[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)
A café in a student districtGaro
In the 1970s, when folk songs captured people’s hearts as the background music of youth, this work by Garo, released in June 1972, beautifully portrays the inner landscapes of young people with its lovely melody and poetic lyrics.
Set in a coffee shop, the story stirs the listener’s imagination, evoking nostalgia and warmth.
A massive hit, it topped the Oricon Singles Chart for seven consecutive weeks in 1973 and ranked third on the year-end chart.
It’s a song I’d especially recommend to younger listeners interested in folk music.
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.
Poem of Youthyoshida takurou
A timeless masterpiece that strikes a chord in the heart! It vividly captures the feelings of young people in the 1970s.
Weaving in universal themes like freedom, time, and self-discovery, it conveys the importance of truly savoring the moments of youth.
Featured on Takuro Yoshida’s debut album “Seishun no Uta” (Poem of Youth), it peaked at No.
64 on the Oricon charts at the time.
The folk-style guitar and memorable melody beautifully bring the lyrics’ worldview to life.
Highly recommended for those standing at a crossroads in life or seeking to face themselves.
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.
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.