A roundup of debut songs by Japanese female artists from the 1970s
The 1970s was a time in Japanese music history when a wide variety of female artists—singer-songwriters and idols alike—burst onto the scene, bringing vibrant color to the world of Japanese pop.
From towering figures like Miyuki Nakajima and Yumi Arai to stars such as Mari Amachi, Momoe Yamaguchi, Pink Lady, and Candies, this golden era produced one beloved classic after another.
Is there a debut song from those days by a female artist that still resonates with you? In this article, we’ll introduce the memorable debut tracks of the women who blazed through that dazzling decade.
- 1970s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1970s: the golden age of idols and kayōkyoku (Japanese pop songs)
- Debut song of a 1970s idol
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese idols from the 1970s
- Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- [1970s] Collection of Japanese hit songs. Nostalgic masterpieces of Japan
- Debut songs by female artists from the 1980s
- [Showa Kayō] A roundup of Japanese love songs that hit in the 1970s
- [70s Western Music] Timeless Masterpieces and Popular Songs by Female Singers
- [1970s] Classic and hit songs of Japanese rock that blazed through the dawn era
- Female Singer-Songwriters of the ’60s: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- Debut songs by Japanese female artists [Shocking hits & must-know classics]
Debut songs of Japanese female artists from the 70s (21–30)
Anko Camellia is the flower of loveMiyako Harumi
Speaking of vocal ornamentation in enka, Harumi Miyako comes to mind.
Even in live performances, Miyako delivers powerful stages—her very presence can only be described as charismatic.
Her debut song later became a hit, which helped make her name widely known, and she went on to grow into an artist whose releases were all major hits.
No one knows anyone.Katō Tokiko
With just a single guitar, Tokiko Kato unfolds a marvelous world of song.
Many people may not be familiar with her debut track, right? As her career has grown through the ’70s and ’80s, her music has deepened, and surely many listeners resonate with Tokiko’s art.
Debut Songs of Japanese Female Artists from the 70s (31–40)
My castle townKoyanagi Rumiko
Released in 1971 as Rumiko Koyanagi’s debut single under the catchphrase “Everyone’s Sweetheart.” It won the Broadcast Music Newcomer Award at the 2nd Japan Kayō Awards and the Best New Artist Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards, and marked her first appearance at the 22nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Scat at DawnYuki Saori
Speaking of Saori Yuki, she is currently active as a duo with her older sister Shoko Yasuda, and she also drew attention for showcasing her charm at the Blue Note.
Her debut song under the name Saori Yuki featured a vocal technique called scat, and her beautiful singing voice attracted a great deal of attention.
sproutAsaoka Megumi
Wasn’t Megumi Asaoka something like the Madonna for boys back then? In an era when the refined “ojō-sama” image was in vogue, how could you not rush to her when this adorable, comic-book-like girl started to sing? From her debut single, she was a hit—a wonderful idol of the Showa era.
Rainy Day SoliloquyYagami Junko
Junko Yagami, well known for her hit songs “Mizuiro no Ame” and “Purple Town.” Her lesser-known debut song shows her fresh, early days from the Popcon era.
From the very beginning, her piano technique and clear singing voice were already leading her toward those later hits.
youKozaka Akiko
It was released in 1973 as Akiko Kosaka’s debut single.
The lyrics and music were written by Kosaka herself, who, at age 16, performed the song while playing the piano at the 6th Yamaha Popular Song Contest and won the Grand Prix.
The single sold over two million copies, and in 1974 she made her first appearance at the 25th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, drawing attention for performing together with her father.