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 from the 1970s (21–30)
O troubled oneSaitō Tetsuo
Tetsuo Saito is from Konosu City in Saitama Prefecture and graduated from Meiji Gakuin University.
He made his singing debut with this song produced by Yoshio Hayakawa.
About 2,000 copies of the song were pressed, and its highly literary lyrics earned him nicknames such as “the young philosopher” and “the singing philosopher.”
Heartbreak RestaurantShimizu Kentarō
It was released in 1976 as Kentaro Shimizu’s debut single.
The lyrics, composition, and arrangement were handled by Hiro Tsunoda, and it reached No.
1 on the Oricon singles chart.
At the 19th Japan Record Awards, it won the Best New Artist award, and he made his first appearance at the 28th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, where he performed this song.
Debut songs by Japanese male artists from the 1970s (31–40)
If it’s only onceNomura Masaki (Nomura Masaki)
It was released in 1970 as Masaki Nomura’s debut single.
The song was originally planned for Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five.
At the time of Nomura’s debut as a singer, his catchphrase was “The Young Lion of the Kayō (Enka) World.” With this song, he won the Broadcast Music Newcomer Award at the 1st Japan Kayō Awards, and the Newcomer Award at the 3rd Japan Cable Music Awards in December.
He also made his first appearance at the 21st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
tearful; moved to tearsKadokawa Hiroshi
Hiroshi Kadokawa sang at clubs in Nagarekawa, the entertainment district of his hometown Hiroshima, and in Hakata, Fukuoka.
He was scouted while performing in Nakasu, and made his debut as a singer in 1976 with this song.
At the 18th Japan Record Awards, he won the New Artist Award, and at the 9th Japan Cable Music Awards, he also received the New Artist Award, among others, making it a massive hit that swept the newcomer prizes.
In conclusion
We’ve put together a roundup of debut songs by Japanese male artists who began their solo careers in the 1970s.
Many of these singers are still very active today, so their music should feel familiar to a wide range of generations.
You might know their hit songs but not their debuts—so we hope this serves as a helpful reference when you want to look them up!