![[Showa Kayō] A roundup of Japanese love songs that hit in the 1970s](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LNwTnVKMxIU/hqdefault.jpg)
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 (1–10)
youKozaka Akiko
Akiko Kosaka’s debut single, released in December 1973, originated from lyrics a second-year high school student wrote in just about 20 minutes during class, paired with a melody composed at home.
It is a wistful, imagined love story that begins with the conditional phrase, “If I were to build a house.” While carefully depicting European-style scenes—crimson roses, white pansies, a fireplace, and a small door—the song quietly reflects on the memory of a love that never came true.
Hiroshi Miyagawa’s arrangement, featuring strings and an elegant piano accompaniment, adds a prayer-like warmth.
One month after its release, the song reached No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart and held the top spot for seven consecutive weeks, becoming a major hit with total shipments exceeding two million copies.
With its drama-like development worthy of a TV theme and a gentle, singable melody, this masterpiece resonates with everyone who dreams of a peaceful life with someone dear.
A Dangerous Pairsawada kenji
Released in April 1973, this was Kenji Sawada’s sixth single and a landmark work that earned him his first No.
1 on the Oricon chart as a solo artist.
Kazumi Yasui’s lyrics weave in a forbidden-feeling relationship between an older woman and a younger man, expressing an unrelenting, earnest longing—unable to give up even after a farewell—in urbane language.
Osamu Shoji’s arrangement masterfully fuses the sharp edge of rock with the sweetness of kayō, with strings layered over a tight rhythm to evoke a scent of transgression.
Sawada’s sultry vocals unleash their allure in the chorus, leaping from low to high notes and embodying the thrill of a precarious romance.
Winner of the Popularity Awards at both the 1973 Japan Kayo Awards and the Japan Record Awards, this piece stands as a monumental example of Showa-era kayō rock that sings of adult love.
Journey of the Heartchūrippu
Tulip’s third single, released by Toshiba EMI in April 1973, is a classic that poignantly portrays the bittersweet feelings of a protagonist setting off on a journey by train.
Written and composed by Kazuo Zaitsu and tenderly sung by Tatsuya Himeno, whose sweet voice conveys the longing for a lover far away, the song topped the Oricon weekly chart and sold a total of 870,000 copies, becoming one of Tulip’s signature love songs.
It has been widely featured in tie-ins, including the Fuji TV program “Ninjō Ippon Kokoro no Tabi,” a Toyota Carina commercial, and JR West’s graduation trip campaign, making it a heart-tugging tune for the season of farewells and new departures.
It gently accompanies those in long-distance relationships and anyone parting from someone special due to graduation or a job transfer.
To say goodbyebiriibanban
An eternal classic by Billy BanBan that sings of a quiet acceptance—that both falling in love and parting are precious times.
Released in February 1972 as a single on Geion Records, it was chosen as the theme song for the NTV drama “3-chome 4-banchi.” It reached No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart in July of the same year and ranked No.
3 for the year.
The duo also made their first appearance on Kōhaku Uta Gassen, their pure sibling harmonies resonating across Japan.
Rather than mourning separation alone, the song offers a warm gaze of gratitude for the encounter and the time shared, touching the heart.
It’s a piece that gently accompanies those facing a milestone with someone dear, or walking through a turning point in life.
Love Dial 6700Fingā 5
This gem of a song captures the sweet-and-sour feeling of first love, opening with a catchy telephone ring—“Rin-rin-ri-riin”—and the adorable greeting, “Hello, darling!” With lyrics by Yu Aku and music by Tadao Inoue, it portrays the protagonist’s hesitant heart, unable to find the courage to make the call, set to a lively rock ’n’ roll beat.
Released in December 1973 as their third single, it topped the Oricon charts for four consecutive weeks and became a massive hit, selling over 1.6 million copies.
It was also chosen as the theme song for the film Finger Five’s Great Adventure released the following year, bringing the charm of the family band to audiences nationwide.
If you’ve ever clutched a receiver with a pounding heart before confessing your feelings, this one is guaranteed to make your heart skip a beat!