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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- Cool band: A rock band that represents Japan
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Dawn of Japanese Rock: A Collection of Debut Songs by 1970s Japanese Rock Bands (21–30)
Solitary BloomCHAGE and ASKA
Released in August 1979, this was Chage & Aska’s debut single, and it was also included on their first album “Kazemai,” released in April 1980.
Originally a seven-member rock band, Chage & Aska created the song for a pre-debut contest.
There’s a well-known story that they missed out on the grand prize because Ryo Asuka started singing with the wrong opening line during the contest performance.
Purple Highwayku-ru-su
Released in September 1975, this was Cools’ debut single, and it was included on their first album, “The World of Cools ~ Black Rock ’n’ Roll,” which came out the same month.
The group originally began as a motorcycle team formed mainly by actor Hiroshi Tachi, and they served as the honor guard for the rock band Carol, even taking part in Carol’s farewell concert.
Before the band’s debut, Koichi Iwaki—who is still active as an actor today—was also a member, but he did not participate in this debut single because his acting debut had already been decided.
Dawn of Japanese Rock: A Compilation of Debut Songs by 1970s Japanese Rock Bands (31–40)
Morning of PartingPedoro & Kapurishasu
Released in October 1971, this was Pedro & Capricious’s debut single, and it was also included on their first album, “Wakare no Asa,” released in March 1972.
When you think of Pedro & Capricious, songs like “To Mary on Fifth Avenue” and “A Message to Johnny” are well-known, and there’s a strong association with Mariko Takahashi, who continues to be active as a solo singer.
She was the second lead vocalist, joining from their fourth single, “A Message to Johnny,” while this debut track was sung by the original lead vocalist, Yoko Maeno.
Louisiana BluesFLOWER TRAVELLIN’ BAND
Released in 1970, this song is included on Flower Travellin’ Band’s debut album “Anywhere.” Because it appears as the second track—following the introductory guitar piece—it is often regarded as their debut song.
This hard rock band, well-known at rock events and once featuring Yuya Uchida on percussion and as a producer, was highly acclaimed overseas.
Flowers, Sun, RainPYG
Released in April 1971, this is PYG’s debut single, and it was also included on their first album “PYG!” released in August of the same year.
PYG was a rock band formed mainly around Kenji Sawada, the former lead vocalist of The Tigers, along with Kenichi Hagiwara and Ittoku Kishibe, who are now active as actors.
Katsuo Ōno, who created numerous classic songs, joined on organ.
Formed to break away from the Group Sounds scene, the band delivered a distinctly different rock flavor from the songs by The Tigers and The Tempters, and this track reflects that shift.
dandelionGaro
Released in October 1971, this was Garo’s debut single, and it was also included on their first album, “GARO,” released in November of the same year.
It’s also well known that the producer was Mickey Curtis, who is famous in Japan as a rock musician.
As one of the bands that helped establish the folk-rock genre, this debut single has a strong folk flavor.
Run to me, my loverArisu
Released in March 1972 as Alice’s debut single.
Although it was unfortunately not included on any original studio album, it appears on their first best-of album, ALICE MEMORIAL 1972–1975, released in March 1980.
While Alice is one of the bands that helped establish the folk rock genre, in their early days right after their debut the folk song influence was somewhat stronger, giving this track a sound that reflects its era.