[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 roundup of Japanese love songs that were hits in the 70s (41–50)
To my distant loverSaijō Hideki
A heartwarming medium-tempo ballad by Hideki Saijo that poignantly sings of his feelings for the lover he left behind in his hometown after moving to the city.
Released in November 1978, the song reached No.
8 on the Oricon chart.
With a powerful voice, it gently embraces the yearning for a dear one far away and the hope for the arrival of spring.
The strong will to reunite with his lover after a long winter resonates with a beautiful melody, leaving a deep impression on listeners.
This work stands as a classic that conveys the preciousness of love that remains unchanged despite distance, offering comfort to everyone living apart from their loved ones.
Love’s American FootballFingā 5
This is a single released by Finger 5 in June 1974, which won the Young Idol Award at the Japan Record Awards and the Federation of Broadcast Music Producers Award at the Japan Song Awards.
It was also used as an insert song in the film “The Great Adventure of Finger 5,” released the same year.
The arrival of springKoyanagi Rumiko
This song was released in February 1973 as Rumiko Koyanagi’s seventh single.
Written by Michio Yamagami with music by Koichi Morita, it became a major hit, reaching No.
4 on the Oricon weekly chart.
The lyrics are striking for their delicate portrayal of two people walking along the springtime shore and the fluttering emotions of visiting a lover’s home for the first time.
You can vividly picture the gentle, warm scenes: footprints left on the sandy beach and the family’s smiles as they bring tea.
It’s a track that conveys the budding promise of new love with the arrival of spring, as well as the bonds of family.
Perfect for those moments when, wrapped in the warmth of spring, you feel like looking back on memories with someone dear.
spring hazeIwasaki Hiromi
Released in 1979, this song centers on the bittersweet feelings of springtime love.
Michio Yamagami’s delicate lyrics blend beautifully with Kyohei Tsutsumi’s gorgeous melody, while Hiromi Iwasaki’s clear, pure vocals enhance its charm.
Set against the backdrop of cherry blossoms at about sixty percent bloom, it paints a scene that foreshadows a parting between lovers, making for a deeply moving piece.
It was also featured on TBS Television’s “The Best Ten,” earning widespread popularity.
A perfect song for the arrival of spring, especially when you feel like looking back on a past romance.
It might just awaken the sweet, heartrending memories sleeping in your heart.
Love’s Indian DollRinrin Ranran
This is a single released in April 1974 by the twin-sister duo Rinrin Lanlan.
It was their debut song and also their biggest hit.
Its peak position on the Oricon Weekly Chart was 27.
It was later covered by W (Double You).
Tearful LoveYashiro Aki
Released in February 1973, this song by Aki Yashiro reached No.
12 on the Oricon weekly chart.
With this song, Yashiro made her first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
That same year, a film themed around the song, “Yoru no Kayō Series: Namida Koi,” was also released.
Kanda RiverMinami Kōsetsu & Kaguyahime
Released as a single in September 1973, it is one of the signature songs of Kosetsu Minami and Kaguyahime.
It reached number one on the Oricon weekly chart.
Many artists, including Rumiko Koyanagi and Kyu Sakamoto, have covered it.
There is a monument inscribed with the song’s lyrics in Nakano Ward.