[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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1east | Journey of the Heartchūrippu | play_arrow | A piece known as a representative song of Tulip... |
| 2east | I want to go back to that dayArai Yumi | play_arrow | In 1975, on Yumi Arai’s sixth single... |
| 3east | A Dangerous Pairsawada kenji | play_arrow | Released in April 1973, this work was Kenji Sawada’s … |
| 4east | If we ever meet in the city somedayNakamura Masatoshi | play_arrow | A Breakup with an Old Lover and a Wish to Meet Again |
| 5east | Midnight Door ~ Stay with MeMatsubara Miki | play_arrow | Miki Matsubara’s debut single is a big hit |
| 6east | My good friendKamayatsu Hiroshi | play_arrow | Written and composed by Takuro Yoshida, Hiroshi Kamayatsu... |
| 7east | Stranger – Theme of the Silk RoadKUBOTA Saki | play_arrow | He said, 'I composed this song on the train when I was a student.' |
| 8east | Wandering Love SongNagabuchi Tsuyoshi | play_arrow | Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s “Junrenka” truly colored its era... |
| 9east | Heartbreak RestaurantShimizu Kentarō | play_arrow | Released in 1976 as Kentaro Shimizu’s debut single… |
| 10east | The Sweet LifeNoguchi Goro | play_arrow | Goro Noguchi’s famous song, a masterpiece depicting cohabitation and separation |
| 11east | Ruby RingTerao Akira | play_arrow | When it comes to cool masterpieces that resonate with people in their 60s, it would be ‘…’ |
| 12east | The memories are too beautifulYagami Junko | play_arrow | Junko Yagami’s poignant love ballad |
| 13east | Flying to IstanbulShōno Mayoyo | play_arrow | A classic of exotic breakup songs |
| 14east | The Day the Seagulls FlewWatanabe Machiko | play_arrow | The late-1970s new music boo... |
| 15east | Red high heelsŌta Hiromi | play_arrow | A story of a girl swaying between urban dreams and reality |
| 16east | If I Could Play the PianoNishida Toshiyuki | play_arrow | The TV drama starring Toshiyuki Nishida… |
| 17east | Strawberry Statement Once Againbanban | play_arrow | A band that plays songs composed by Yumi Arai, known as Yuming… |
| 18east | Cactus Flowerchūrippu | ![]() | A song released in 1975. It was later used in the drama “Hi…” |
| 19east | Lingering Snowiruka | play_arrow | A song you can’t leave out when reminiscing about youth: “Nagori…” |
| 20east | Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo | play_arrow | Eigo Kawashima and Homo..., released in 1976 |
| 21east | Love is overŌyō Fifi | play_arrow | One of the signature songs by Feifei Ouyang, a singer from Taiwan, is… |
| 22east | Into the DreamInoue Yosui | play_arrow | Representative works of the folk singer Yosui Inoue include… |
| 23east | Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji | play_arrow | He was active in groups such as The Tigers and PYG, bo... |
| 24east | Ladybug Sambacherisshu | play_arrow | The husband-and-wife duo Cherish. With this song, they appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen… |
| 25east | Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi | play_arrow | Hiromi Ota’s “Momen no Handkerchief” (“Cotton Handkerchief”) is... |
| 26east | Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko | play_arrow | A Showa-era kayōkyoku classic released in 1971 is a... |
| 27east | With a fiery heartKobayashi Akira | play_arrow | “Atsuki…” which was released as a single in 1985 |
| 28east | Blue ChateauJakkī Yoshikawa to Burū Komettsu | play_arrow | Signature songs of Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets |
| 29east | 17 years oldMinami Saori | play_arrow | After making a striking debut with this song, in 197… |
| 30east | Please give me wingsakai tori | play_arrow | Even people who aren’t in their 60s are familiar with “Tsubasa…” |
| 31east | Slave of LoveOkumura Chiyo | play_arrow | This song that Chiyo Okumura released in 1969... |
| 32east | the first strong spring windkyandīzu | play_arrow | Released in March 1976, and still many... |
| 33east | The Begin of Twilightchiaki naomi | play_arrow | This song was originally released in 1959 as mizu… |
| 34east | era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki | play_arrow | In 1975, at Yamaha’s 10th Popular... |
| 35east | Samba of PartingHasegawa Kiyoshi | play_arrow | Kiyoshi Hasegawa, a blind singer-songwriter... |
| 36east | younger boykyandīzu | play_arrow | The idols who brightened up the 70s, like Candies... |
| 37east | Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii | play_arrow | A legendary idol who was hugely active around 1970... |
| 38east | Parting at 22kaze | play_arrow | Known as a signature song of the folk duo Kaze… |
