[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 were hits in the 1970s (31–40)
Torn LoveSaijō Hideki
With this song released in September 1973, Hideki Saijo topped the Oricon weekly chart for the first time.
He also won the Vocal Performance Award at the Japan Record Awards.
A notable feature is the spoken lines inserted midway through the track.
It was later covered by WEST SUN.
Aoba Castle Love Songsatou muneyuki
Released in May 1978, this single by Muneyuki Sato is also beloved as a local song of Miyagi Prefecture.
It won the Best New Artist Award at the FNS Music Festival and the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.
Additionally, a version sung by Dark Ducks was released in the same year.
I’m crazy about you.kyandīzu
It’s the debut single by Candies, released in September 1973, and it peaked at No.
36 on the Oricon chart.
The song expresses feelings toward a beloved man.
It was later covered by Chisa Yokoyama and THE Possible, and it was also played at Yoshiko Tanaka’s funeral.
Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko
This was Keiko Fuji’s third single, released in April 1970.
It spent an astonishing 10 consecutive weeks at the top of the Oricon charts and also won the Japan Record Grand Prix.
The song was performed at the 21st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and many artists, including Hibari Misora and Aki Yashiro, have covered it.
Boys and girlsGō Hiromi
It was Hiromi Go’s debut single, released in August 1972.
Incidentally, at the time Go was billed with the catchphrase “the younger brother of Four Leaves.” It peaked at No.
8 on the Oricon chart and earned him the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.