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

The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi

The Last Rain

An ultimate, heart-stirring ballad that vividly portrays a farewell in a rain-soaked city.

Yasushi Nakanishi’s clear, gentle vocals beautifully express the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment.

This song dramatically captures complex emotions like the fear of losing someone you love and possessiveness.

Released in August 1992, it was used as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Hitachi Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” Its popularity steadily grew, ultimately becoming a major hit with total sales of about 900,000 copies by 1998.

It has been covered by numerous artists, including Kumi Koda and EXILE ATSUSHI.

For anyone who has experienced heartbreak, it’s a timeless ballad that resonates deeply and begs to be sung along to at least once.

Goodbye once moreOzaki Kiyohiko

Sayonarawo Mouichido

A gem of a medium-tempo ballad that portrays parting lovers from a forward-looking perspective.

It’s a masterpiece that resonates with the bittersweet sorrow and resolve of two people who must choose separation in order to walk their own important paths.

Kiyohiko Ozaki’s emotionally rich vocals beautifully express both the loneliness of farewell and the hope of meeting again.

Released in July 1971, the song reached No.

2 on the Oricon Singles Chart and was also included on the album “Kiyohiko Ozaki Second Album.” In the 1999 film “Nodojiman,” Naoto Takenaka performs the song on screen, revealing a new facet of its appeal.

This is a track we highly recommend to anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear and wants to keep those memories as nourishment while moving forward.

Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki

HIDEAKI TOKUNAGA – Rainy Blue

The debut song by Hideaki Tokunaga, a poignant love story that begins in a late-night phone booth.

Its lyrics—quintessentially Showa—paint cinematic scenes of urban stillness and rain, perfectly intertwined with delicate, emotionally rich vocals to create a gem of a track.

Released in January 1986, it reached No.

90 on the Oricon charts.

A rearranged version released in November 1997 rose to No.

31, capturing the hearts of many.

By portraying heartbreak and loneliness as universal themes, it remains a beloved classic that resonates even today.

It’s the kind of bittersweet love song you’ll want to play on a rainy day—why not give it a listen?

homeKiyama Yusaku

Yusaku Kiyama - Home

A moving ballad filled with warm father-to-child love and hopes for growth has been delivered by Yusaku Kiyama.

His gentle, calm voice conveys deep affection for family, and despite its straightforward storytelling, it leaves a lasting resonance in the listener’s heart.

Released in February 2008, the song was featured as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “UtaSta!!” and Yomiuri TV’s “Joho Live Miyane-ya,” and it also led to his appearance at the 59th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year.

For karaoke, it’s recommended when you want to reflect on family memories or express gratitude to someone special.

It’s a tender, warmth-filled song—like softly returning someone’s hand squeeze under a bright sky.

Sexual Violet No. 1Kuwana Masahiro

Sexual Violet No. 1

It captivates with a rock sound emblematic of the 1970s and a sultry male vocal.

Depicting a passionate relationship between a man and a woman that exudes a bewitching sensuality, the piece is adorned with Takashi Matsumoto’s sophisticated lyrics and Kyohei Tsutsumi’s masterful melodic lines.

Released in 1979 as a campaign song for Kanebo Cosmetics, it topped the Oricon chart for three consecutive weeks.

Also included on the album “Communication,” it continues to enchant countless listeners.

Masahiro Kuwana’s wild, husky voice and mature allure vividly convey a world steeped in the melancholy of love.

It’s a perfect track for parties or karaoke—ride the catchy rhythm and sing along, and everyone is sure to feel their spirits lift.