A classic Japanese folk song passed down through generations of acoustic performances
A special feature on Japanese folk songs.
Folk music originally began as arrangements of traditional songs and spread in the United States.
From around the 1960s, it was also embraced in Japan, and, reflecting the times, songs with strong anti-war and anti-government messages were delivered.
Entering the 1970s, it became especially popular with more accessible, mainstream themes and reached a peak of commercial success.
Although Japanese folk has evolved to incorporate various elements, it retains an acoustic allure and a wistful mood, with lyrics that stand out and resonate.
By all means, take your time and immerse yourself in Japanese folk music!
- [Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke
- [Japanese Music] A Collection of Heart-Touching Hit Folk Songs from the 1970s
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that really move you. Beloved classic Japanese hits of the past.
- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
- A poignant ballad song. A tear-jerking masterpiece of Japanese pop music.
- From classic folk dance staples to hidden gems. Introducing recommended tracks!
- [Resonates with the Heart] Masterpiece Ballads with Beautiful, Poignant Lyrics
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
- A lineup of timeless masterpieces to pass down to future generations! Ballad songs born in the Reiwa era
- [Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]
- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
- Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth.
Timeless Classics of Japanese Folk Songs Passed Down Through Live Solo Performances (71–80)
Do you not sing that song anymore?kaze
This is a single by the folk duo Kaze, released in 1975.
The name “Kaze” (Wind) comes from the idea of not staying in one place like air and continually evolving musically.
With lyrics that read like a letter and a bittersweet melody, the song stood out at a time when folk groups were in vogue.
Red Elegyagata morio
Released in 1972 (Showa 47), this is a fairly recent photo, but at the time Morio Agata had a certain forbidding, somber aura as a singer.
The origins of this song came from a gekiga (dramatic manga), and while it’s a folk song, it somehow also evokes the feel of enka, which helped it be embraced not only by young people but by a wider audience.
The Song of the Red Dragonflyanonenone
It was released in 1973 as Anonenone’s major-label debut single.
It sold over 350,000 copies, becoming their biggest hit.
The song also drew attention when Tatsuwo Kamon, who is close to Anonenone, performed an arranged version of it.
Strawberry Statement Once Againbanba hirofumi
Released in 1975 (Showa 50), this song captures the memories of youth of lovers as one era comes to an end and they grow into adulthood.
“Strawberry Statement” is the title of a film centered on the student protest movement, and the song’s concept—mirroring that world with their own—is impressive; as it turns out, the lyricist and composer was Yuming (then Yumi Arai).
The song also reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
A café in a student districtGaro
Released in 1972 (Showa 47).
It felt a bit different from the usual image of folk music, largely because of their fashion sense.
Male folk singers generally didn’t pay much attention to clothing, but I think Garo put considerable care into their outfits and style.
When you listen to these lyrics, it feels like something anyone could relate to: it’s a song about how everything changes with the times and how you can’t turn back time—not even the café you used to frequent with the woman you loved.
The arrangement is wonderful, and it became a huge hit.