| 39east | applausechiaki naomi | play_arrow | Chiaki, who gained popularity for her rich singing voice and beauty... |
| 40east | Sūdara-bushiHana Hajime to Kureēji Kyattsu | play_arrow | This is also a song that represents the Showa era, by Hajime Hana and the Ku... |
| 41east | A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu | play_arrow | The classic songs that colored the 70s are still beloved by many to this day… |
| 42east | Drifters’ Zundoko BushiZa Dorifutāzu | play_arrow | An image of comedians, like a sketch troupe… |
| 43east | A café in a student districtGaro | play_arrow | It became a hit in 1973, six years after its release... |
| 44east | Goodbyeofukōsu | play_arrow | The band that colored the youth of people in their 60s, Off... |
| 45east | Suddenly, SinbadSazan Ōrusutāzu | play_arrow | For the 2018 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen as well, definitely the red-and-white... |
| 46east | Wine Red Heartanzenchitai | play_arrow | This song portrays a dangerous adult romance. Back then, I… |
| 47east | Funky Monkey BabyKyaroru | play_arrow | Carol was the band that Eikichi Yazawa used to belong to… |
| 48east | Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko | play_arrow | Drawn in by the powerful vocals and the enigmatic, slightly eerie atmosphere... |
| 49east | At the coffee shopabe shizue | play_arrow | In a coffee shop that evokes the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa era... |
| 50east | A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe | play_arrow | I've been making occasional appearances on TV even after retiring... |
| 51east | Farewell, youthogura kei | play_arrow | At the time, influenced by the folk songs that were popular... |
| 52east | setting sunyoshida takurou | play_arrow | The appeal of Takuro Yoshida’s classic song “Rakuyō” |
| 53east | Speak not of lifeyoshida takurou | play_arrow | Active since 1970 and still going strong past the age of 70... |
| 54east | I just can’t stopYamamoto Rinda | play_arrow | Linda Yamamoto’s 1972 release, “Do…” |
| 55east | Nice to meet you, melancholy.Gō Hiromi | play_arrow | Gently singing of love’s complexities, “Yoroshiku Ai…” |
| 56east | Take off your boots and have breakfastSaijō Hideki | play_arrow | Along with Hiromi Go and Goro Noguchi, one of the New Big Three... |
| 57east | Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi | play_arrow | Ayumi Ishida, released in 1968… |
| 58east | Season of LovePinkī to Kirāzu | play_arrow | Pi..., a bossa nova band led by Ms. Yoko Kon, ... |
| 59east | The Maiden with Flaxen HairVirejji Shingāzu | play_arrow | A 1968 smash hit that portrays youth and first love |
| 60east | Sugarcane fieldMoriyama Ryoko | play_arrow | “Satōkibi Batake” (Sugarcane Field) is by composer Naohiko Terashima… |
| 61east | 12th graderFunaki Kazuo | play_arrow | Together with Yukio Hashi and Teruhiko Saigō, he was one of the 'Big Three'… |
| 62east | Carmen ’77pinku redii | play_arrow | Dynamically moving those slender, long limbs... |
| 63east | Winter LightningArisu | play_arrow | Since their hiatus in 1981, there have been several limited... |
| 64east | homesicknessMori Shinichi | play_arrow | Shinichi Mori’s “...” released in 1971 |
| 65east | I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu | play_arrow | Kyu Sakamoto’s classic song “Ue o Muite Arukou” reflects its era. |
| 66east | metropoliskurisutaru kingu | play_arrow | Crystal King's 'Daitokai' was broadcast... |
| 67east | Kanda Riverkaguya hime | play_arrow | A song that vividly colors a page of youth lingers in people’s hearts... |
| 68east | Examinee BluesTakaishi Tomoya | play_arrow | Representative work by Japanese folk singer Tomoya Takaishi… |
| 69east | Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki | play_arrow | A heartrending love story that begins in a phone booth at midnight |
| 70east | cold rainhaifaisetto | play_arrow | “Cold Rain” is a famous song by Hi-Fi Set… |
| 71east | Torn LoveSaijō Hideki | play_arrow | Hideto Saijō’s signature song Chigireta Ai |
| 72east | ChampionArisu | play_arrow | I want to write songs centered on folk music from the ’70s… |
| 73east | Johnny’s LullabyArisu | ![]() | This is pretty much the golden age of youth for people in their 60s... |
| 74east | Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko | play_arrow | The single that marked Akiko Kobayashi’s debut, “... |
| 75east | youKozaka Akiko | play_arrow | “You” was released by Akiko Kosaka in 1973 and… |
| 76east | Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari | play_arrow | In January 1989, the era name changed from “Shōwa” to “Heisei… |
