Popular Japanese songs among men in their 60s: recommended masterpieces and classic tracks

Until we meet againKiyohiko Ozaki

Kiyohiko Ozaki Until the Day We Meet Again 1971

Released in 1971 by Kiyohiko Ozaki, this song was originally written in 1969 as a candidate for an air conditioner commercial jingle, with different lyrics and sung by a different vocalist.

After making the rounds, it eventually ended up being performed by Ozaki.

The arrangement, which evokes the Black music of the time, is really cool.

Please give me wingsRed bird

Red Bird “Please Give Me Wings” 1971

A moving classic that sings of young people’s pure desire for freedom and the wish to live true to oneself.

The beautiful harmonies by Akai Tori are striking, and the blend of lyrics by Mito Yamagami and melody by Kunihiko Murai is superb.

Released in February 1971 as the B-side to “Takeda no Komoriuta,” it was also included on the album Takeda no Komoriuta released in July of the same year.

Since 1997, it has been used as a cheer song for Japan’s national soccer team and was also chosen as the theme song for the film Whisper of the Heart.

This song teaches the importance of holding onto dreams and hopes from childhood while continuing to move toward them.

It’s a recommended track for when you want to release pent-up feelings or take a new step forward.

Parting at 22wind

Kaze – Farewell at 22 (Official Audio)

When it comes to the folk duo Kaze’s signature songs, this poignant number about a bittersweet breakup stands out.

Shozo Ise’s delicate lyrics and the beautiful harmonies with Kazuhisa Okubo resonate deeply.

Upon its release in 1975, it spent four consecutive weeks at number one on the Oricon charts.

It went on to sell over a million copies, becoming a monumental hit and virtually synonymous with Kaze.

Told from the perspective of a 22-year-old woman, the five-year love story struck a chord with many and has been cherished for decades.

In this piece, the complex emotions of a woman who has resolved to part ways are sung with quiet yet powerful conviction.

Anyone who has experienced a farewell with someone dear will surely feel it in their heart.

Love Dial 6700Finger Five

Koino Dial 6700

Released in December 1973, this song is known as one of Finger 5’s signature works.

Its lyrics, which focus on school-age romance, and its catchy melody have made it a beloved classic that lingers in many people’s hearts.

It generated a major buzz at the time, even reaching No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

In 1999, the album “Finger Heaven,” which included a remix version, was released, bringing the song to a new generation.

It’s highly recommended not only for people in their 60s who feel nostalgic for their youth, but also for younger listeners who admire songs about student romance.

Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to be a hit across generations!

Blue ChateauJackey Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets

Blue Chateau

A bittersweet love story unfolds against the backdrop of a blue castle surrounded by forests and springs.

Considered a landmark of the Group Sounds era, this song became a massive hit upon its release in 1967 and won the 9th Japan Record Award.

Selling over one million copies and securing a spot in the 18th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it has become a classic in the history of Japanese pop music.

While influenced by Western music, it retains the distinct character of Japanese kayōkyoku, with a beautiful melody and lyrics that resonate deeply—continuing to be cherished by many to this day.

It’s a track brimming with the charm of Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets; why not listen to it together with someone special?

My good friendHiroshi Kamayatsu

Waga Yoki Tomo Yo

This song is celebrated as a masterpiece that fuses the folk and rock genres.

Written and composed by Takuro Yoshida, it’s a gem of a track highlighted by Hiroshi Kamayatsu’s standout vocals.

The profound lyrics, portraying friendship, masculinity, and the changes of life, resonate deeply.

Released in April 1975, it peaked at No.

4 on the Oricon chart.

It entered the charts 12 times and sold 55,000 copies.

The recording was done by just Yoshida and Kamayatsu, with Masayoshi Takanaka handling the lead guitar in the intro.

Loved across generations, this classic has been covered by a variety of artists, including The Ventures and Linda Yamamoto.

Burn, you fine womanTwist

Burn, you fine woman

For men in their 60s, rock bands were likely an important part of the pages of their youth.

Among them, many probably felt their hearts race at the full-on masculinity of The TWIST’s sound.

That’s why I recommend “Moero Iiyo-na” (“Burn, Lovely Woman”).

Sera Masanori is known for his striking shouts, but he keeps them moderate on this track.

The range spans mid1 C# to hi A, which is on the slightly wider side for a male song, but not unmanageable—adjust the key and you should be able to sing it without trouble.

It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser, so consider adding it to your repertoire.