[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 Collection of Heart-Touching 1970s Folk Song Hits (11–20)
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?
Why am I so sad?yoshida takurou
Its hallmark is universal lyrics that the folk generation of the 1970s could easily relate to their own circumstances.
There’s an episode in which someone rushed to a friend whose company had gone bankrupt and sang this song in front of them; the feeling of “still wanting human connection” amid life’s setbacks and loneliness resonated with many.
It’s truly a quintessential folk song! The melody is very simple and easy to remember, making it great for everyone from karaoke beginners to those who want to sing in earnest.
When singing, deliver the A verse more like spoken word without pushing your voice too much—especially in the first verse, where it takes a while to reach the chorus and the talk-like elements may feel long, but if you sing the following chorus solidly to bring the energy up, you can capture the mood of the song nicely.
Try to sing with care for the lyrics!
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.
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.