Debut songs by Japanese male artists from the 1970s
We’re showcasing the debut songs of Japanese male artists who started their careers in the 1970s.
From top idol singers like the “New Big Three” — Hideki Saijo, Hiromi Go, and Goro Noguchi — to many others.
It was also an era when the foundation of Japanese music was built, centered around folk songs and New Music.
There are still many singers from that time who remain active today!
Beyond the allure of the era’s backdrop, I think it’s wonderful that their music still feels fresh even now.
Let’s listen to the debut songs of male artists who debuted in the 1970s!
- Debut song of a 1970s idol
- [Showa Kayō] A roundup of Japanese love songs that hit in the 1970s
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- [1970s] Collection of Japanese hit songs. Nostalgic masterpieces of Japan
- Dawn of Japanese Rock: A Collection of Debut Songs by 1970s Japanese Rock Bands
- Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking: 1970s Japanese Music
- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
- Nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1970s: the golden age of idols and kayōkyoku (Japanese pop songs)
- [Japanese Music] A Collection of Heart-Touching Hit Folk Songs from the 1970s
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese idols from the 1970s
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- [1970s] Classic and hit songs of Japanese rock that blazed through the dawn era
Debut songs by Japanese male artists in the 1970s (1–10)
Poem of Imagesyoshida takurou
While achieving the remarkable feat of popularizing folk music—which had long been associated with anti-establishment and anti-commercialism—this is the debut single by singer-songwriter Takuro Yoshida, who announced his retirement from all musical activities in 2022.
Its memorable ensemble centered on acoustic guitar and a simple yet catchy melody really sticks with you.
The lyrics, which capture impressions of society that seem separate from one another, may evoke an image of the unchanging nature of people, past and present.
With an overflowing, syllable-heavy melody that stirs the heart, this number lets you truly feel the delicacy of folk music.
Burning LoverHongo Naoki
Naoki Hongo served in the Ground Self-Defense Force before debuting as a singer in 1971, and later also found success as an actor.
With his debut single “Moeru Koibito” (Burning Lover), he won the New Artist Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards.
The gently unfolding sound carries a sense of tender sensuality.
In contrast to the calm, mellow sound, the lyrics evoke the mood of a passionate love song, and combined with Hongo’s powerful vocals, you can feel an irrepressible, intense affection.
Including its title, the song conveys a surging love and a heat that feels as though the emotion is blazing up.
Harbor LightMizutani Yutaka
This is the debut single by singer Yutaka Mizutani, better known as an actor for his portrayal of Ukyo Sugishita in the TV drama Aibou.
It’s a richly textured kayōkyoku piece where a moody ensemble—featuring organ and strings—perfectly complements Mizutani’s deep, rugged vocals.
The sentimental lyrics, which evoke a scene of parting, combine with the song’s ethereal tones to stir a sense of nostalgia.
It’s an emotional number that showcases the expressive power unique to an actor—definitely worth listening for that nuance.
Debut songs by Japanese male artists from the 1970s (11–20)
Teens BluesHarada Shinji
Shinji Harada is a singer-songwriter who debuted in 1977 at the young age of 18.
A multi-instrumentalist who plays various instruments such as guitar and piano, his talent was discovered by Takuro Yoshida, which led to his debut.
Harada also composed his debut song, “Teens Blues.” Its buoyant, Western-influenced sound incorporating piano tones is striking, conveying both a fun atmosphere and a hint of melancholy.
The song expresses the fragility of youth and the determination to throw oneself wholeheartedly into things that can only be done right now.
Album “CIRCUS TOWN”Yamashita Tatsuro
The debut album by singer-songwriter Tatsuro Yamashita, known as an iconic figure of Japanese city pop that has been rediscovered in recent years and who continues to be highly active today.
Created in the wake of the breakup of Sugar Babe and the sense of setback that followed, the album was recorded overseas to assess his own musical abilities.
It features tracks recorded at studios in both New York and Los Angeles.
Anecdotes—such as how it served as proof of his own aesthetic ideals and became a turning point from his band-era musical direction—suggest it profoundly influenced his originality as an artist.
This album is packed with the essence of Tatsuro Yamashita’s beginnings, and is one you should listen to now more than ever.
interaction; friendly contact; bondingNakamura Masatoshi
This is the debut single by singer Masatoshi Nakamura, who has held concert tours every year since his 1974 debut while working in parallel as an actor.
The song was used as an insert track for the TV drama “Our Youth!” and, despite being his debut, became a huge hit, selling over a million copies.
Its memorable acoustic guitar arpeggios perfectly match his powerful yet wistful vocals, creating a sound that vividly conjures the scenery depicted in the lyrics.
Loved across generations, the number was also used as an insert song in the 2015 TV drama “Prime Minister and I.”
sparklersadamasashi
This is the debut single by singer-songwriter Masashi Sada, who made his major-label debut as part of the folk duo Grape and, after their breakup, has released numerous classic songs as a solo artist.
Centered on sparklers enjoyed during Nagasaki’s Shoro Nagashi festival in his hometown, it’s a wistful number featuring nostalgic acoustic guitar tones.
Sada’s voice, blending fragility and strength, resonates alongside the melancholic melody.
It’s a delicate piece whose dreamy, sentimental atmosphere evokes vivid scenes.