[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)
Cactus Flowerchūrippu
A poignant love song themed around parting and renewal with a loved one.
Sparked by a small incident one day, the girlfriend storms out of the room; from there, the lyrics delicately depict the scene of the room left behind and the man’s inner feelings.
Gentle lines evoke everyday images—the snowy view from the window, a half-knitted glove, laundry—rising vividly to the mind.
Released in February 1975, this work is cherished by many fans as one of Tulip’s signature songs.
It drew renewed attention as the theme song for the 1993 TV drama “Under One Roof,” making it widely known among younger generations as well.
Its beautiful melody, conveying both the pain of heartbreak and a sense of hope, carries a universal message that resonates with the heart.
It’s the perfect song for looking back on a bygone romance or deepening your feelings for someone special.
As long as the sun is in the skynishikino akira
A gem of a love song that sings of eternal love.
By paralleling the steadfast presence of the sun with unchanging love, it portrays the strong bond between two people.
The lyrics and melody, which convey heartfelt feelings for a lover with pure sincerity, continue to move many people as a true symbol of everlasting love.
Released by Akira Nishikino in February 1971, it became a major hit, reaching No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It was later used in a 1994 commercial for an English conversation school and in a 2007 Suntory C.C.
Lemon commercial, remaining beloved across generations.
When you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special, this resonant piece will surely wrap you in a gentle warmth.
Love MemoryMatsuzaki Shigeru
This is a gem of a love ballad sung by Shigeru Matsuzaki.
The lyrics, celebrating deep affection and the joy of life, overflow with a pure vow of eternal love.
Released in August 1977, it became a major talking point as the theme song for Glico Almond Chocolate, starring Tomokazu Miura and Momoe Yamaguchi in the commercial.
That same year, Matsuzaki made his first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and the following year the song was selected as the entrance march for the 50th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to while reflecting on those irreplaceable memories of love that everyone experiences at least once.
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.