[Showa Classics] A Collection of Nostalgic 70s Anime Songs
Back in the 1970s, many iconic anime that represent Japan were broadcast.
Not only the anime themselves, but their theme songs have also captivated many people since those days.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide selection of nostalgic anime songs from the ’70s for those who remember that era.
We’ve picked everything from timeless standards you still hear often today to unforgettable classics you might not have heard recently but can hum the moment they start playing.
As you look back on those times, take this opportunity to sit back and enjoy these nostalgic masterpieces.
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 70s: nostalgic theme songs that let you feel the history of anime.
- [Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 1980s
- [Classic Hits] Popular Anime Songs Representing the Showa Era. Also Introducing Recommended Anime Songs!
- Moving and iconic anime songs, popular tracks
- Recommended anime songs for people in their 50s. Classic and popular anime theme songs.
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese idols from the 1970s
- Cute Anime Song Special: From the 1970s to Today!
- Commercial songs from the 70s. Nostalgic TV commercial jingles.
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 60s: from nostalgic classics to the latest hits
- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
- [Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras
- Hit songs in Japan in the late 1960s
- A classic from the good old days! A famous birthday song born in the Showa era.
[Showa Era Classics] Nostalgic 1970s Anime Songs Collection (1–10)
Fly, Gundam!Ikeda Ko
Mobile Suit Gundam, which began in 1979, continues its series even now through the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras.
It’s delightful how the level of enthusiasm varies by generation—some say, “I know up to Gundam SEED,” while others ask, “You don’t know Iron-Blooded Orphans?” Above all, what feels especially nostalgic is the original Gundam’s theme song, ‘Fly! Gundam.’ Its pure, straightforward message—‘Charge toward the enemy!!’—is emblematic of Showa-era robot anime.
Listening to the song makes you want to build a Gundam plastic model kit!
Gutsy FrogIshikawa Susumu
This is the opening theme of the anime The Gutsy Frog, based on Yasumi Yoshizawa’s manga that ran in Weekly Shonen Jump.
The story begins when the protagonist, Hiroshi Kaizuka, trips and accidentally squashes a frog named Pyonkichi against his chest.
Through sheer grit, Pyonkichi survives by sticking to Hiroshi’s shirt and continues to live as a flat “2D” frog, accompanying Hiroshi everywhere.
This amusing setup is one of the work’s major hallmarks.
The opening theme is notable for its energetic lyrics that seem to embody Pyonkichi’s way of life, as well as the delightfully deflating sound effects woven into the music.
Please tell me.Iju Kayoko
This is the theme song of the anime Heidi, Girl of the Alps, which aired in 1974 as part of the World Masterpiece Theater series and is based on children’s literature by Swiss author Johanna Spyri.
The sound has a majestic, sunny feel—as if gazing out over the Alpine mountains where the story is set—and it seems to reflect the protagonist Heidi’s bright, straightforward personality.
The timbre of the brass at the beginning and the yodeling chorus draw listeners into the world of the work.
[Showa Era Classics] Nostalgic 1970s Anime Songs Collection (11–20)
Getter Robo!sasaki isao
The Getter Robo series, created by Go Nagai and Ken Ishikawa, is considered the originator of combining and transforming robots.
A hallmark of the series is that the manga and anime have significantly different stories, and this song is the opening theme of the anime version of Getter Robo, where it all began.
Set to a sound that epitomizes classic hero songs, it clearly depicts the form and features of Getter Robo.
The repeated sound effects in the lyrics are striking, making it a tune that easily sticks in the listener’s head.
Orphan Hachishimazaki yuri
Feelings for a mother and hope are woven through a voice that balances gentleness and strength.
With her clear, translucent vocals, Yuri Shimazaki paints scenes that tenderly envelop the story of a small protagonist’s adventure and growth.
You can’t help but empathize with the figure who continues their journey with love and courage in their heart, making this a heartwarming work that gives you the strength to move forward step by step.
Released as a single by Nippon Columbia in May 1970, it captured the hearts of many viewers as the opening theme for the anime “Mitsubachi Māya no Bōken” (Insect Story: Orphan Hacchi).
In 1974, she also performed the theme for the sequel, successfully enriching the world of the series.
It’s the perfect song for when you need encouragement or want to lift someone’s spirits.
Doraemon SongŌsugi Kumiko
This is the opening theme, released in 1979, for Doraemon, a work featuring the cat-shaped robot from the future who springs into action, based on the manga by Fujiko F.
Fujio.
The series itself is often described as a national anime, and this song, Doraemon no Uta, is remembered alongside the series as a representative Japanese anime song that symbolizes the work.
The lyrics portray what kind of being Doraemon is, and another distinctive feature is the choice of simple words that are easy to understand for any age group.
Song of Hakushon Daimaoshimazaki yuri
Starting with adorable opening sound effects, the friendly lyrics vividly conjure the image of a great demon king emerging from a magic jar.
His character—honest, quick to tears, and full of human warmth—is wonderfully portrayed, making this a heartwarming piece that children and adults alike can enjoy.
Yuri Shimazaki’s bright, soaring vocals further enhance the comedic storytelling atmosphere.
Released by Nippon Columbia in October 1969, it gained popularity as the opening theme for a Fuji TV–broadcast anime airing at the same time.
It’s a perfect track for moments when everyone wants to have fun together—like family time on holidays or children’s events.