[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 (31–40)
Goodbyeofukōsu
This is a classic folk song that represents the 1970s.
Released by Off Course, the song captured many hearts with its poignant breakup lyrics and beautiful melody.
It appeared as the title track of a single released in December 1979 and came to symbolize Off Course’s musical maturity.
The lyrics, centered on parting with a lover, unfold with a quiet sense of sorrow and leave a powerful emotional impact on listeners.
This piece is recommended for those who have experienced the sadness of separation or who are reflecting on relationships with loved ones.
Its touching lyrics and gentle melody will softly embrace the feelings that lie deep within the heart.
That wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu
A gem of a folk song, filled with longing and nostalgia in search of a lost love.
It gently embraces shifting emotional distances and reflections on youth gone by.
The warm sonic world woven by the soothing resonance of the acoustic guitar and a refined arrangement beautifully captures the farewells and hoped-for reunions we all encounter in life.
Since its release in May 1971, it has been beloved as a staple for school events and graduation season, and has been widely used as incidental music in dramas and variety shows.
When you want to linger in memories with someone dear, why not immerse yourself in its soul-stirring vocals and poetic world?
Red Elegyagata morio
It was released on April 25, 1972.
The song was created based on a gekiga (dramatic manga) that had been serialized in the manga magazine Garo.
The single’s cover art was drawn by the gekiga’s author, Seiichi Hayashi.
Among Morio Agata’s songs, it became a major hit, selling 600,000 copies, and is considered one of his signature tracks.
Children Who Don’t Know WarJirōzu
It was released on February 5, 1971.
Although it sounds like a light, upbeat tune with a lively rhythm, it is an anti-war song.
At a time when the Vietnam War was underway, this song took a firm stand against the war and became one of Japan’s representative anti-war songs.
With this song, Jiro’s won the New Artist Award at the 1971 Japan Record Awards.
The Drunkard Has ReturnedZa Fōku Kurusedāzu
With a high-pitched voice and humor-laden musical expression, a fantastical story unfolds that shuttles between heaven and earth.
While satirically conveying the dangers of drunk driving, its innovative musicality—woven with nods to the Beatles, the Heart Sutra, and even Beethoven—is captivating.
Released by The Folk Crusaders in December 1967, the song became the first million-seller in Oricon chart history and was even adapted into a Toei film.
Far from sounding like a track born to fill out an album, this masterpiece combines experimental sound with social consciousness, making it a recommended tune for those who want to savor life’s subtleties along with a good laugh.
[J-Pop] A Compilation of Heartfelt 1970s Folk Song Hits (41–50)
The person I used to likekaguya hime
These are tracks from Kaguya-hime’s album produced by Takuro Yoshida, released on April 20, 1972.
The songs quietly express feelings toward someone you loved and lost.
When you’re heartbroken, it might be good to sing them at karaoke and have a good cry.
Cape TourYamamoto Kōtarō to Uīkuendo
Released in June 1974 as the debut single of Kotaro Yamamoto and The Weekend, this song is a classic that sings of the pain of heartbreak and the hope that follows.
It delicately portrays a man trying to heal his emotional wounds by touring capes along the coast, with the beauty of nature offering quiet comfort—an especially striking image.
Featuring a gentle melody and poetic lyrics, it became a major hit, peaking at No.
5 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
For karaoke, it’s recommended to sing while picturing natural scenery, infusing your performance with both the bittersweetness of lost love and the courage to move forward.
With lyrics that resonate and a familiar, approachable melody, it remains a beloved song across generations.