[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)
Journey of LoveUchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five
This is a single released in April 1970 by Hiroshi Uchiyamada and The Cool Five, with Kiyoshi Maekawa as the lead vocalist.
Its highest position on the Oricon chart was No.
4.
Incidentally, every song Hiroshi Uchiyamada and The Cool Five released that same year made the top ten on Oricon, so it could be said they were at the peak of their popularity.
Will you marry me?Niinuma Kenji
It is a signature song by Kenji Niinuma, released in June 1976.
It peaked at No.
31 on the Oricon charts and earned the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.
Niinuma made his first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen with this song.
It was later covered by Atsuki Kimura.
You’re too beautifulNoguchi Goro
This is a single by Goro Noguchi released in July 1973.
It reached No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart.
He also performed it at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a song that expresses feelings for a beautiful woman.
It was later covered by Candies.
interaction; friendly contact; bondingNakamura Masatoshi
It was Masatoshi Nakamura’s debut single, released in July 1974.
It reached number one on the Oricon chart.
It was also used as an insert song in the TV drama “We Are Youth!” in which Nakamura appeared.
It was later covered by Yoshie Kashiwabara and Mariko Takahashi.
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.