[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)
Song of Circumnavigating Lake BiwaKatō Tokiko
It is a local song from Shiga Prefecture that became a big hit when Tokiko Kato sang it in 1971.
Considered one of Japan’s representative student songs, it is said to date back to 1917 (Taisho 6).
The song is about Lake Biwa and its surrounding area, and it is said to have been handed down as the student song of the Third Higher School, the predecessor of Kyoto University.
Given that it became a major hit decades later, there is no doubt it is a remarkable piece.
In the Great Sky and on the Vast EarthMatsuyama Chiharu
Set against the boundless sky and earth, this powerful song about life’s challenges and hopes resonates deeply with listeners.
Its poetic lyrics—distinctively Masayoshi Chiharu Matsuyama—and a vocal that’s both strong and delicate are truly captivating.
The piece is included on the album “Kimi no Tame ni Tsukutta Uta,” released in June 1977, and was also used on the Fuji TV drama “The Ugly Duckling” soundtrack.
In karaoke, a wide vocal range and rich expressiveness are required, but if you immerse yourself in the song’s world, it will surely touch the hearts of your audience.
Why not sing it out with all your might while picturing the magnificent nature of Hokkaido?
interaction; friendly contact; bondingNakamura Masatoshi
This is Masatoshi Nakamura’s debut single, released on July 1, 1974.
The song was used as an insert track for the TV drama “Warera Seishun!” and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart, becoming a massive hit with over 1.3 million copies sold.
Even today, “Fureai” continues to be cherished as a classic in Japanese music history and stands as a signature song of Nakamura’s career.
Its relaxed tempo also makes it easy to sing at karaoke.
My good friendKamayatsu Hiroshi
This work is infused with heartfelt themes of friendship and youth.
It’s a classic song powerfully sung by Hiroshi Kamayatsu.
The lyrics, full of nostalgia and warmth, gently wrap you in memories of friends from your school days.
Released in February 1975, the track reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart and became a major hit, selling over 700,000 copies.
Its gem-like melody, blending folk and rock, poignantly conveys the longing to reunite with friends.
Recommended for those who want to feel unchanging friendship amid changing times.
Let the soul-stirring vocals deepen your feelings for the people you cherish.
GraduationMatsuyama Chiharu
A work that distills the very essence of folk music! Accompanied by Chiharu Matsuyama’s warm vocals, it vividly portrays the life milestone of graduation.
This song sings of the end of youth and a new beginning, featuring lyrics and a melody that truly resonate.
Released in 1979, it was chosen as the theme song for STV’s program “The Graduation of Kushiro High School.” It is also included on the album “Seishun,” and has become a song many people listen to during the graduation season.
It’s a highly recommended track not only for students approaching graduation, but also for anyone feeling a turning point in life.
Solitary BloomCHAGE and ASKA
CHAGE and ASKA’s debut song is a gem of a ballad that portrays the end of a romance and a new beginning.
Its heartrending lyrics and beautiful melody resonate deeply, stirring the listener’s heart.
Released in August 1979, the track gained attention after being performed at Popcon.
It has continued to be loved over the years and has been included in live performances and best-of albums.
It’s the perfect song for those troubled by love or standing at a crossroads in life—a soul-stirring masterpiece that offers deep empathy and courage.
[J-Pop] A Collection of Soul-Stirring 1970s Folk Song Hits (21–30)
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!
