The 3rd Japan Record Awards were held on 28 December 1961.第3回 日本レコード大賞. Japan Composer's Association.
Emcee Takayuki Akutagawa 2nd time as the emcee of JRA.解説：「日本レコード大賞」総合司会で歴代最長は16年連続 女性で最長は？ 今年は安住紳一郎アナと川口春奈. Mantanweb. 12 December 2025.
Award winners
Japan Record Award Frank Nagai for "Kimi Koishi" Lyricist: Otoha Shigure Composer: Kouka Sassa Arranger: Shinzou Teraoka Record Company: JVC Victor
Vocalist Award George Ai for "Garasu No Johnny"
New Artist Encouragement Award Miki Nakasone for "Kawa Wa Nagareru" Miyuki Yamanaka for "Danchi No Ojōsan" Kouji Hirano for "Shiroi Hana No Blues" Akira Matsushima for "Koshū" Tatsumi Fujino for "Musume Sandogasa" Utako Yanagi for "Saihate No Uta"
Composer Encouragement Award Shousuke Ichikawa for "Koishite Irundamon" Singer: Chiyoko Shimakura
Arranger Award Masakazu Hirose for "Keijimono Datari" Singer: Sachiko Nishida/ 57 All Stars
Lyricist Award Takao Saeki for "Shiroi Hana No Blues" and "Isobushi Genta" Singer: Kouji Hirano, Yukio Hashi
Planning Award Nippon Columbia for "Nihon Kayō Shi"
Children's Song Award Toshie Kusunoki for "Kakashi No Negaigoto"
See also 1961 in Japanese music
References The Yomiuri Shimbun shukusatsuban. 28 December 1961. 付ラジオ・テレビ欄. 三十六年度第三回日本レコード大賞. Geino (Japanese: 芸能). vol 4. February 1962. p 54. From 芸能発行所.