[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 Collection of Soul-Stirring 1970s Folk Song Hits (21–30)
The Days of Rainbows and Sneakerschūrippu
It is a classic song that leaves a strong impression with its delicate portrayal of youthful love and transience.
The scene of two people embracing in rain-soaked sweatshirts and the tender sentiment of cherishing a pair of sneakers are depicted with gentle warmth.
The lyrics symbolically express the disconnect between a man and a woman, a sudden farewell, and the immaturity of not yet being able to become an adult, all imbued with the bittersweet ache of youth.
Released in 1979 by Tulip, the song drew attention on TV programs such as The Best Ten and Yoru no Hit Studio, gaining popularity as a piece in which folk and pop are beautifully harmonized.
Kazuo Zaitsu’s warm vocals and the beautiful melody will surely comfort those who wish to heal the pain of heartbreak or look back on their cherished memories.
Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Katō Tokiko
It is a celebrated song that vividly portrays the nature of Shiretoko and the feelings of love.
Its beautiful scenery and poignant emotions resonate together, leaving a deep impression on listeners.
Tokiko Kato’s pure, clear vocals further enhance the song’s appeal.
Released in November 1970, it topped the Oricon charts for seven consecutive weeks.
It also ranked second on the year-end chart that same year and became a massive hit, selling over 1.4 million copies.
The song is included in Japanese middle school music textbooks and continues to be loved across generations.
It’s a perfect choice for moments when you want to relax or reflect on memories with someone special.
[Japanese Music] A Collection of Heart-Touching 1970s Folk Song Hits (31–40)
Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo
It was released on June 25, 1976.
This is one of Eigo Kawashima’s signature songs.
Sung with poignant emotion by Kawashima, the lyrics portray the hardships men and women face in life and the differing attitudes they have toward crying, making it a simple yet profoundly deep piece.
It’s a recommended song for men to sing at karaoke.
The morning I had forgottenYamamoto Junko
The July 1971 single by the folk group Akai Tori is like a mental landscape that gently reflects the youth of those days.
Skillfully blending the essences of folk and pop, Junko Yamamoto’s clear, translucent vocals and the beautiful harmonies soothe the listener’s heart.
Rofu Yamagami’s poetic lyrics quietly evoke memories of days gone by, while Kunihiko Murai’s melody tenderly accompanies them.
Included on the album Akai Tori II, this piece features a calm arrangement that conveys the freshness of a morning breeze.
It’s a recommended song for moments when you want to pause amid a busy life to reflect on yourself, or when you feel like immersing yourself in cherished memories.
Among the seasonsMatsuyama Chiharu
Released in 1978, this song is a masterpiece in which delicate lyricism and a powerful melody are beautifully harmonized.
Through the changing seasons, it portrays the journey of life and resonates deeply with listeners.
Its use in a Glico Almond Chocolate commercial helped bring Chiharu Matsuyama’s name to wide public attention.
The following year, it was chosen as the theme song for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, becoming a beloved track across generations.
The world woven by Matsuyama’s commanding vocals and the lyrics that touch the heart is filled with a universal appeal that anyone can relate to.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to feel something—whether reminiscing about your youth or standing at a crossroads in life.
White Winterfuki no tō
This is a lyrical piece that poignantly sings of the transition from autumn to winter.
Carried by the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar, it overlays the sorrow of a bygone love and shifting emotions onto the changing of the seasons.
The transparent harmonies of Fukinotou weave a delicate world that resonates deeply in the heart.
Released as a debut single in September 1974, the song gradually gained popularity after being featured on Takuro Yoshida’s All Night Nippon, eventually reaching No.
14 on the Oricon charts.
As the duo’s signature song, it has since been covered by numerous artists.
It is a track that gently accompanies the resolve to quietly accept the end of a romance—one to listen to when you wish to heal the wounds of heartbreak or to put your feelings in order.
Parting at 22kaguya hime
This moving farewell song by Kaguya-hime truly resonates with the heart.
It portrays a 22-year-old woman deciding to part ways with her lover—a theme that young people can easily relate to.
It’s characterized by Shozo Ise’s poetic lyrics and Takahiko Ishikawa’s memorable guitar intro.
Released in February 1975, the song became a major hit, selling 708,000 copies on the Oricon charts.
If you sing it at karaoke, it’s best to savor the lyrics—filled with gratitude toward the other person and lingering feelings—and perform it with emotion.
It’s a song I’d love not only seasoned romantics to hear, but also young people just beginning their journey in love.