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 (41–50)
Tears of the SunAnzai Maria
Maria Anzai was a quarter German and made her singer debut with this song under the catchphrase “Chocolate Maria.” The song is a cover of Emmy Jackson’s track and became a hit, selling over 500,000 copies.
It also earned her the New Artist Award at the 15th Japan Record Awards.
Tears of HappinessOkazaki Yuki
It was released in 1970 as Yuki Okazaki’s debut single.
She had appeared on stage and television as a child actress, and after gaining popularity in dramas and variety shows, she made her singing debut with this song.
She is one of the artists who helped shape the concept of the “idol” in Japan into what it means today: a relatable and cute celebrity.
Beautiful YokohamaHirayama Miki
It was released in 1970 as Miki Hirayama’s debut single.
The song was created with the intention of following in the vein of Ayumi Ishida’s “Blue Light Yokohama,” and the record jacket photo was taken in Yamashita Park.
It reached No.
64 on the Oricon chart.
smileHayashi Hiroko
It was released in 1974 as Hiroko Hayashi’s debut single.
After winning the first Grand Champion title on the 1973 audition show “Kimi Koso Sutā da!” she made her debut and became a popular idol.
During her idol years her nickname was “Kanko,” and it is said that Sayuri Yoshinaga was the one who gave her that name.
Woman of ShinjukuFuji Keiko
As both the mother of Hikaru Utada and as a singer in her own right, Keiko Fuji fulfilled her life’s work.
She also had the hit song “Yume wa Yoru Hiraku.” She drew attention for her vocal ability to master enka and blues.
Her daughter, Hikaru Utada, likewise attracted attention for her inherited sense and vocal prowess.
Daniel, mon amourHenmi Mari
Mari Henmi has a very strong image of mature allure, so I didn’t know she used to sing.
As expected for her singer debut, that song gave me the impression of a popular kayōkyoku number of the time.
Her daughter Emiri also debuted as a singer—could that kind of career be hereditary?
Blue BluesAoe Mina
Speaking of the Queen of Blues, that would be Mina Aoe.
Even with her debut single before the hit “Isezakicho Blues,” she was already singing the blues.
After that as well, she loved the blues and lived for the blues, and I imagine many people respected her as an artist for that.