Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese idols from the 1970s
In the history of Japanese idols, the 1970s can truly be called the de facto “first year of idols,” a period when numerous legendary singers and groups emerged, creating the blueprint for today’s idol scene.
Many talents from that era are still active across various fields, and the music scene of the 1970s can rightly be called a treasure trove of superstar names that are instantly recognizable.
In this article, we’ll introduce classic songs left behind by these ’70s idols, featuring both male and female artists together.
It’s full of timeless hits you’ve likely heard at least once, so younger generations interested in idol songs from this era—and Japanese pop music more broadly—should definitely check it out!
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Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese pop idols of the 1970s (21–30)
YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki
It was Hideki Saijo’s 28th single, released in 1979.
It won the Grand Prix at both the 10th Japan Song Awards and the 8th FNS Music Festival, becoming his biggest hit.
As a disco track, it is a work in which Kazuo Otani arranged the Village People’s then-hit “Y.M.C.A.” into a youthful kayō pop style.
poppy flowerAgunesu Chan
It was Agnes Chan’s debut single in Japan, and through impressions/impersonations it became one of her signature songs.
She made her first appearance at the 24th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1973, and her fresh, cute presence made her incredibly popular at the time.
17 years oldMinami Saori
It was released in 1971 as Saori Minami’s debut single.
It also drew attention for winning the New Artist Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards and the Broadcast Music Newcomer Award at the Japan Kayō Awards, and for making an exceptional first appearance on NHK’s 22nd Kōhaku Uta Gassen just six months after her debut.
At the coffee shopabe shizue
It was the debut single of Shizue Abe, released in 1973.
The song was created by the star duo of lyricist Yū Aku and composer Takashi Miki, and became Abe’s biggest hit.
It won numerous music awards that year, including the Newcomer Award at the 15th Japan Record Awards.
The Bride of SetoKoyanagi Rumiko
It was released in 1972 as Rumiko Koyanagi’s fourth single.
The song was created with the Seto Inland Sea as its theme and has become established as a representative local song of the region.
This classic portrays the feelings of a bride marrying into life on a small island in the Seto Inland Sea and her resolve for a new beginning.
Yokosuka StoryYamaguchi Momoe
Released in 1976 as Momoe Yamaguchi’s 13th single.
The song was created by personally selecting Yoko Aki as lyricist and Ryudo Uzaki as composer, and it successfully reset her image toward a new Momoe Yamaguchi: a woman who has her own will and lives boldly in the present.
Aquamarine Lovetenchi mari
This is the memorable debut song of Mari Amachi, which played in living rooms across Japan as an insert song in the drama “Jikan Desu yo,” instantly making her a star.
Released in 1971, it became a major hit, reaching No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
Her crystal-clear voice and the light, folk-inspired melody are a perfect match.
The “sky blue” of the title seems to symbolize the freshness of a budding romance and a hint of bittersweet feeling.
Just quietly thinking of someone you like makes your heart overflow—such sweet and sour scenes come vividly to mind.
It might remind you of that fluttering excitement we’ve all felt back then.