[2026 Edition] Songs Loved by People in Their 60s: Classic Hits from Their Youth
For people now in their 60s, their youth was around the 1970s, right?
The music you listened to in your teens and twenties still resonates in your heart today, wrapped in memories.
In this article, we’ve compiled songs that colored the youth of those in their 60s—classics from the era when many Showa pop and folk masterpieces were born.
We hope it helps you reminisce alongside your memories of those days, and also serves as a guide for choosing karaoke songs to enjoy with your peers.
Of course, it’s also recommended for younger generations interested in Showa-era music!
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- Coming-of-age songs for your 50s: heart-thumping × heartwarming classics and popular tracks [2026]
- Popular Japanese songs among men in their 60s: recommended masterpieces and classic tracks
- [60s] Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation [2026]
- Recommended for women in their 60s! Songs that get the crowd going at karaoke
- Love songs that resonate with women in their 60s: gem-like romance tunes that revive memories of youth.
- [For People in Their 60s] Ranking of Easy-to-Sing Karaoke Songs [2026]
- [Ages 60s] Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Rankings [By Generation]
- A love song that makes a man in his sixties relive his youth. Timeless classics that rekindle the romances of those days.
- Spring songs for people in their 60s: A collection of classic tracks about cherry blossoms and farewells
[2026 Edition] Songs Loved by People in Their 60s: Classic Hits from Their Youth (21–30)
Into the DreamInoue Yosui
One of the signature songs by folk singer Yosui Inoue.
It was used as the theme song for director Shiro Moritani’s film “After School” and has been covered by many artists.
It’s also been tied in with various TV shows, anime, and commercials, so even if you don’t know the title, you’ve probably heard it at least once.
When you have to keep going but don’t know what to strive for, or when your efforts don’t seem to lead anywhere and it’s tough, this song gently lightens your heart.
It’s something you’ll want to keep listening to, both in your youth and even after turning sixty.
Ladybug Sambacherisshu
The husband-and-wife duo Cherish made their first appearance on the NHK New Year’s Eve music show with this song.
Its pure, innocent melody became popular and turned it into a wedding staple.
There was even a trend where, in keeping with the lyrics, people would have the bride and groom kiss as part of the festivities! Later on, it was covered as an insert song for the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion.
When you want to make hearts flutter, perhaps a pure melody like this is timeless—just as effective now as it was back then.
Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi
Hiromi Ohta’s “Momen no Handkerchief” (Cotton Handkerchief) was released in 1975 and remains a timeless classic loved across generations.
With lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Kyohei Tsutsumi, this collaboration of exceptional talents produced a song that unfolds a poignant yet heartwarming story of a long-distance romance.
Its simple yet memorable melody gently resonates with listeners, and for those who remember the era, it evokes a page from their youth.
It’s also very popular among karaoke singers, and as a song that elicits empathy across generations, it continues to be celebrated as a Showa-era masterpiece.
Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji
Kenji Sawada, a national star who sang in groups like The Tigers and PYG and won many fans under the nickname “Julie.” ‘Katte ni Shiyagare’ is one of his signature songs, and many artists have performed covers of it over the years.
With a clear build-up from the pre-chorus into the chorus, the shift in the song’s energy is easy to grasp.
It’s also easy to sing at karaoke, making it a recommended pick for younger listeners as well.
Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko
One of the classic Showa-era kayokyoku hits, released in 1971.
The pop sensibility that lets you recognize it the moment the intro starts still feels outstanding today.
And of course there’s the beautiful, straightforwardly moving melody line—but above all, Kiyohiko Ozaki’s overwhelming vocals are truly one of a kind.
Not only his incredible power and technique, but also his strikingly non-Japanese sense of style made him every bit the star of his time.
As for the content, it portrays a man and woman with a bit of a “complicated” past, making it a poignant, deeply flavorful masterpiece—so be sure to listen closely to the lyrics.
Slave of LoveOkumura Chiyo
Released in 1969, this song by Chiyo Okumura features lyrics by Rei Nakanishi and music by Kunihiko Suzuki, and became a hit thanks to Okumura’s coquettish aura and singing style.
Although it was selected for the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, she had to perform a different song because the lyrics were considered provocative at the time.
Okumura herself later said, “It was so innovative that it was hard for me back then.”
17 years oldMinami Saori
She made a striking debut with this song and won the Best New Artist Award at the 1971 Japan Record Awards.
Composed by Kyohei Tsutsumi, it was a fresh-sounding track for the time, blending kayōkyoku and pop.
Its style matched her exotic, sun-kissed, and cute image, and her popularity soared in no time.
She later shocked the public by marrying photographer Kishin Shinoyama.
The song is also famous for being covered by Chisato Moritaka in 1989, which led to a major resurgence.