[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!

Playlist

[2026 Edition] Songs Loved by People in Their 60s: Classic Hits from Their Youth
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Journey of the Heartchūrippu		Tulip’s signature song of ’73
2	I want to go back to that dayArai Yumi		I want to go back to that day
3	A Dangerous Pairsawada kenji		A classic Shōwa-era kayōkyoku hit that earned Kenji Sawada his first No. 1
4	Midnight Door ~ Stay with MeMatsubara Miki		Miki Matsubara’s debut single is a big hit
5	My good friendKamayatsu Hiroshi		A classic song depicting friendship and life takes the top spot
6	If we ever meet in the city somedayNakamura Masatoshi		A Breakup with an Old Lover and a Wish to Meet Again
7	Stranger – Theme of the Silk RoadKUBOTA Saki		Saki Kubota's "Ihoujin" became a big hit.
8	Wandering Love SongNagabuchi Tsuyoshi		Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi's 'Junrenka' is a timeless classic that transcends generations.
9	Ruby RingTerao Akira		Toshio Terao’s heartbreak song “Ruby no Yubiwa” (Ruby Ring)
10	Heartbreak RestaurantShimizu Kentarō		Shimizu Kentarō’s debut song became a big hit
11	The Sweet LifeNoguchi Goro		Goro Noguchi’s famous song, a masterpiece depicting cohabitation and separation
12	Flying to IstanbulShōno Mayoyo		A classic of exotic breakup songs
13	The memories are too beautifulYagami Junko		Junko Yagami’s poignant love ballad
14	The Day the Seagulls FlewWatanabe Machiko		A signature and classic song by Machiko Watanabe
15	Red high heelsŌta Hiromi		A story of a girl swaying between urban dreams and reality
16	If I Could Play the PianoNishida Toshiyuki		Theme song of Ikegami Genta 80 Kilograms
17	Cactus Flowerchūrippu		Cactus Flower makes a comeback as a TV drama theme song
18	Lingering Snowiruka		The history and charm of lingering snow
19	Strawberry Statement Once Againbanban		Composed by Yuming, singing of youth during the era of student activism
20	Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo		The classic song “Sake, Tears, Men, and Women”
21	Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji		Kenji Sawada's signature song, 'Act as You Please'
22	Love is overŌyō Fifi		Ouyang Feifei’s heartbreak song “Love Is Over” became a big hit in 1984.
23	Slave of LoveOkumura Chiyo		Chiyo Okumura's 1969 hit song
24	Into the DreamInoue Yosui		A signature song by Yosui Inoue, a classic that has been covered by many
25	Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi		'Cotton Handkerchief' is a classic song from the Showa era.
26	Blue ChateauJakkī Yoshikawa to Burū Komettsu		Signature songs of Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets
27	Ladybug Sambacherisshu		Cherish makes their first appearance on Kōhaku (NHK’s year-end music show).
28	With a fiery heartKobayashi Akira		A famous song that Eiichi Ohtaki wrote for Akira Kobayashi
29	Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko		A masterpiece of Showa-era kayōkyoku from 1971, Kiyohiko Ozaki’s magnum opus
30	Parting at 22kaze		A signature song by Kaze, a major hit in 1975
31	17 years oldMinami Saori		Debut single wins the New Artist Award
32	A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu		Chiharu Matsuyama’s “A Long Night” is a timeless classic that transcends generations.
33	Please give me wingsakai tori		Let's enjoy classic songs by Akai Tori across generations
34	the first strong spring windkyandīzu		Introduction to the smash hit song “Haru Ichiban” by Candies
35	The Begin of Twilightchiaki naomi		A 1959 song became a big hit as a cover
36	A café in a student districtGaro		Bob Dylan appears in the lyrics of a late-blooming hit song
37	Wine Red Heartanzenchitai		A masterpiece by Anzen Chitai that depicts adult romance
38	younger boykyandīzu		Nostalgic hit songs of Candies
39	era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki		A beloved classic that won a Yamaha contest
40	setting sunyoshida takurou		The appeal of Takuro Yoshida’s classic song “Rakuyō”
41	Drifters’ Zundoko BushiZa Dorifutāzu		Single songs from the early band era of The Drifters
42	Nice to meet you, melancholy.Gō Hiromi		Hiromi Go's classic song, gently singing of a heartrending love
43	Goodbyeofukōsu		The poignant lyrics of Off Course’s classic song “Sayonara”
44	Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii		Pink Lady’s classic hit “Nagisa no Sindbad”
45	Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi		Ishida Ayumi's Yokohama Modern Masterpieces
46	Sūdara-bushiHana Hajime to Kureēji Kyattsu		Showa-era classic songs by Hajime Hana and the Crazy Cats
47	Winter LightningArisu		One of Alice’s signature songs that made the Oricon Top 10
48	Funky Monkey BabyKyaroru		Carol is the legendary rock band of Eikichi Yazawa.
49	Speak not of lifeyoshida takurou		Takuro Yoshida’s Life Encouragement Song
50	Let me have that wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu		Let me have that wonderful love once more
51	A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe		Momoe Yamaguchi is a legendary singer who has stayed off television since her retirement.
