Popular Japanese songs among men in their 60s: recommended masterpieces and classic tracks
We’d like to ask men in their 60s: What’s your favorite Japanese song?
“Those songs you listened to all the time in your youth,” “the ones you still sing at karaoke”—all sorts of tracks probably come to mind.
In this article, we researched and compiled songs that are popular among people in their 60s.
We’ve selected a wide range, from timeless classics to tracks that have enjoyed a recent revival.
If you love music or just want to check out popular tunes, be sure to take a look!
It might just fill you with nostalgia!
Popular Japanese songs among men in their 60s: Recommended classics and standard tracks (1–10)
I LOVE YOUYutaka Ozaki
A gem-like love ballad depicting a heartrending romance between a young man and woman.
The burning emotions of the two lovers are expressed alongside delicate piano tones.
This work can be described as a piece in which Yutaka Ozaki’s signature delicate poetic expression is beautifully harmonized with universal themes.
Included on the December 1983 album “Seventeen’s Map,” it was later released as a single in March 1991.
It was also used as the image song for the film “Hot Road” and as a JR Tokai commercial song.
A moving ballad you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night.
Its simple melody line also makes it easy to sing at karaoke, perfect for conveying your feelings to someone special.
Wine Red HeartSafe zone
Known as one of Anzen Chitai’s signature songs, this work is a poignant ballad themed around mature romance.
Lyrics symbolizing crystalline eyes and burning passion resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in 1983, it became the band’s first major hit and greatly boosted their popularity.
It was also featured in a Suntory Akadama Punch commercial and used as a TV drama opening theme, earning broad support across generations.
A gem of a track woven from Koji Tamaki’s beautiful vocals and lyrics penned by Yosui Inoue.
Why not listen to it while thinking of someone dear to you?
Lingering Snowdolphin
This song poignantly portrays a heartrending farewell, using unseasonal snow as its motif.
Set on a station platform as spring approaches, the story vividly conveys the lingering attachment of a man who cannot accept the parting.
First performed on the album “The World of Iruka,” recorded in March 1975, and released as a single that November, it became one of Iruka’s signature classics.
It peaked at No.
4 on the Oricon chart, ranked No.
11 for the year, and sold over 800,000 copies.
With Masataka Matsutoya’s rich arrangement paired with Iruka’s gentle vocals, the song beautifully depicts the scene of farewell.
It’s recommended for moments when you want to reminisce about your youth and look back on precious times with someone dear.
Blue Light YokohamaAyumi Ishida
A signature song by Ayumi Ishida that became a major hit in December 1968.
Its elegant, sophisticated melody and lyrics themed around the blue lights that color Yokohama’s nightscape blend beautifully.
The city’s stunning harbor night view overlaps with a fleeting love reflected within it, creating a unique atmosphere.
Written by lyricist Jun Hashimoto, who was influenced by Cannes in France and Picasso’s paintings, the piece brought a fresh breeze to Japanese popular music at the time.
It set an astonishing record by surpassing one million copies in ten days and won the Composition Award at the Japan Record Awards.
Beloved in South Korea as well, it has long been a karaoke staple.
With its relaxed tempo and singable style, it’s a song you’ll want to perform from the heart while picturing the enchanting night views of the port city.
Our JourneyMasatoshi Nakamura
Masatoshi Nakamura’s signature work, steeped in nostalgic memories of sunlight filtering through the trees.
Kei Ogura spun a beautiful tale tracing dreams and adventures, layered with a clear, transparent singing voice.
Released in October 1975, this song was used as the theme for a drama of the same name and peaked at No.
2 on the Oricon chart.
It stayed on the charts for 45 weeks and achieved a brilliant 870,000 copies sold.
This piece feels as if the memories of youth are your own story.
Sing it leisurely at karaoke, and you’ll be immersed in a gemlike melody that resonates across time and in lyrics that gently illuminate life’s journey.
A perfect song for calm, companionable moments with friends.
Strawberry Statement, Once Againbang bang
This song by Banban is a masterpiece that represents the folk movement of the 1970s.
It portrays tender yet bittersweet memories of youth, as the narrator looks back on a student-days romance, prompted by a rerelease of a film.
Many people can relate to the protagonist’s realistic, down-to-earth portrayal—where youthful ideals meet reality, and he chooses to cut his hair and take a job.
Released in August 1975, the song is also famous as the first piece ever written and provided by singer-songwriter Yumi Arai.
Banban’s harmonies blend beautifully with Arai’s lyrics and melody, and the song became a major hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Beloved as a song that evokes nostalgia for youth, it’s also known for being easy to sing at karaoke.
First loveKozo Murashita
A bittersweet unrequited-love story that begins with a scene of early-summer rain.
Released as a single in February 1983, it was Kozo Murashita’s fifth release and became a major hit, reaching No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
It was also included on the album “Hatsukoi — Asaki Yume Mishi —,” and has since been covered by many artists, including Koji Tamaki and Hitomi Shimatani.
Filled with youthful memories that anyone who’s experienced unrequited love can relate to, this work invites you to quietly hum along on a calm night while thinking of someone dear.