Uplifting songs recommended for people in their 60s: classic and popular Japanese hits

Roppongi HeartbreakAnn Lewis

Roppongi Heartbreak

This is a signature classic by Ann Lewis, where overwhelming vocal power meets an urban rock sound.

Released in October 1984, it was used as the opening theme for the TV Asahi drama “Triangle Blue.” Set to a sophisticated melody, it portrays a bittersweet love for a younger man from a modern woman’s perspective.

The emotions of a woman wavering between straightforward affection and complex feelings are brilliantly conveyed through Ann Lewis’s powerful vocals.

Riding the karaoke boom of the time, the song became popular and sold a total of 296,000 copies; it remains beloved by many to this day.

It’s a perfect choice when you want to express both the ache and the passion of love—or when you want to energize a venue with a powerful vocal performance.

Sexual Violet No. 1Masahiro Kuwana

Sexual Violet No. 1

It captivates with a rock sound emblematic of the 1970s and a sultry male vocal.

Depicting a passionate relationship between a man and a woman that exudes a bewitching sensuality, the piece is adorned with Takashi Matsumoto’s sophisticated lyrics and Kyohei Tsutsumi’s masterful melodic lines.

Released in 1979 as a campaign song for Kanebo Cosmetics, it topped the Oricon chart for three consecutive weeks.

Also included on the album “Communication,” it continues to enchant countless listeners.

Masahiro Kuwana’s wild, husky voice and mature allure vividly convey a world steeped in the melancholy of love.

It’s a perfect track for parties or karaoke—ride the catchy rhythm and sing along, and everyone is sure to feel their spirits lift.

Tetsujin 28-goDuke Aces

Glico Theater Tetsujin 28-go Opening

This is the opening theme of the TV anime Tetsujin 28-go, which began airing in 1963 and captivated children of the time.

The Glico chorus at the beginning is well known.

In the 2004 version of the anime, it was sung by the Roppongi Male Chorus Club.

Children Who Don't Know WarJiro's

Children Who Don't Know War – Jiros

It was released in February 1971 as a signature song by the folk band Jiros.

It peaked at No.

11 on the Oricon chart and won both the Newcomer Award and the Lyricist Award at the Japan Record Awards.

In 1973, a film of the same name directed by Masashi Matsumoto was released.

Leap into the blue sky!Pinky and the Killers

Leap into the blue sky

It’s a single released in May 1969 by the bossa nova band Pinky and the Killers.

It was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Soar into the Blue Sky!” in which Pinky and the Killers appeared.

Incidentally, this drama has a comic adaptation by Waki Yamato.

SenbonzakuraWagakki Band

Wagakki Band / Senbonzakura

A captivating track featuring an innovative sound that fuses Japanese tradition with rock.

It’s included on Wagakki Band’s album Vocalo Zanmai, released in April 2014.

After the music video premiered on YouTube, it quickly became a sensation and surpassed 100 million views.

That same year, the band made their terrestrial TV debut on TV Asahi’s Music Station, drawing even more attention.

This work brilliantly harmonizes the tones of traditional Japanese instruments with a modern rock beat.

The world of wa created by the shakuhachi, shamisen, and taiko blends exquisitely with the intense rock sound.

Highly recommended for those interested in traditional Japanese music or seeking a fresh musical experience.

In the pouring rainAkiko Wada

Akiko Wada – Doshaburi No Ame No Naka De (1969) .AVI

It was Akiko Wada’s second single, released in April 1969.

It reached No.

19 on the Oricon singles chart, and it’s no exaggeration to say that this song helped raise Wada’s profile.

It was later covered by the Crazy Dogs.