Top Karaoke Hits and Popular Band Rankings for Lively Nights in Your 60s [2025]

Small snackPurple Shadows36rank/position

Purple Shadows / Chiisana Snack (1968) — Viewing No. 36

This single by The Purple Shadows, released in March 1968, reached a peak position of No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart.

A film of the same name was also made that year.

It was later covered by Haruomi Chikada & Haruophone.

The lights of Sakhalin do not go outThe Jenova37rank/position

The Genova / The Light of Sakhalin Never Goes Out (1968)

A crowning achievement of 1960s Group Sounds from Crown Records.

With a bittersweet melody and lyrics in the style of a Russian folk song that weave in images of the northern provinces, this soul-stirring track moves every listener.

It builds a one-of-a-kind world that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

The Genova’s debut single from February 1968 is known as a unique outlier within the 1960s Group Sounds scene, and it recorded an astonishing sales figure of over 100,000 copies.

Seamlessly blending electric guitar and band-driven sound with elements of kayōkyoku, this work lingers as a gem of a ballad that stands beside the aching hearts of those who’ve lost their hometown or their love.

It’s a classic to be heard on a quiet night by anyone who has known heartbreak or parting, or who carries deep feelings within.

No-No BoyThe Spiders38rank/position

The Spiders — No No Boy (1966)

This song fuses sophisticated chord progressions influenced by the British beat with a soul-stirring rock ’n’ roll sound.

The musical style crafted by Hiroshi Kamayatsu opened up new possibilities for Japan’s rock scene at the time.

Released as a single by Philips Records in February 1966, it was also featured in the Nikkatsu film Youth A-Go-Go that same year.

With catchy, love-themed phrases repeated throughout, it leaves a deep impression on listeners.

Boasting an innovative melody line and a stylish vibe, this track is recommended for those who want to relive the bittersweet memories of their youth, as well as music fans eager to savor a classic that represents the golden era of Japanese rock.

Flower NecklaceThe Tigers39rank/position

Flower Necklace / The Tigers (1968)

Flower Necklace, the fifth single by The Tigers, a Group Sounds band from the Showa era.

Although they’re famous for having Julie (Kenji Sawada) as their lead vocalist, this song is sung by Toppo (Katsumi Kahashi).

All the Tigers members are from Kyoto.

They originally started making music inspired by The Ventures and The Beatles, but they rose to popularity through idol-style marketing.

The Song of KemekoThe Darts40rank/position

The Darts / Kemeko’s Song (1968)

This work transforms a poem about feelings for a ninth-grade classmate into a charming yet bittersweet pop song.

Sung from the perspective of someone enamored with a girl who excels at chemistry, the song’s unique appeal lies in its twist: the love confession initially succeeds, only to take an unexpected turn.

The intro, which boldly quotes the scat from a Neil Sedaka classic, is also striking.

The Darts’ version, released by Nippon Columbia in February 1968, reached No.

2 on the Oricon chart and sparked a major craze, being featured on Fuji TV’s “Owarai Tag Match” and even adapted into a film.

It’s a perfect pick for those who want to bask in sweet-and-sour memories or liven up a party.