| 77east | Farewell, my loverSakai Masaaki | play_arrow | He was also active as a member of The Spiders... |
| 78east | RomanceIwasaki Hiromi | play_arrow | “Roman…” that colored the music scene of the 1970s |
| 79east | Let me have that wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu | play_arrow | The refined melody is beautiful in ‘Ano Subarashii…’ |
| 80east | Playback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe | play_arrow | Also known as one of the “Hana no Naka-san Trio” (the Three Blossoms of the Third Year)… |
| 81east | Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Katō Tokiko | play_arrow | A singer-songwriter who was active in the ’70s… |
| 82east | As time goes bysawada kenji | play_arrow | The Gru—, which reached its peak from the late 1960s... |
| 83east | blue eyesJakkī Yoshikawa to Burū Komettsu | play_arrow | A classic masterpiece from the dawn of the Group Sounds era depicting a bittersweet love in the northern country |
| 84east | From the northern innMiyako Harumi | play_arrow | Enka singer Harumi Miyako released in 1975… |
| 85east | Yoko of the Port, Yokohama, YokosukaDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando | play_arrow | It brought a fresh breeze to the Japanese music scene of the 1970s… |
| 86east | You are more beautiful than a rose.Fuse Akira | play_arrow | A man born in 1947 who debuted in 1965… |
| 87east | The Drunkard Has ReturnedZa Fōku Kurusedāzu | play_arrow | It’s got a fluffy, light feel and a comical impression, but… |
| 88east | SOMEDAYSano Motoharu | play_arrow | Motoharu Sano’s signature work depicting the brilliance and end of youth |
| 89east | interaction; friendly contact; bondingNakamura Masatoshi | play_arrow | The gentle tone of the folk guitar and Masatoshi Nakamura’s... |
| 90east | Burn, you fine womantsuisuto | play_arrow | In the intro, after the guitar goes jaaang, jaaang... |
| 91east | teacherMori Masako | play_arrow | Mr. Taka from ONE OK ROCK and … |
| 92east | Full of memoriesH₂O | play_arrow | A nostalgic classic that depicts memories of youth |
| 93east | Among the seasonsMatsuyama Chiharu | play_arrow | An absolute must-see artist for people in their 60s… |
| 94east | LOVE (I want to hold you)sawada kenji | play_arrow | My youth was colored by the songs of Kenji Sawada… |
| 95east | I’ll wait.amin | play_arrow | The song “Matsu wa,” which portrays the feelings of single-minded unrequited love, is… |
| 96east | GandharaGodaigo | play_arrow | Active since the 1970s, with many hits… |
| 97east | Love without meetingUchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five | play_arrow | The soul-stirring 1970s hit song “Auwa…” |
| 98east | My castle townKoyanagi Rumiko | play_arrow | One of the idols who rose to popularity in the 1970s, a… |
| 99east | TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS | play_arrow | A classic in rock history, an anthem of courage and hope |
| 100east | Your heart is marine blue.Sugiyama Kiyotaka & Omega Tribe | play_arrow | Singing of the pain of heartbreak and a fervent longing to reunite |
| 101east | To say goodbyebiriibanban | play_arrow | "To Say Goodbye" is a heartwarming/fragrant-with-feeling... (an evocative, touching f...) |
| 102east | Love Dial 6700Fingā 5 | play_arrow | Finger Five, the brother-sister group that epitomized the Showa era… |
| 103east | Let’s go, Shake!Terauchi Takeshi & Banīzu | play_arrow | Group Sounds, the representative works of Takeshi Terauchi and the Bunnys |
| 104east | The season the sun gave usaoi sankakujougi | play_arrow | A timeless anthem of youth that lingers in the hearts of those now in their 60s... |
| 105east | Ha-ha-haZa Rindo & Rindāzu | play_arrow | A bright pop tune by The Lind & Lindaers |
| 106east | With the setting sunZa Wairudowanzu | play_arrow | Refreshing Blue Sky Group Sounds Classic |
| 107east | Children Who Don’t Know WarJirōzu | play_arrow | Lyrics by Osamu Kitayama, composed by Jiro Sugita... |
| 108east | atonementTeresa Ten | play_arrow | Japan from the 1970s to the 1990s… |
| 109east | I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka | play_arrow | Introduction to Yutaka Ozaki’s love ballads |
| 110east | Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri | play_arrow | Enka queen Sayuri Ishikawa in January 1977... |
| 111east | School HeavenFingā 5 | play_arrow | Since its release in 1974, “Gakuen Tengoku” has… |
| 112east | Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi | ![]() | Fifi Ouyang, a singer from Taiwan, 197... |
