[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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[J-Pop] A Collection of Soul-Stirring 1970s Folk Song Hits (21–30)
The youth I walked through with youkaze
Kaze’s “The Youth I Walked With You” is a classic deeply etched in the hearts of those who spent their youth in the 1970s.
The lyrical words written by Shozo Ise portray universal themes such as friendship, love, and parting, awakening unforgettable memories that lie dormant in the listener’s mind.
The harmony woven by the beauty of the melody and Ise’s vocals stirs the poignant emotions of youth and unfailingly tugs at the heartstrings.
Since its 1976 release, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including Hiromi Ota, and has continued to be loved across generations.
It is a piece you’ll want to listen to when you pause at life’s turning points and feel like immersing yourself in memories of former friends and lovers.
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.
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.
Let’s get married.yoshida takurou
A quintessential folk love song and one of Takuro Yoshida’s signature masterpieces.
Its candid expression of feelings that resonated with the youth of the time and lyrics that sing of deep, marriage-minded love are especially appealing.
Released in January 1972, it became a massive hit, surpassing one million copies sold by September of that year.
If you sing it at karaoke, try delivering it sincerely over the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar.
It’s a great choice for conveying your feelings to a lover or someone special, and it’s also well-received as a performance at weddings.
To say goodbyebiriibanban
This work is known as a classic folk song from the 1970s.
It conveys the pain of heartbreak, lingering attachment to the past, and the courage to take a new step forward, all carried by a gentle melody.
Its touching lyrics and warm vocals are sure to soothe listeners’ hearts.
Released in February 1972, it drew attention as the theme song for a TV drama.
It’s recommended for those trying to overcome a broken heart or open a new chapter in life.
Wrapped in the tender vocals of Billy BanBan, why not spend some time facing yourself?