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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- [Japanese Music] A Collection of Heart-Touching Hit Folk Songs from the 1970s
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- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
Debut songs by Japanese male artists in the 1970s (1–10)
DepartureMatsuyama Chiharu
This is the debut single by singer-songwriter Chiharu Matsuyama, who made his media debut in 1976 with the 15-minute segment “Chiharu no Hitori Uta” on Sunday Jumbo Special and made his major-label debut the following year.
It’s a song he performed during the regional qualifiers of the National Folk Music Festival, where he participated as an amateur but failed to advance, and it became a local hit in his hometown of Hokkaido.
The melancholic acoustic guitar and strings, along with Matsuyama’s characteristically soaring, crystalline vocals, leave a strong impression.
It’s a folk number whose powerful singing and sophisticated arrangement convey a maturity that hardly seems like a debut track.
Season of LoveSaijō Hideki
The debut single by singer Hideki Saijo, who became a top male idol of the 1970s with his overwhelming vocal power and singing ability—so impressive he was dubbed a “belting” type.
Released with the tagline “Wild 17,” the song also drew attention when fellow member of the ‘New Big Three,’ Hiromi Go, covered it in 1975, three years after its release.
His voice, which conveyed both the clarity of a teenager and a maturity beyond his years, made a shocking impact on the pop scene despite being a debut track.
It’s an essential number when discussing male artists of the 1970s, and one that showcases the charm of classic kayōkyoku.
Carrying Yousawada kenji
This is the debut solo single by singer Kenji Sawada—better known by his nickname, Julie—following his time with The Tigers and PYG.
Twenty-nine years after its release, in 1990, it was remade as “Kimi o Nosete 1990 version” and gained attention when it was used in a Honda Today commercial.
The ethereal string intro and Sawada’s rich, resonant vocals showcased his undeniable talent, even on a debut solo single.
A timeless masterpiece with a moody kayōkyoku atmosphere that feels effortlessly comforting—you’ll want to keep listening forever.
Love TrainOhtaki Eiichi
This is the debut single by singer-songwriter Eiichi Ohtaki, who first emerged as the vocalist of the legendary rock band Happy End, a pioneering force in Japanese rock history, and who pursued a solo career in parallel with the band.
With guitar riffs and arrangement reminiscent of Western rock ’n’ roll, its sound clearly set itself apart from the mainstream kayōkyoku of the time—a cool aesthetic.
His smoky vocals and the antique band sound may feel surprisingly fresh to many listeners today.
A pop yet emotional rock tune that laid the groundwork for countless rock bands active in the current J-pop scene.
No need for dreamsyashiki takajin
This is the first single by singer, TV personality, host, and radio presenter Takajin Yashiki, who was active primarily in the Kansai region and passed away in 2014.
Released simultaneously with his debut album “TAKAJIN,” it effectively became his debut single after the 1971 track “Shōfu Kazuko” (“Prostitute Kazuko”) was banned from release due to social norms.
Riding on a light, lively sound, his straightforward yet soulful vocals reaffirm Yashiki’s exceptional singing ability.
It’s also a track that showcased his strong songwriting skills, exuding the distinctive sensuality of classic kayōkyoku (Japanese pop).
Farewell, my loverSakai Masaaki
This is the debut single by singer Masakazu Sakai, who made his major debut with The Spiders at age 16 and went on to thrive as a solo artist after the band disbanded.
The song won the Popularity Award at the 1971 Japan Record Awards and is still widely covered today, recognized as a timeless classic.
Its arrangement, carrying lyrical words and vocals, evokes the comforting charm of vintage 1970s kayōkyoku.
Though Sakai is now strongly associated with variety shows and nicknames like “Maestro” and “Mr.
Hidden Talents,” this enduring debut track reveals a new side of him.
Wandering Love SongNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
This is the second single released by singer-songwriter Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, whose grand scale captures fans’ hearts—he famously drew about 100,000 people and achieved great success with an all-night concert held at the foot of Mt.
Fuji in 2015.
Although he released his first single, Amano Arashiyama, in 1977, he paused his activities afterward, and when this song was released it became known as his re-debut track.
Its poignant lyrics—said to recount his own romantic history in a female voice—and the delicate tone of the acoustic guitar blend to create a lyrical atmosphere.
With a wistful melody that resonates deeply, it’s a folk song loved across generations.
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.