[Japanese Music] A Collection of Heart-Touching Hit Folk Songs from the 1970s
What kind of songs come to mind when you hear “folk songs”? While folk music has its roots in traditional ballads and ethnic music, it evolved over time into various forms, became widespread, and produced many massive hits known by everyone.
This article focuses on the 1970s—a period when folk songs came to be recognized as popular music and transitioned into what was called “New Music,” and when many legendary singer-songwriters who left their mark on Japanese music history emerged—and compiles classic, blockbuster folk songs from that era.
The youthful inner landscapes sung with beautiful melodies and richly poetic expression are sure to resonate with younger generations as well.
If you’re interested in Showa-era popular songs, be sure to check it out!
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs
- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
- A classic Japanese folk song passed down through generations of acoustic performances
- [Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke
- [1970s] Collection of Japanese hit songs. Nostalgic masterpieces of Japan
- [2026 Edition] Songs Loved by People in Their 60s: Classic Hits from Their Youth
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- Just listening to it purifies the heart... A healing song born in the Showa era.
- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
- Hit songs in Japan in the late 1960s
- [Showa Kayō] A roundup of Japanese love songs that hit in the 1970s
[J-Pop] A Compilation of Heartfelt 1970s Folk Song Hits (41–50)
DepartureMatsuyama Chiharu
It was released on January 25, 1977.
This is Chiharu Matsuyama’s debut single.
It’s the song he performed in the regional qualifiers of the National Folk Music Festival.
This song gave Chiharu Matsuyama his big break.
Since it uses quite a high vocal range, it’s a good idea to lower the key when singing it at karaoke.
In conclusion
If the word “folk song” made you picture someone singing with an acoustic guitar in a tiny four-and-a-half-tatami room, you were probably surprised by the tracks featured in this article. There are still plenty of hit songs from 70s folk that, while influenced by folk music, also incorporate a wide range of styles. Be sure to dig deeper!