[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)
Summer for Twoainu
This is the debut single released by the rock band Aido in May 1975.
Shogo Hamada, who wrote and composed the song, later covered it himself.
There are also cover versions by Tatsuro Yamashita and Megumi Shiina.
Incidentally, Aido disbanded the year after the release.
Let me have that wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu
It’s a single released by Osamu Kitayama and Kazuhiko Kato in April 1971, which reached No.
10 on the Oricon weekly chart.
Many musicians, including Mari Amachi and Yosui Inoue, have covered it.
It’s also well known as a choral piece.
My boyfriend is left-handed.Asaoka Megumi
It is a single released by Megumi Asaoka in July 1973, which reached number one on the Oricon chart.
It also won the Popularity Award at the Japan Record Awards and the Broadcast Music Award at the Japan Kayō Awards.
Asaoka made her first appearance at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen with this song.
Only youAoi Teruhiko
This is a single released by Teruhiko Aoi in June 1976, which ranked number one on the Oricon chart for six consecutive weeks.
Aoi performed this song at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The lyricist is Masumi Ōno, who later recorded a self-cover.
Azusa No. 2karyūdō
Released in March 1977 as the debut single by Kariudo, it reached No.
4 on the Oricon weekly chart and won the New Artist Award at the 19th Japan Record Awards.
The song is about a woman who sets off on a journey after breaking up with her lover.