[Showa Kayō] A roundup of Japanese love songs that hit in the 1970s
Faint first loves, heartrending unrequited crushes, passionate declarations of love… The 1970s produced countless Japanese love songs that still make our hearts flutter today.
In an era that blossomed with rich sensibilities and free expression after the period of rapid economic growth, feelings of love were sung both directly and delicately across a diverse sonic palette—from intense rock sounds and enka to kayōkyoku and city pop.
In this article, we introduce exquisite love songs born in the golden age of Shōwa-era pop.
Whether you’re basking in nostalgia or discovering these songs for the first time, come savor the timeless sparkle of youthful love.
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[Showa-era Kayōkyoku] A collection of Japanese love songs that were hits in the 1970s (11–20)
Passionate loveSaijō Hideki
Opening with a striking phrase, this song portrays a passionate love that the singer is determined to pursue even against others’ opposition.
Released in May 1974 as Hideki Saijo’s 9th single, it stands as a quintessential example of funky kayō, with lyrics by Kazumi Yasui and composition/arrangement by Koji Makaino.
A buoyant, leaping beat led by the horn section underpins Saijo’s dynamic shouts, directly expressing the unstoppable impulse of love.
Though it peaked at No.
2 on Oricon, it stayed on the charts for 19 weeks and ranked No.
8 for the year.
Its powerful TV performances also became a hot topic, cementing Saijo’s image of passion and action.
It’s a classic Showa-era tune that gives you a push when you can’t hold back your feelings for someone and want to charge ahead.
Farewell, my loverSakai Masaaki
This was Masakazu Sakai’s debut single, released in May 1971, which peaked at number two on the Oricon weekly chart.
It won the Popular Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards and was also performed at the 22nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Listening to OliviaAnri
A melody that gently envelops the lingering ache of a bittersweet romance, paired with refined musicianship, resonates deeply in the heart.
The lyrics, which carefully depict a woman healing her delicate emotions after a breakup while listening to Olivia Newton-John’s songs, have struck a chord with many.
With Anri’s clear, translucent vocals giving the piece a sophisticated, urban feel, it was released in November 1978 and included on the album “Anri.” In 2008, it was also featured as an insert song in the Nippon TV drama “Saito-san,” cementing its status as a timeless classic loved across generations.
This warm ballad offers comfort to those trying to recover from the pain of heartbreak and to anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.
Love in KyotoNAGISA YŪKO
It is a single released by The Ventures in February 1970.
In May of the same year, a cover version by Yūko Nagisa was released, and it reached number one on the Oricon chart.
It also received the Planning Award at the Japan Record Awards.
Love is vulnerable.Hide to Rozanna
It’s a single released by Hide and Rosanna in May 1970, and they also performed this song at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It reached number one on the Oricon weekly chart.
There is a scene where the song is sung in a Crayon Shin-chan movie.