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)
Across this wide fieldMoriyama Ryoko
Ryoko Moriyama, a godlike figure in the world of folk music.
With a guitar in hand, she still sings so coolly—it’s truly wonderful to see.
This song is even included in music textbooks, so I’m sure some younger people know it as well.
I never realized she was someone who could write songs that incredible.
Debut songs of Japanese female artists from the ’70s (51–60)
teacherMori Masako
She made her debut with this song in 1972 under the catchphrase “Your classmate, Masako Mori.” Written by Yū Aku and composed by Minoru Endō, the song was created by a star-studded duo.
It won the New Artist Award at the 14th Japan Record Awards and the Broadcast Music New Artist Award at the 3rd Japan Kayō Awards.
With this song, she made her first appearance at the 24th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
raindropsŌta Hiromi
It was released in 1974 as Hiromi Ohta’s debut single.
At the time of her debut as a singer, her catchphrase was “Sincere singing with self-accompaniment,” and the song features Ohta herself singing while accompanying on piano.
Thanks to the success of this song, she won numerous newcomer awards in 1975, including the New Artist Award at the 17th Japan Record Awards.
monologueOkada Nana
When Nana Okada was a first-year high school student, she won the second championship of the audition program “Anata o Sutā ni!” (Make You a Star!), which led to her debut as a singer with this song in 1975.
She was 16 at the time and was active as a pure, classic idol.
I’m not afraid of wolves at all.Ishino Mako
It was released in 1978 as Mako Ishino’s debut single.
At the time of her singing debut, her catchphrase was “A million-dollar smile.” The lyrics were written by Yū Aku and the music was composed by Takuro Yoshida.
It reached No.
17 on the Oricon chart.
Tokyo LullabyNakahara Rie
Rie Nakahara’s debut single, “Tokyo Lullaby,” was a smash hit.
Her short haircut and modern vibe felt incredibly fresh.
The 1980s were all about a modern image, and artists at the forefront of that trend were truly wonderful.
Not even worth confessingKitahara Mirei
It was released in 1970 as Mirei Kitahara’s debut single.
Before her debut, she honed her skills by singing in nightclubs while studying under various composers.
Hiroshi Mizuhara took notice of her performances, and lyricist Yū Aku recognized her singing voice, leading to her debut as a singer with this song.