[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!

Playlist

[Wamono] A roundup of popular 1970s Japanese dance songs and disco kayō
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki		Hideki Saijo’s “Y.M.C.A.” became a big hit.
2	Sexual Violet No. 1Kuwana Masahiro		A passionate love song that paints desire in colors
3	bulldogfoorību su		Four Leaves is the origin
4	Casablanca Dandysawada kenji		Kenji Sawada’s classic hit—a song with a mature allure
5	Sexy Bus StopAsano Yūko		Yuko Asano’s 1970s soul song(s)
6	Disco galAsahina Maria		Asahina Maria’s disco-soul fusion debut song
7	Cutie HoneyMaekawa Yōko		Yoko Maekawa’s Classic Dance Anime Songs
8	bullseyeYamamoto Rinda		Linda Yamamoto’s 1973 smash hit. Also popular as a baseball cheer song.
9	HELL OR HEAVEN (Hell or Heaven)Gō Hiromi		Hiromi Go's disco song becomes a big hit
10	That shy guykyandīzu		A song that endearingly portrays Candy’s shy boyfriend
11	For example… for exampleWatanabe Machiko		One of Machiko Watanabe’s breakup songs and a signature track
12	Inspector Pepperpinku redii		Introduction to Pink Lady's smash hit songs
13	School HeavenFingā 5		Finger Five's youth song
14	Woman of FlameYumi Kaoru		Kaoru Yumi is a ballet dancer.
15	As Easy As You Make ItSHŌGUN		A funky rock song with a positive message
16	My teacher is feverishHarada Jun		Jun Harada's TV drama theme song was remade in 2005
17	A BOYOhtaki Yuko		Yuko Otaki’s debut synth-pop
18	I just can’t stopYamamoto Rinda		Transforming from a sweet voice to a fierce one and into a hit song
19	Youth Running Wildbyūti pea		Singing and dancing by female professional wrestlers
20	Love’s Indian DollRinrin Ranran		Twin sisters debut as assistants on Star Tanjō!
21	A Tangerine-Colored Lovezūtrobi		Zuutorubi is an idol group that’s good at talking.
22	A Flower Blooming Underwater of LoveMatsuzaka Keiko		Keiko Matsuzaka’s fishnet stocking look is making headlines
23	DEEPShibuya Teppei		Teppei Shibuya shines with his dancing and singing
24	Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii		Pink Lady was extremely busy due to their immense popularity.
25	Roses and Pistolsgyaru		Re-debuting as a unit after an audition program
26	Invader WALKMaki Ueda		The popularity of women’s professional wrestling and the Space Invaders game
27	Love is a red roseTonosama Kingusu		Tonosama Kings switched to mambo.
28	24,000 KissesGōruden hāfu		A four-member all-half women’s group
29	Phantom Thief Alibabaapacchi		Birth of the idol group Apache
30	Little Red Riding Hood, bewareULTIMATE LAZY for MAZINGER		Hard rock performance in a sailor uniform
31	UFOpinku redii		A smash hit song with a theme of UFOs, aliens, and romance
32	Beautiful SundayTanaka Seiji		A hit song that’s always heard at Bon Odori venues
33	Purple Highwayku-ru-su		Hiroshi Tachi’s days as a young rock ’n’ roller.
34	Gentle Devilkyandīzu		Candies doing a mature, devilish pose
35	Triangle Love Lettertoraianguru		Activities of the successor group to Candies
36	Tokyo Dodonpa Girlsakura tamako		Mari Watanabe’s “Tokyo Dodonpa Musume” became a big hit.
37	Wonder BoogieIshino Mako		Mako Ishino sings with a summer theme
38	Kakko-man BoogieDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando		The band name followed a comical rock direction and became a big hit.
39	Rui-ruiTakagawa Yosuke		Yosuke Tagawa used to be an idol singer.