Dawn of Japanese Rock: A Collection of Debut Songs by 1970s Japanese Rock Bands
The 1970s were a period that brought a revolutionary shift to the history of Japanese rock.
From psychedelia and hard rock to the refined city pop that followed, Japanese artists searched for their own means of expression and opened up new possibilities in music.
The rock bands that emerged in that era overturned the conventions of Japanese popular music with innovative sounds and bold lyrics.
In this article, we introduce the debut songs of legendary bands that were mainly active in the 1970s.
From legends still thriving in the 2020s to cult favorites known to a select few, listen to the tracks that marked their beginnings and experience the energy and innovation of the dawn of Japanese rock.
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- Debut songs by Japanese male artists from the 1970s
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- [Classic Hits of the 70s] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Commercials
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- Cool band: A rock band that represents Japan
- A roundup of debut songs by Japanese female artists from the 1970s
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Dawn of Japanese Rock: A Compilation of Debut Songs by 1970s Japanese Rock Bands (1–10)
infightingSenchimentaru Shiti Romansu
Sentimental City Romance, formed in Nagoya and still active today, brought a refreshing breeze to Japan’s rock scene with a sound that fused West Coast rock and country.
Their debut track centers on the everyday squabbles of lovers, yet the sound is astonishingly sophisticated.
The precise choral work and deft twin-guitar ensemble reach a level of polish that makes sense of the 1975 anecdote that Haruomi Hosono declined to produce them.
This song later served as the theme for a TV drama and brims with the charm that can be called the essence of “Sench.” It’s a comfortable rock tune you’ll want to spin on a lazy holiday afternoon.
My little brother rode in a flying saucer.yoninbayashi
The band Yonin Bayashi, renowned for their overwhelming musicianship on par with overseas acts, became a sensation.
Released in September 1975, this debut single captures their uniquely compelling appeal.
The lyrics tell a surreal, slightly bittersweet story in which the singer’s younger brother departs into the sky on a silver disc.
There’s even a mysterious rule that you can’t get a ride unless you’ve appeared in a film, drawing listeners into a singular world.
While the sound features the complex structures typical of prog, Katsutoshi Morizono’s guitar lines carry a pop-like, approachable melodicism.
Originally not included on any album, the track was later added to the CD reissue of the masterpiece Isshoku Sokuhatsu.
If you want to experience the innovative sound that rewrote the rules of Japanese rock, this is a must-check.
Hymn to Japangedō
Gedo is a band that truly kicked off in 1973 under the leadership of guitarist Hideto Kano.
With their overwhelming explosive power on stage and rough, unruly playing that foreshadowed punk, they shocked the rock scene of the time.
This track is their landmark debut single, released in October 1973.
It slips in an iconic melody in the intro and turns patriotic language on its head to deliver a biting satire of the state—a song that’s pure rebellious spirit.
The piece also reads like a manifesto for their live-first ethos, and the following year they released the acclaimed live album “Gedo.” If you want to experience the roots of Japan’s hard rock—gritty, muscular, and message-driven—this is essential listening.
Dawn of Japanese Rock: A Compilation of Debut Songs by 1970s Japanese Rock Bands (11–20)
Concert tourmentanpin
Often dubbed the “Grateful Dead of Japan,” Mentanpin’s landmark major‑label debut single is a number that embodies their DIY spirit—they reportedly loaded their own gear onto a truck and toured the country.
Rooted in Southern rock and blues, its earthy groove feels wonderfully organic, while the twin drums and triple‑guitar lineup weave a massive ensemble sound that gives you the exhilarating sensation of barreling down an endless road.
Depicting the band traveling and performing concerts, the song resonates with a pure passion for music.
Opening their debut album MENTANPIN, released in June 1975, it’s an essential track in the history of ’70s Japanese rock—and the perfect companion for a drive, delivering peak road‑trip vibes.
Cleaning ladyYūkadan
This debut single by Yūkadan, whose raspy vocals are hailed as an “angel’s husky voice,” seizes listeners’ hearts.
It’s a Japanese blues number that candidly portrays the daily life of an office-building cleaner and the earnest wish hidden within.
The stark reality of a 2,000-yen day wage and the gap with a modest dream are superbly expressed through Atsuki Kimura’s deeply human vocals and Kantaro Uchida’s masterful slide guitar.
Released in October 1975, the song is also legendary for having its broadcast restricted just one week after release due to its shocking lyrics.
It’s a warm yet powerful number that gently stays by your side when you’re weighed down by the futility of everyday life.
Sweet Home OsakaFanī Kanpanī
Dubbed “Carol in the East, Fanykan in the West,” Funny Company is etched into the history of Japanese rock.
Blending Masahiro Kuwana’s gritty yet soulful vocals with a genuine band sound steeped in blues and Southern rock, this track stands as their landmark debut single, released in November 1972.
Its lyrics, written warmly in Kansai dialect, convey both love for their hometown Osaka and the loneliness of leaving it—enough to make your chest tighten as you listen.
The song was also included on the following year’s album Funny Company.
It’s an irresistible number for anyone who wants to feel the unique intensity and earthy cool of 1970s Japanese rock.
Play it when you’re thinking of your hometown, and you might discover a different flavor to it.
Summer for Twoainu
Aido is known as the band that Shogo Hamada, who later found great success as a solo artist, once belonged to.
This debut track, which can be considered their starting point and which also drew attention for serving as Takuro Yoshida’s backing band, was released in May 1975.
Its beautiful choral work, reminiscent of the Beach Boys, leaves a strong impression, and Shogo Hamada’s depiction of a fleeting summer love conjures vivid scenes.
The sweetness of looking back on happy days and the aching realization that you can’t return to them tightens the chest.
There’s an anecdote that, at the time of their debut, the record label couldn’t decide which song to release as the single because both scored over 40% in monitor surveys.
If you want to hear a fresh, nostalgic summer tune born in the dawn of Japanese rock, this is a must-check.