Popular Japanese songs among men in their 60s: recommended masterpieces and classic tracks

Slow motionNakamori Akina

[Official] Akina Nakamori 'Slow Motion (from “Hajimemashite”)' [1st Single (Released May 1, 1982)] Akina Nakamori / Slow Motion

A sweet yet wistful classic that captures the moment of a fateful encounter.

This is Akina Nakamori’s debut single, released in May 1982.

Etsuko Kisugi’s lyrics and Takao Kisugi’s melody are perfectly in harmony, beautifully portraying the fluttering heart of a young girl captivated by someone she meets on the beach.

The transparent vocals and the arrangement that makes time feel as if it flows slowly leave a strong impression.

Also included on the album “Prologue (Jomaku),” this masterpiece later led to a revival hit.

Highly recommended for those seeking a heartwarming love song or wanting to recall the feeling of falling in love for the first time.

A Doll’s HouseHirota Mieko

A Doll's House

A quintessential love song that symbolizes the Showa era, this is Mieko Hirota’s signature track, released in July 1969.

While harboring deep affection for her partner, the song portrays a woman who has lost sight of herself.

The protagonist likens herself to a doll and expresses her resolve to overcome lost love and rediscover who she is.

It topped the Oricon chart for three consecutive weeks and earned the Vocal Performance Award at the 11th Japan Record Awards.

Her powerful yet delicate voice beautifully conveys the song’s melodic and lyrical world.

Many artists across genres, including Megumi Asaoka and Hideaki Tokunaga, have covered it.

It’s a song that resonates when facing a farewell with someone dear or taking a step into a new chapter of life.

In the Great Sky and on the Vast EarthMatsuyama Chiharu

In the Great Sky and on the Vast Earth

This is one of Chiharu Matsuyama’s signature songs, known as an anthem of encouragement for young people.

Its powerful message resounds amid vast natural landscapes, urging listeners to seize their dreams through their own effort and will.

It conveys the resolve to believe in your true self and to live with all your strength, like a wildflower blooming in the fields, even when times are hard—an inspiring classic that gives courage to all who hear it.

Featured on the album “A Song Made for You,” the piece was released in June 1977 and remains enduringly popular.

It has been cherished as an insert song in the drama “The Ugly Duckling” and as a cheer song for high school baseball in Matsuyama’s home of Hokkaido.

With its dramatic melody, powerful vocals, and stirring lyrics, it’s a song to listen to when you’re at a crossroads in life or about to take a new step forward.

Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi

Stranger In Midoosuji

A gem of a love song set on Osaka’s iconic Midosuji, portraying the ache of love in the bustling city, soaked in rain.

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

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

1 on the Oricon charts and won the Newcomer Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards the same year.

Originally an instrumental by the American rock band The Ventures, this piece gained Japanese lyrics by Haruo Hayashi, perfectly blending a rock-inflected rhythm with a wistful melody.

Why not savor this timeless classic that seeps into the heart, along with fond memories?

ultra soulB’z

B’z / ultra soul【B’z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2018 -HINOTORI-】

This is a hard rock number by B’z that powerfully expresses a soul’s cry to keep pushing the limits.

The lyrics, which portray facing oneself and chasing dreams, brilliantly capture the doubts and inner struggles we all encounter at life’s crossroads.

Takahiro Matsumoto’s dynamic guitar and Koshi Inaba’s soaring vocals blend perfectly, injecting a strong surge of energy into the listener’s heart.

Released in March 2001, it was chosen as the official theme song for the FINA World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka that same year.

Also included on the album “GREEN” and performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, this track gives a boost to anyone striving in their work or life.

It’s the perfect cheer song to belt out with close friends when you get together.

Mary AnnTHE ALFEE

Mary Ann

A classic youth anthem that beautifully fuses bittersweet romance with an energetic rock sound.

Released in June 1983, this track became THE ALFEE’s first major hit, reaching No.

7 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and No.

30 on the year-end ranking.

It later climbed to No.

3 on The Best Ten.

Riding this success, the band made their first appearance at the 34th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen at the end of 1983.

Also included on the album ALFEE’S LAW, the song has remained a beloved staple of THE ALFEE’s live performances.

With romantic lyrics woven together in perfect balance with hard rock, this piece is a must-listen for anyone cherishing a secret love.

TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS 'TRAIN-TRAIN' [3rd Single (1988/11/23)] THE BLUE HEARTS / TRAIN-TRAIN

A rock tune that stays close to each listener and keeps delivering a powerful message.

With its straightforward spirit and energetic performance, this is a signature work by THE BLUE HEARTS that truly breaks through.

Hidden within are hints for finding your own way of life—guidance for the road of life.

After its release in November 1988, it ranked for five consecutive weeks on a TBS music program, and starting in January 1989 it was also chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “High School Graffiti.” This track has become a staple at sporting events as well, used as a cheer song in high school baseball and as walk-up music by many professional baseball players.

It’s recommended for times when you’re feeling down, ready to take a new step forward, or standing at a crossroads in life.

It’s a song that’s sure to give you courage and hope.