52	Samba of PartingHasegawa Kiyoshi		Kiyoshi Hasegawa’s debut song becomes a big hit
53	applausechiaki naomi		The Appeal of Naomi Chiaki’s Classic Song “Kassai”
54	homesicknessMori Shinichi		Shinichi Mori’s “Bokyo” is a classic that poignantly sings of longing for one’s hometown.
55	Kanda Riverkaguya hime		Kandagawa is a classic song that evokes memories of youth.
56	Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki		A heartrending love story that begins in a phone booth at midnight
57	Suddenly, SinbadSazan Ōrusutāzu		Southern All Stars’ 40th anniversary debut a great success
58	Johnny’s LullabyArisu		Introducing classic songs by Alice, a 1970s folk band
59	You are more beautiful than a rose.Fuse Akira		Akira Fuse’s smash hit song “You Are More Beautiful Than a Rose”
60	Sugarcane fieldMoriyama Ryoko		A famous song about the sorrow of a girl who lost her father in the war
61	12th graderFunaki Kazuo		Kazuo Funaki’s classic song “High School Senior” became a million-selling hit.
62	ChampionArisu		Alice leads Japanese music with folk
63	Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko		Keiko Fuji’s classic song becomes a big hit
64	At the coffee shopabe shizue		Shizue Abe’s classic songs continue to captivate fans
65	Carmen ’77pinku redii		Introducing the choreography and appeal of 1977 hit songs
66	The Drunkard Has ReturnedZa Fōku Kurusedāzu		A ballad about a protagonist who died in a drunk driving incident
67	I just can’t stopYamamoto Rinda		Yamamoto Linda’s shocking smash hit song
68	Take off your boots and have breakfastSaijō Hideki		Introduction to Hideki Saijo’s 1978 single
69	Farewell, youthogura kei		A folk song classic that sings about the student movement
70	Examinee BluesTakaishi Tomoya		A signature song that sings of exam-takers’ struggles
71	As time goes bysawada kenji		Kenji Sawada’s 1975 hit song “As Time Goes By”
72	cold rainhaifaisetto		Hi-Fi Set’s classic heartbreak song
73	Season of LovePinkī to Kirāzu		Bossa Nova Showa Kayokyoku Masterpieces by Poko Ima
74	RomanceIwasaki Hiromi		Classic love songs of the ’70s
75	I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu		Kyu Sakamoto’s classic song “Ue o Muite Arukou” reflects its era.
76	metropoliskurisutaru kingu		The appeal of Crystal King’s classic song “Daitokai”
77	The Maiden with Flaxen HairVirejji Shingāzu		A 1968 smash hit that portrays youth and first love
78	Burn, you fine womantsuisuto		Showa-era rock of TsuiSTO’s “Moero Ii Onna”
79	Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko		Akiko Kobayashi’s debut song is an adultery song
80	SOMEDAYSano Motoharu		Motoharu Sano’s signature work depicting the brilliance and end of youth
81	youKozaka Akiko		Akiko Kosaka’s timeless masterpiece “Anata” (“You”)
82	Among the seasonsMatsuyama Chiharu		Chiharu Matsuyama’s classic song “In the Season”
83	Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari		Hibari Misora’s first single of the Heisei era
84	Farewell, my loverSakai Masaaki		Masakazu Sakai’s solo debut song, the poignancy of parting
85	teacherMori Masako		Masako Mori's debut song and biggest hit
86	Torn LoveSaijō Hideki		Hideto Saijō’s signature song Chigireta Ai
87	Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Katō Tokiko		Tokiko Kato’s “Shiretoko Ryojo” is a masterpiece.
88	atonementTeresa Ten		Teresa Teng’s heartbreak song “Tsugunai”
89	From the northern innMiyako Harumi		Harumi Miyako's farewell song became a big hit
90	The season the sun gave usaoi sankakujougi		Feel the nostalgia with classic youth songs from the ’60s
91	I’ll wait.amin		Amin’s “Matsu wa” is a masterpiece that depicts unrequited love.
92	GandharaGodaigo		The Charm of Godiego’s Classic Song “Gandhara”
93	Children Who Don’t Know WarJirōzu		Introduction to the classic song “Children Who Don’t Know War”
94	blue eyesJakkī Yoshikawa to Burū Komettsu		A classic masterpiece from the dawn of the Group Sounds era depicting a bittersweet love in the northern country
95	Full of memoriesH₂O		A nostalgic classic that depicts memories of youth
96	Playback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe		Momoe Yamaguchi’s singles
97	LOVE (I want to hold you)sawada kenji		The appeal of Kenji Sawada’s 1978 release
98	interaction; friendly contact; bondingNakamura Masatoshi		The charm of Masatoshi Nakamura’s classic song Fureai
99	Yoko of the Port, Yokohama, YokosukaDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando		The big hit song by the Down Town Boogie-Woogie Band
100	Love without meetingUchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five		Nostalgic love songs that continue to be cherished
101	My castle townKoyanagi Rumiko		Rumiko Koyanagi’s debut single expresses memories of first love
102	To say goodbyebiriibanban		Poignant breakup songs are loved across generations
103	Love Dial 6700Fingā 5		Finger Five's youth song
104	What you wantZa Hapuningusu Fo		An experimental masterpiece single of Group Sounds
105	Two People’s Summer Story – NEVER ENDING SUMMER –Sugiyama Kiyotaka & Omega Tribe		Kiyotaka Sugiyama’s Summer Love Story City Pop
106	No-No BoyZa Supaidāsu		Hiroshi Kamayatsu’s British beat-infused rock masterpiece
107	Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri		Tsugaru Strait Winter Scene is Sayuri Ishikawa’s signature song.
