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.

Playlist

A roundup of debut songs by Japanese female artists from the 1970s
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Listening to OliviaAnri		Anri’s debut song “Olivia o Kikinagara” is a highly polished masterpiece ballad.
2	Inspector Pepperpinku redii		Pink Lady sparked a social phenomenon.
3	Aquamarine Lovetenchi mari		Mari Amachi’s debut song is a big hit
4	Lullaby of the Thistle MaidenNakajima Miyuki		Miyuki Nakajima’s debut song—lyrical and highly polished.
5	MeditationOzaki Ami		Ami Ozaki’s debut song, with its sophisticated sound and clear, translucent vocals
6	Come back—my timeTakeuchi Mariya		Preaching the importance of personal time in Mariya Takeuchi’s debut song
7	Midnight Door ~ Stay With MeMatsubara Miki		Miki Matsubara’s debut song, the masterpiece that thrilled the world
8	I’m crazy about you.kyandīzu		Candies' debut song
9	17 years oldMinami Saori		Seventeen, the debut song of Saori Minami
10	No reply needed.Arai Yumi		Yuming’s debut song, a sophisticated masterpiece
11	age; the age range typical for adolescence or a particular stage in lifeYamaguchi Momoe		Momoe Yamaguchi’s debut song, singing of innocent first love
12	Yearning Soaked in Rainchiaki naomi		Chiaki Naomi’s vocal prowess and dignified figure
13	The crimson moon at twilightJudi Ongu		Judy Ongg gained popularity for her singing ability and looks.
14	Back then, I wasiruka		Dolphin's debut single
15	Even if love diesYashiro Aki		The profound passion in Aki Yashiro’s debut song
16	Hide-and-seekIshikawa Sayuri		Sayuri Ishikawa's debut song at age 15
17	Budding of LoveKousaka Miyuki		A debut song that showcases the vocal prowess of 14-year-old Miyuki Kosaka
18	Liar SeagullKobayashi Sachiko		Sachiko Kobayashi is a major star in enka
19	Right face!Ishikawa Hitomi		Hitomi Ishikawa debuted in ’78.
20	poppy flowerAgunesu Chan		Agnes Chan’s 1972 debut song became a big hit
21	Lost roadWatanabe Machiko		Machiko Watanabe’s debut single becomes a big hit
22	Rainy Day SoliloquyYagami Junko		Junko Yagami’s Debut Song and Success
23	awakeningKinochi Midori		Midori Kinouchi made her singer debut in 1974.
24	Even angels dreamSakurada Junko		Junko Sakurada makes her singing debut with “Soyo Kaze no Tenshi” (Angel of the Gentle Breeze)
25	Hey, listen, Mom.ishida ayumi		Ayumi Ishida: A representative artist of the 1970s
26	White WeekendAn Ruisu		Ann Lewis’s winter-themed debut song
27	duetIwasaki Hiromi		Hiromi Iwasaki 1975 debut single
28	a young woman’s heartMizusawa Aki		Aki Mizusawa released her debut single in 1973.
29	Anko Camellia is the flower of loveMiyako Harumi		Harumi Miyako’s Kobushi Enka and Success
30	No one knows anyone.Katō Tokiko		Tokiko Kato unfolds a world of song with just a guitar.
31	My castle townKoyanagi Rumiko		Rumiko Koyanagi’s 1971 debut song wins the grand prize
32	Scat at DawnYuki Saori		Saori Yuki has been active through a duo with her older sister and her distinctive scat singing style.
33	sproutAsaoka Megumi		Megumi Asaoka is an idol who represents the Showa era with an elegant, refined 'ojousama' image.
34	youKozaka Akiko		Akiko Kosaka’s debut single became a big hit.
35	The place where I was born and raisedNoji Yukiko		Yukiko Noji's debut song, feelings for her hometown
36	longing; yearning; admirationŌba Kumiko		Kumiko Ōba debuted in 1977.
37	Sunflower GirlItō Sakiko		Sakiko Ito debuted in 1974.
38	Red BalloonAsada Miyoko		Miyoko Asada’s 1973 debut single sold 800,000 copies.
39	pure lovekatahira nagisa		Nagisa Katahira debuted in 1975
40	Glass SlopeTakada Mizue		Mizue Takada’s debut single is a big hit.
41	At the coffee shopabe shizue		Shizue Abe's debut song wins the Newcomer Award
42	Downtown After the RainAgunesu Ramu		Agnes Lum released her debut single in 1977 and became very popular.
43	Tears of the SunAnzai Maria		Maria Anzai makes her singer debut as “Chocolate Maria”
44	Tears of HappinessOkazaki Yuki		Yuki Okazaki made her debut as a singer in 1970.
45	Beautiful YokohamaHirayama Miki		Miki Hirayama 1970 debut song
46	smileHayashi Hiroko		Hiroko Hayashi debuted in 1974.
47	Woman of ShinjukuFuji Keiko		The vocal prowess of Keiko Fuji and Hikaru Utada
48	Daniel, mon amourHenmi Mari		Mari Henmi is a singer, and her daughter is also a singer.
49	Blue BluesAoe Mina		Mina Aoe is the Queen of Blues
50	Across this wide fieldMoriyama Ryoko		The Splendor of Ryoko Moriyama’s Folk Music
51	teacherMori Masako		Masako Mori debuted in 1972.
52	raindropsŌta Hiromi		Hiromi Ohta’s 1974 debut single. Won a newcomer award with a piano-and-vocal performance.
53	monologueOkada Nana		Nana Okada debuts as an idol singer at 16
54	I’m not afraid of wolves at all.Ishino Mako		Mako Ishino’s debut single reached No. 17 on the Oricon chart
55	Tokyo LullabyNakahara Rie		Rie Nakahara’s debut song becomes a hit
56	Not even worth confessingKitahara Mirei		Mirei Kitahara’s 1970 debut song
57	The Enka Boat of TearsHiyoshi Mimi		Hiyoshi Mimi’s distinctive singing voice and musical world