[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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- 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 Compilation of Heartfelt 1970s Folk Song Hits (41–50)
Ah, youthyoshida takurou
It was first released in 1975 by the band Trans-Am, with the composition by Takuro Yoshida.
Yoshida later covered it himself, and Masatoshi Nakamura has also covered it.
This passionate song about youth is perfect for belting out at karaoke.
Taking shelter from the rainsadamasashi
Masashi Sada is known for sometimes spending more time talking than singing during his live shows.
He’s also in high demand for radio and talk events.
This song, “Amayadori,” was his second solo single after the breakup of Grape, and it was the first of his songs to reach No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Remarkably, it’s an unusual work in that the single uses a live recording as-is.
The lyrics, which unfold like an autobiographical novella over the passage of time, could be called “Sada magic”—before you know it, you’re completely drawn in.
It’s a highly recommended track, overflowing with happiness.
It was spring, wasn’t it?yoshida takurou
This is a song whose warm melody gently wraps around memories of spring, and whose wistful lyrics resonate deeply.
While beautifully looking back on a love that has passed, it delicately captures emotions as they change with the flow of time.
Takuro Yoshida’s soft vocals and the simple yet striking guitar tones paint the scenes even more vividly.
Included on the album “Genkidesu,” released in July 1972, this work suggests a new musical sensibility that transcends the boundaries of folk songs.
It’s a captivating track you’ll want to listen to in the season when the arrival of spring can be felt.
DepartureMatsuyama Chiharu
It was released on January 25, 1977.
This is Chiharu Matsuyama’s debut single.
It’s the song he performed in the regional qualifiers of the National Folk Music Festival.
This song gave Chiharu Matsuyama his big break.
Since it uses quite a high vocal range, it’s a good idea to lower the key when singing it at karaoke.
In conclusion
If the word “folk song” made you picture someone singing with an acoustic guitar in a tiny four-and-a-half-tatami room, you were probably surprised by the tracks featured in this article.
There are still plenty of hit songs from 70s folk that, while influenced by folk music, also incorporate a wide range of styles.
Be sure to dig deeper!