[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.

Playlist

[Showa Kayō] A roundup of Japanese love songs that hit in the 1970s
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	youKozaka Akiko		A masterpiece about unrequited love written by a high school student
2	A Dangerous Pairsawada kenji		Sing Kiyoshi Sawada’s famous song, Believer’s Love
3	Journey of the Heartchūrippu		A bittersweet love song of departure, a timeless masterpiece that resonates with the heart
4	To say goodbyebiriibanban		A classic song that warmly sings about meeting and parting with people
5	Love Dial 6700Fingā 5		A classic song that captures the thrill of first love, the sweetness of a phone call.
6	Love without meetingUchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five		A classic song that portrays the bittersweet pain and intensity of a love that cannot be.
7	You’re not alone.tenchi mari		The famous song “Hitorijanai” by Mari Amachi
8	Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi		A classic song that captures the heartache of a long-distance relationship
9	LetterYuki Saori		Saori Yuki’s lyrical farewell song
10	Ballad of the RainYubara Masayuki		Masayuki Yuhara's wistful ballad: City Rain and Love
11	Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii		Popular singles by Pink Lady
12	A Little Lovetenchi mari		A signature song by Mari Amachi that depicts the scene of first love.
13	The Scent of CyclamenFuse Akira		Akira Fuse’s classic song “Ai no Uta,” a million-selling hit written and composed by Kei Ogura.
14	Heartbreak RestaurantShimizu Kentarō		Kentarō Shimizu’s song that envelops a wounded heart
15	I want to go back to that dayArai Yumi		A classic song that sings of gentle sorrow becomes a hit.
16	Passionate loveSaijō Hideki		A passionate love, Hideki Saijo’s classic that charges straight ahead
17	Farewell, my loverSakai Masaaki		Masaaki Sakai’s debut song and an early signature hit
18	Listening to OliviaAnri		Anri’s classic ballad that heals the pain of heartbreak
19	Love in KyotoNAGISA YŪKO		A single by Yuko Nagisa that became a big hit
20	Love is vulnerable.Hide to Rozanna		The 1970 hit song by Hide and Rosanna
21	A Small Love StoryAgunesu Chan		Agnes Chan's number one signature song
22	Forbidden lovesawada kenji		Kenji Sawada’s “Yawara” gained popularity as an award-winning song.
23	Aquamarine Lovetenchi mari		Debut song “Itoshi no Ellie” becomes a hit
24	Windmill of Lovecherisshu		Cherish's smash hit
25	Let’s get married.yoshida takurou		Takuro Yoshida’s classic song gained popularity.
26	Summer for Twoainu		Shogo Hamada’s debut song with Aido, also sung by Tatsuro Yamashita
27	Let me have that wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu		A famous song by Osamu Kitayama and Kazuhiko Kato, covered by many singers.
28	My boyfriend is left-handed.Asaoka Megumi		Megumi Asaoka's popular song, the classic that marked her first appearance on the Kōhaku music show
29	Only youAoi Teruhiko		Aoi Teruhiko’s smash hit leads to a Kōhaku appearance
30	Azusa No. 2karyūdō		The debut song by The Hunters, singing about a romantic breakup.
31	Torn LoveSaijō Hideki		Hideki Saijo tops the chart with his debut single
32	Aoba Castle Love Songsatou muneyuki		The popular song “Kahoku Shimpo,” a Miyagi classic
33	I’m crazy about you.kyandīzu		An inspiring masterpiece that sings of the feelings of first love
34	Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko		Keiko Fuji’s smash hit tops the charts for 10 consecutive weeks
35	Boys and girlsGō Hiromi		Hiromi Go's debut single was a big hit.
36	Journey of LoveUchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five		Kiyoshi Maekawa’s hit song reached No. 4 on the Oricon chart.
37	Will you marry me?Niinuma Kenji		Kenji Niinuma’s classic song, the one from his first appearance on Kōhaku.
38	You’re too beautifulNoguchi Goro		Goro Noguchi’s classic, a song expressing feelings for a beautiful woman
39	interaction; friendly contact; bondingNakamura Masatoshi		A debut single that became a big hit
40	Kanda RiverMinami Kōsetsu & Kaguyahime		A famous song by Kousetsu Minami, a chart-topping masterpiece
41	Cactus Flowerchūrippu		A signature love song by Tulip that portrays parting and rebirth
42	As long as the sun is in the skynishikino akira		A gem of a love song that expresses eternal love
43	Love MemoryMatsuzaki Shigeru		Shigeru Matsuzaki’s love ballad
44	To my distant loverSaijō Hideki		Hideo Saijo of the city: a classic song about love from his hometown
45	Love’s American FootballFingā 5		Popular single songs by Finger 5
46	The arrival of springKoyanagi Rumiko		The famous song by Rumiko Koyanagi that depicts the spring seaside
47	spring hazeIwasaki Hiromi		Bittersweet spring love, feelings woven into the scene of cherry blossoms
48	Love’s Indian DollRinrin Ranran		Covered after W by the twin duo’s hit song
49	Tearful LoveYashiro Aki		Aki Yashiro’s popular song “Namida Koi” (Tearful Love)
50	A summer to rememberYamaguchi Momoe		Momoe Yamaguchi’s classic hit, an award-winning masterpiece
51	My heart is stop-motionKuwae Tomoko		Tomoko Kuwae's debut single: highly popular and recipient of numerous awards.
52	I’ll give it to you.Nishikawa Mineko		Mineko Nishikawa’s debut song is a big hit.