[Wamono] A roundup of popular 1970s Japanese dance songs and disco kayō
Speaking of the 1970s, it was also an era overseas when danceable music like funky soul and disco rose to prominence, giving birth to many history-making hits.
In Japan, too, many who spent their youth in those days probably have memories of hitting the dance floor night after night to the big hits.
This time, we’re focusing on Japanese music from the ’70s that reflects the influence of soul and disco—introducing both smash hits and hidden gems that later became known as “Wamono” and gained popularity among DJs.
Young music fans interested in city pop and disco kayō, be sure to check these out!
- Revival among the youth? Japanese dance music that was a hit in the 1980s. Showa-era dance tracks.
- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese idols from the 1970s
- Also great for dementia care! Recommended dance songs for people in their 70s: Let’s dance to those classic hits
- Dance music in Japanese (J-pop) that people in their 50s used to listen to. Nostalgic classic hits.
- [Nostalgic Hits] Japanese dance music that resonates with people in their 40s.
- Dance music from Western artists that was a hit in the 1970s. World-famous and popular songs.
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces of 70s Disco Music
- [Revisited] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era songs that are trending now [2026]
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that get everyone excited. Songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke.
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- For seniors in their 80s: Stay healthy while having fun. Introducing dance songs that make you want to move!
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 1960s
[Wa-mono] A Collection of Popular 1970s Japanese Dance Songs and Disco Kayō (21–30)
Phantom Thief Alibabaapacchi
Their debut came about when, in 1976, a single titled “Is This All for Soul?”—a disco-style arrangement of 13 then-current hits performed by studio musicians—was released and sold far beyond expectations.
As a result, a singer was urgently needed for TV music programs, and through auditions the idol group “Apache” was formed.
Little Red Riding Hood, bewareULTIMATE LAZY for MAZINGER
They were an idol band that appeared in the late ’70s, and since they wore outfits like sailor uniforms, I assumed they were typical idols.
But the music they really wanted to play was hard rock, and at live shows they would deliver spot-on covers of Western rock numbers, showing considerable skill.
They didn’t like the idol route and eventually disbanded, but the vocalist, “Michel,” is Hironobu Kageyama—the singer of Dragon Ball Z.
[Wa-mono] Popular 1970s Japanese Dance Songs and Disco Kayō Roundup (31–40)
UFOpinku redii
This song was a major hit in 1977.
Its lyrics, themed around a romance between a UFO and an alien, captured the hearts of young people at the time.
It’s said that producer Masatoshi Sakai’s real-life sighting of a UFO-like object on Easter Island inspired the track.
In 1978, it won the 20th Japan Record Award, and its officially reported sales reached 1.95 million copies.
From 2014 to 2019, it consistently ranked near the top in JASRAC’s royalties distribution rankings, and it remains a beloved classic today.
Perfect for livening up a karaoke session or when you want to indulge in 1970s nostalgia.
Beautiful SundayTanaka Seiji
Although it’s a cover, it’s now a song you’ll almost certainly hear at Japanese Bon Odori festivals.
After five years of success as the first “Uta no Oniisan” on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho, this track became a huge hit.
It’s a dance number, but back then Seiji Tanaka didn’t really dance all that much.
Purple Highwayku-ru-su
Hiroshi Tachi, who is now active as a seasoned, cool actor, was back then—as his name suggests—a full-on, cool rock ’n’ roller who was hugely popular with women.
The “V” is from the show Ginza NOW, a nostalgic program for those who grew up during Japan’s high-growth era in the Showa period.
He still looks cool today, but in those days his uncompromising style—leather jacket and sunglasses—was especially striking.
Gentle Devilkyandīzu
Named with the nuance of “so cute you could just eat them up,” the Candies were, true to their name, adorable girls.
While most of their songs matched that image, with this one they went for a bolder look in red and black outfits with a hint of sex appeal.
The song itself took on a more mature tone, and their devil pose—raising the thumb and little finger—was sexy.
Triangle Love Lettertoraianguru
After the popular idol group Candies disbanded, this group was originally named “Candies Jr.,” but due to fierce opposition from ardent Candies fans, they pursued activities as Triangle—an idol group that aspired to be like Candies.
Their cute debut song, “Triangle Love Letter,” was even used in a candy commercial, but their performance ended up being a bit too similar, didn’t it?