| 113east | Listening to OliviaAnri | play_arrow | Anri’s classic ballad that heals the pain of heartbreak |
| 114east | fierce gazeanzenchitai | play_arrow | A major hit love song about romance by Anzen Chitai |
| 115east | Two People’s Summer Story – NEVER ENDING SUMMER –Sugiyama Kiyotaka & Omega Tribe | play_arrow | A bittersweet love story by the summer seaside |
| 116east | ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG | play_arrow | HOUND DOG’s signature work: powerful rock of love and dreams |
| 117east | huge nuisanceyunikōn | play_arrow | The sorrow of a salaryman whose newlywed life falls apart due to a solo job transfer |
| 118east | I don’t want to let go.Za Yangāzu | play_arrow | The Youngers’ signature coming-of-age love song from 1968 |
| 119east | Tunnel HeavenZa Dainamaitsu | play_arrow | A youthful rock song from the 1960s Group Sounds scene |
| 120east | Please, God!Za Tenputāzu | play_arrow | The Tempters’ famous song, Koigokoro and Inori |
| 121east | What you wantZa Hapuningusu Fo | play_arrow | An experimental masterpiece single of Group Sounds |
| 122east | A world without youZa Bībāzu | play_arrow | The Beavers’ heartbreak rock song |
| 123east | Blind BirdZa Moppusu | play_arrow | The Mops’ pioneering psychedelic debut |
| 124east | The lights of Sakhalin do not go outZa Jenoba | ![]() | The debut song of The Genova, a Russian-folk-style ballad |
| 125east | No-No BoyZa Supaidāsu | ![]() | Hiroshi Kamayatsu’s British beat-infused rock masterpiece |
| 126east | The Song of KemekoZa Dātsu | ![]() | A classic youth song depicting a first love for a chemistry girl |
| 127east | Runnerbakufū suranpu | play_arrow | A classic by Bakufu Slump portrays youth and the bonds of friendship |
| 128east | First loveMurashita Kōzō | play_arrow | A classic song about the bittersweet youth of unrequited love |
| 129east | In the Middle of a DreamKisugi Takao | play_arrow | A poignant love song masterpiece about parting and reunion |
| 130east | Black Cat TangoMinagawa Osamu | play_arrow | On October 5, 1969, Osamu Minagawa’s de… |
| 131east | I love you, I love you, I love you.Za Kānabītsu | play_arrow | Hit songs by The Carnabeats |
| 132east | Mary AnnTHE ALFEE | play_arrow | THE ALFEE’s first major hit: a classic youth rock anthem |
| 133east | In the Sun and the DustCHAGE and ASKA | play_arrow | A gemlike melody portraying the strength to overcome dreams and setbacks |
| 134east | Sky Restauranthaifaisetto | play_arrow | A love song depicting a reunion and a farewell with a lover |
| 135east | Blue MountainsFujiyama Ichirō | play_arrow | The birth and significance of a masterpiece that sang of hope after the war |
| 136east | Love is a mirageGam | play_arrow | A love song that beautifully sublimates the pain of heartbreak |
| 137east | Imperial Regent Declarationsadamasashi | ![]() | The term 'teishu kanpaku'—a domineering, husband-centered household—has also become a thing of the Showa era and... |
| 138east | The Color of WinterYamaguchi Momoe | play_arrow | Momoe Yamaguchi’s pure-love ballad that sings of a heartrending romance |
| 139east | Sexual Violet No. 1Kuwana Masahiro | play_arrow | A 70s rock-style love song |
| 140east | outdatedKawashima Eigo | play_arrow | He earned overwhelming support from men with his refined, understated musical style... |
| 141east | Red BalloonAsada Miyoko | play_arrow | Asada, released on April 21, 1973, ... |
| 142east | UFOpinku redii | play_arrow | From the Showa era, whose very existence became a social phenomenon… |
| 143east | summer vacationyoshida takurou | play_arrow | A song that nostalgically recalls summer vacation memories |
| 144east | Your eyes are 10,000 voltsHoriuchi Takao | play_arrow | In the late 1970s, the folk group Ali... |
| 145east | My boyfriend is left-handed.Asaoka Megumi | play_arrow | Megumi Asaoka, who was released in 1973... |
| 146east | youthMorita Kōichi to Toppugyaran | play_arrow | Released in 1976, it resonates with people in their 60s… |
| 147east | A Summer Day in Lovetenchi mari | play_arrow | Released on July 1, 1973, “Koi su… |
| 148east | Wake UpZaitsu Kazuo | play_arrow | The band Tulip, active in the 1970s... |
| 149east | Boy in the back alleyHamada Shogo | play_arrow | It’s also Shogo Hamada’s debut single… |
| 150east | My Blue BirdSakurada Junko | play_arrow | Known by the nickname Junpei, and as a singer, actress, and… |
| 151east | YOUNG MANSaijō Hideki | play_arrow | 『YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A…. |
| 152east | The Scent of CyclamenFuse Akira | play_arrow | “The Scent of Cyclamen” holds both wistfulness and beauty… |


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