[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!
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[Japanese Music] A Compilation of Soul-Stirring 1970s Folk Song Hits (1–10)
Spirit Boat (Shoro Nagashi)gureepu
A signature song by Grape that moves many listeners with its poignantly lyrical melody and poetic lyrics.
Released in April 1974, it did not sell well at first, but frequent airplay on radio helped it grow into a major hit.
Highly acclaimed—winning the Lyrics Award at the 16th Japan Record Awards—it was also used as the theme song for an NHK General TV drama in 2003.
The lyrics delicately portray a woman mourning the deceased and the summertime scene of shōrō-nagashi (a lantern-floating ritual for the spirits), evoking lost love and the transience of life, and deeply stirring the emotions of those who listen.
It is recommended for anyone who has lost someone dear or wishes to contemplate the fragility of life.
Strawberry Statement, Once Againbanban
Often hailed as a pinnacle of folk songs, “Let’s Listen to ‘Strawberry Statement’ Again.” It’s a well-loved track within the music industry and has been covered by artists such as Yumi Matsutoya and Akina Nakamori.
BanBan was a folk duo formed by Hirofumi Banba and Hiroshi Takayama; former members included Hiroshi Imai and Minoru Takao among other distinguished musicians.
Just hearing the name fills me with nostalgia.
Let me have that wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu
The song by Kazuhiko Kato and Osamu Kitayama, known as an iconic masterpiece of the 1970s, captured the hearts of many with its beautiful melody and poetic lyrics.
This work looks back on memories of a former lover and expresses a heartfelt wish to reclaim a lost love.
The imagery of red dragonflies and sunset is also striking.
Released in April 1971, the song has been beloved for many years and was reissued as a CD single in December 2002.
Celebrated as a classic folk song, it has been embraced by a wide range of generations and remains a karaoke favorite.
Its moving lyrics and warm melody make it a piece you’ll want to listen to at moments of love and life’s turning points.
[Japanese Music] A Collection of Heart-Touching 1970s Folk Song Hits (11–20)
Kanda Riverkaguya hime
The signature work of Kaguyahime, known as a classic of folk music, was released in September 1973 and became a massive hit, selling 1.6 million copies.
Tadao Kitajō’s lyrics and Kosetsu Minami’s composition blend beautifully, vividly portraying the feelings of young people at the time.
Centered on themes of modest yet happy days and bittersweet partings, it gracefully sings of Shōwa-era youth.
Although the song is also remembered for the anecdote that the group declined an invitation to appear on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, its appeal remains undiminished.
The pure love story spun in a four-and-a-half-mat room continues to resonate across generations.
Cactus Flowerchūrippu
Released on February 5, 1975 as Tulip’s eighth single, it was created as an answer song to Kotaro Yamamoto & Weekend’s 1974 hit “Misaki Meguri.” It tells the story of a heartbroken man trying to move forward toward spring: while recalling memories with his former girlfriend, he resolves to live positively, carried by a pleasant melody.
Eighteen years after its release, it became a revival hit when Kazuo Zaitsu sang it solo as the theme song for a drama.
It remains a popular song even today and is a classic that many people sing at karaoke.
Lingering Snowiruka
A song that poignantly depicts the emotions of two people parting ways as unseasonal snow falls.
Iruka’s clear, transparent voice matches the nostalgic melody and resonates deeply.
Released in 1975, the piece was originally written and composed by Shozo Ise and became a massive hit when covered by Iruka.
Its simple yet beautiful melody and lyrically rich words have resonated with many and remained beloved for years.
It’s especially recommended for listening in the season when you can feel the arrival of spring yet still sense the lingering traces of winter.
Why not savor this song along with your cherished memories?
Heart patternInoue Yosui
Yosui Inoue’s “Kokoro Moyou” is a song released in September 1973 that has left a deep impression on many listeners.
It delicately depicts loneliness and the pain of a long-distance relationship, beautifully expressing the melancholy of youth, and the lyrics—entrusting one’s innermost feelings to a letter—resonate deeply.
Partway through, the tempo shifts to an upbeat pace, and the emotions surge all at once.
It’s a cool classic that shines when sung with full feeling to convey the helpless emotions of lovers separated by distance.