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!
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Debut songs by Japanese male artists from the 1970s (11–20)
Dawn of PartingOzaki Kiyohiko
This is the first single by singer Kiyohiko Ozaki, who made his solo debut after his stint with The Wonders, a group that disbanded after just two years from 1967.
Although the song, which features his trademark dynamic vocals, garnered attention, it is known as an ill-fated track that couldn’t boost its sales because he was caught up in a traffic accident and unable to promote it.
Beginning with a melancholic string intro and building with his expansive, soulful voice, the arrangement must have astonished many music fans at the time.
Moody yet powerful, it’s a number that exudes a gravitas hard to believe for a debut track.
Hakata MirenNoguchi Goro
This is the debut single by singer Goro Noguchi, who is also known for having started out as an enka singer.
Today, beyond his entertainment career, he is active in a wide range of fields as an IT engineer and entrepreneur.
Despite being released with the catchphrase “a charming enka hopeful,” the single failed to gain traction, and with the next release he shifted to an idol style.
In that sense, this may be the only track where you can hear his rare voice as an enka singer.
His vocals have a depth hard to believe for someone in their teens, making you feel he would have succeeded even had he stayed on the enka path.
It’s a song that attests to Noguchi’s vocal prowess—proof that his later explosive popularity as one of the ‘New Big Three’ was well deserved.
Boys and girlsGō Hiromi
It’s hard to believe he was sickly as a child, given how he still captivates fans with his consistently powerful singing voice—this is male singer Hiromi Go’s debut single.
Released with the catchy tagline “the younger brother of Four Leaves,” the song features charming lyrics that make the most of his androgynous looks.
Beneath his boyish innocence, his strong vocal ability and powerful voice peek through; listening again, you may find it has an impact you wouldn’t expect from a debut.
It’s no wonder he rose to popularity as one of the “New Big Three.” This is a quintessential 1970s idol song that almost everyone has heard at least once.
Fleeting RomanceTakekawa Yukihide
Born into a family of musicians, this is the debut single by singer-songwriter Yukihide Takekawa—best known as the lead vocalist and principal composer of the progressive rock band Godiego.
It was released ahead of his first album, Runaway Romance, which was unusual for the 1970s in that all of its lyrics were in English.
With its lively rock sound and English-language lyrics, the arrangement unmistakably evokes Western rock.
The swiftly shifting song structure must have felt innovative in a Japanese music scene then dominated by kayōkyoku and folk.
Even today, its dramatically unfolding ensemble feels fresh—a rock tune you’ll want to replay again and again.
Poem of the Sea Breezeogura kei
This is the debut single by singer-songwriter Kei Ogura, who announced his retirement from the entertainment industry in 2021, the 50th anniversary of his debut, with his retirement now planned for 2022 due to tour postponements.
The arrangement, featuring an enveloping vocal and acoustic guitar, leaves a poignant impression.
The lyrics, which depict the sense of emptiness of youth in beautifully chosen words, evoke the timeless anxiety and frustration unique to young people, no matter the era.
It’s a number whose distinctive kayōkyoku-style pathos resonates deeply, conjuring the musical and social sensibilities of the 1970s.
lingering regretHosokawa Takashi
This is the debut single by enka singer Takashi Hosokawa, who, during his amateur days, was active mainly at clubs in Sapporo’s Susukino district and was even called the “Shinichi Mori of Sapporo.” With a high-tone voice unusual for an enka singer and overwhelming vocal power forged through folk-song training and lung capacity, this number earned him numerous newcomer music awards.
Its unforgettable, striking phrase—once heard, never forgotten—has likely crossed eras and reached many listeners at least once.
Despite its heartrending lyrics, the commanding vocals create a powerful impact, making this a song that truly embodies the spirit of Japan.
Debut songs by Japanese male artists from the 1970s (21–30)
rainMiyoshi Eiji
It was released in 1972 as Eishi Miyoshi’s debut single.
It reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Thanks to the song’s success, he won the Newcomer Award at the 14th Japan Record Awards and the Broadcast Music Newcomer Award at the 3rd Japan Kayō Awards.