[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 Kayō] A collection of Japanese love songs that hit in the 1970s (21–30)
A Small Love StoryAgunesu Chan
Released in October 1973, “A Little Love Story” is the only song by Agnes Chan to reach No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It was used as an insert song in the film “It’s a Big Case, Everyone Assemble!!,” which was released the same year.
Forbidden lovesawada kenji
This was Kenji Sawada’s third single, released in March 1972.
It won the Vocal Performance Award at the 14th Japan Record Awards and the Excellence Award at the 5th Japan Cable Music Awards.
Sawada also performed this song on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Its highest position on the Oricon charts was No.
4.
Aquamarine Lovetenchi mari
This was Mari Amachi’s debut song released in October 1971, and at the time she was given the catchphrase “Snow White.” It peaked at No.
3 on the Oricon chart.
It was once used as an insert song in Fushigi na Melmo.
Windmill of Lovecherisshu
This is a single released by Cherish in January 1974, which stayed on the Oricon weekly chart for 19 consecutive weeks.
Its peak position was No.
3.
It was also performed at the 25th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Mari Amachi and Megumi Asaoka covered the song.
Let’s get married.yoshida takurou
It’s a single released by Takuro Yoshida (now known as Takuro Yoshida) in January 1972, which reached No.
3 on the Oricon chart.
That same year, Yoshida actually married Keiko Shikaku.
The song has been covered by many singers, including Mari Amachi and Saori Minami.