108	Your heart is marine blue.Sugiyama Kiyotaka & Omega Tribe		Singing of the pain of heartbreak and a fervent longing to reunite
109	School HeavenFingā 5		Gakuen Tengoku is loved across generations
110	Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi		Ouyang Feifei’s classic song Midosuji Love Story
111	Let’s go, Shake!Terauchi Takeshi & Banīzu		Group Sounds, the representative works of Takeshi Terauchi and the Bunnys
112	I don’t want to let go.Za Yangāzu		The Youngers’ signature coming-of-age love song from 1968
113	A world without youZa Bībāzu		The Beavers’ heartbreak rock song
114	Ha-ha-haZa Rindo & Rindāzu		A bright pop tune by The Lind & Lindaers
115	The lights of Sakhalin do not go outZa Jenoba		The debut song of The Genova, a Russian-folk-style ballad
116	The Song of KemekoZa Dātsu		A classic youth song depicting a first love for a chemistry girl
117	huge nuisanceyunikōn		The sorrow of a salaryman whose newlywed life falls apart due to a solo job transfer
118	Listening to OliviaAnri		Anri’s classic ballad that heals the pain of heartbreak
119	Tunnel HeavenZa Dainamaitsu		A youthful rock song from the 1960s Group Sounds scene
120	Please, God!Za Tenputāzu		The Tempters’ famous song, Koigokoro and Inori
121	Blind BirdZa Moppusu		The Mops’ pioneering psychedelic debut
122	With the setting sunZa Wairudowanzu		Refreshing Blue Sky Group Sounds Classic
123	In the Sun and the DustCHAGE and ASKA		A gemlike melody portraying the strength to overcome dreams and setbacks
124	ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG		HOUND DOG’s signature work: powerful rock of love and dreams
125	Mary AnnTHE ALFEE		THE ALFEE’s first major hit: a classic youth rock anthem
126	TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS		A classic in rock history, an anthem of courage and hope
127	Sky Restauranthaifaisetto		A love song depicting a reunion and a farewell with a lover
128	fierce gazeanzenchitai		A major hit love song about romance by Anzen Chitai
129	I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka		Introduction to Yutaka Ozaki’s love ballads
130	First loveMurashita Kōzō		A classic song about the bittersweet youth of unrequited love
131	In the Middle of a DreamKisugi Takao		A poignant love song masterpiece about parting and reunion
132	Blue MountainsFujiyama Ichirō		The birth and significance of a masterpiece that sang of hope after the war
133	Love is a mirageGam		A love song that beautifully sublimates the pain of heartbreak
134	Imperial Regent Declarationsadamasashi		Showa-era patriarchal husband songs and their historical background
135	The Color of WinterYamaguchi Momoe		Momoe Yamaguchi’s pure-love ballad that sings of a heartrending romance
136	Sexual Violet No. 1Kuwana Masahiro		A 70s rock-style love song
137	outdatedKawashima Eigo		Eigo Kawashima’s classic song “Jidai Okure” is easy to sing.
138	Red BalloonAsada Miyoko		Miyoko Asada’s debut song “Red Balloon” became a big hit.
139	I love you, I love you, I love you.Za Kānabītsu		Hit songs by The Carnabeats
140	Runnerbakufū suranpu		A classic by Bakufu Slump portrays youth and the bonds of friendship
141	summer vacationyoshida takurou		A song that nostalgically recalls summer vacation memories
142	Your eyes are 10,000 voltsHoriuchi Takao		Takao Horiuchi’s solo blockbuster hit love song
143	Black Cat TangoMinagawa Osamu		Why Black Cat Tango Continues to Be Loved
144	My boyfriend is left-handed.Asaoka Megumi		A nostalgic song for my left-handed boyfriend
145	youthMorita Kōichi to Toppugyaran		Seishun Jidai (released in 1976)
146	A Summer Day in Lovetenchi mari		Mari Amachi’s signature song “A Summer Day in Love”
147	Wake UpZaitsu Kazuo		Kazuo Zaitsu’s “Wake Up” is a masterpiece that conveys warmth and kindness.
148	Boy in the back alleyHamada Shogo		Shogo Hamada’s youth song, memories of Yokohama
149	My Blue BirdSakurada Junko		Junko Sakurada's award-winning debut song
150	YOUNG MANSaijō Hideki		Hideki Saijo’s nationally popular song
151	The Scent of CyclamenFuse Akira		The Scent of Cyclamen, a beloved classic song
152	UFOpinku redii		Pink Lady's smash hit song UFO