy (1966)

This song fuses sophisticated chord progressions influenced by the British beat with a soul-stirring rock ’n’ roll sound.

The musical style crafted by Hiroshi Kamayatsu opened up new possibilities for Japan’s rock scene at the time.

Released as a single by Philips Records in February 1966, it was also featured in the Nikkatsu film Youth A-Go-Go that same year.

With catchy, love-themed phrases repeated throughout, it leaves a deep impression on listeners.

Boasting an innovative melody line and a stylish vibe, this track is recommended for those who want to relive the bittersweet memories of their youth, as well as music fans eager to savor a classic that represents the golden era of Japanese rock.

The Song of KemekoZa Dātsu

The Darts / Kemeko’s Song (1968)

Released on February 1, 1968, this work carries the sweet-and-sour scent of youth.

Born from a ninth grader turning his feelings for a classmate into verse, it sets a refreshing melody to a tale of tender love for a girl gifted in chemistry.

The bright, comical tune overlays lyrics brimming with pure affection for a girl smiling in the laboratory, striking a chord with students of the time.

The Darts’ vocal version reached No.

2 on the Oricon chart and sold a total of 600,000 copies.

It has been featured on Fuji TV’s “Owarai Tag Match” and the anime “Kemeko Deluxe!”, and has been covered by numerous artists.

Embracing the memory of first love that everyone has known, this song continues to resonate with the hearts of eternal boys and girls.

The Maiden with Flaxen HairVirejji Shingāzu

The flaxen-haired maiden Village Singers

This is a February 1968 work by the Village Singers that portrays the radiant purity of youth and the sweet, bittersweet stirrings of first love, carried by a gentle melody.

Its calm, melodious, group-sounds-style progression blends beautifully with Koichi Sugiyama’s sophisticated composition and Atsushi Hashimoto’s lyrically rich words.

The song was also used as the theme for TBS’s morning program “Young 720” and became a major hit, reaching No.

7 on the Oricon chart.

With a breezy, springlike lightness and a clear voice that sings of aching love, it imparts an uplifting, heart-stirring exhilaration.

It’s a track perfect for the season when spring is in the air, or for moments when your heart dances with love.

Lingering Snowiruka

Dolphin [Iruka] / Nagori-yuki [Lingering Snow] (Single Version) Official Audio with translation

This song poignantly portrays a heartrending farewell, using unseasonal snow as its motif.

Set on a station platform as spring approaches, the story vividly conveys the lingering attachment of a man who cannot accept the parting.

First performed on the album “The World of Iruka,” recorded in March 1975, and released as a single that November, it became one of Iruka’s signature classics.

It peaked at No.

4 on the Oricon chart, ranked No.

11 for the year, and sold over 800,000 copies.

With Masataka Matsutoya’s rich arrangement paired with Iruka’s gentle vocals, the song beautifully depicts the scene of farewell.

It’s recommended for moments when you want to reminisce about your youth and look back on precious times with someone dear.

Cactus Flowerchūrippu

Cactus Flower

A poignant love song themed around parting and renewal with a loved one.

Sparked by a small incident one day, the girlfriend storms out of the room; from there, the lyrics delicately depict the scene of the room left behind and the man’s inner feelings.

Gentle lines evoke everyday images—the snowy view from the window, a half-knitted glove, laundry—rising vividly to the mind.

Released in February 1975, this work is cherished by many fans as one of Tulip’s signature songs.

It drew renewed attention as the theme song for the 1993 TV drama “Under One Roof,” making it widely known among younger generations as well.

Its beautiful melody, conveying both the pain of heartbreak and a sense of hope, carries a universal message that resonates with the heart.

It’s the perfect song for looking back on a bygone romance or deepening your feelings for someone special.

Strawberry Statement, Once Againbanban

Let's Do the 'Strawberry Statement' Once More

This song by Banban is a masterpiece that represents the folk movement of the 1970s.

It portrays tender yet bittersweet memories of youth, as the narrator looks back on a student-days romance, prompted by a rerelease of a film.

Many people can relate to the protagonist’s realistic, down-to-earth portrayal—where youthful ideals meet reality, and he chooses to cut his hair and take a job.

Released in August 1975, the song is also famous as the first piece ever written and provided by singer-songwriter Yumi Arai.

Banban’s harmonies blend beautifully with Arai’s lyrics and melody, and the song became a major hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

Beloved as a song that evokes nostalgia for youth, it’s also known for being easy to sing at karaoke.

Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi

Stranger In Midoosuji

A gem of a love song set on Osaka’s iconic Midosuji, portraying a bittersweet romance drenched in rain amid the bustle of the city.

Fifi Ouyang’s powerful yet delicate vocals vividly capture the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment.

Released in September 1971, the song spent nine consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon chart and won the New Artist Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards the same year.

With Japanese lyrics by Haruo Hayashi set to an instrumental originally released by the American rock band The Ventures, this piece perfectly blends a rock-tinged rhythm with a wistful melody.

Why not revisit cherished memories and savor this timeless classic that resonates deep in the heart?