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!
Playlist
| Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese idols from the 1970s | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1east | My boyfriend is left-handed.Asaoka Megumi | play_arrow | One of the top idols representing the 1970s, … |
| 2east | A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe | play_arrow | With a refreshing melody that heralds the arrival of spring and a nostalgi… |
| 3east | My Blue BirdSakurada Junko | play_arrow | As a classic hit by an idol representing the 1970s... |
| 4east | Boys and girlsGō Hiromi | play_arrow | Still going strong as an active force even in the 2020s... |
| 5east | Summer MissSakakibara Ikue | play_arrow | As Ikue Sakakibara’s seventh single in 1978… |
| 6east | Private railway line areaNoguchi Goro | play_arrow | Lyrics that evoke melancholy and nostalgia, paired with a pleasant melody... |
| 7east | Smiling Backkyandīzu | play_arrow | Speaking of classic hits by idols from the ’70s, the bittersweet me… |
| 8east | Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji | play_arrow | Kenji Sawada, who dominated the music scene of the 70s... |
| 9east | Laura Covered in ScarsSaijō Hideki | play_arrow | Passionate vocals and powerful lyrics leave a strong impression, Saijo... |
| 10east | Love Requestaizaki shinya | play_arrow | This song, released in April 1975, ... |
| 11east | UFOpinku redii | play_arrow | This song, released in December 1977, ... |
| 12east | bulldogfoorību su | play_arrow | A representative group of the early Johnny’s era, and... |
| 13east | teacherMori Masako | play_arrow | Masako Mori's debut single, released in 1972… |
| 14east | Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi | play_arrow | A dialogue format between a man and a woman with the theme of a long-distance relationship… |
| 15east | sentimentalIwasaki Hiromi | play_arrow | One of the representative female singers of the 1970s, Iwa... |
| 16east | I’m not afraid of wolves at all.Ishino Mako | ![]() | The audition program on Nippon TV, “Star….” |
| 17east | A Boy Riding a DolphinShiro Michiru | play_arrow | As their debut single, in December 1973, Lily... |
| 18east | You’re not alone.tenchi mari | play_arrow | As Mari Amachi’s third single overall, 197... |
| 19east | A City Turning ColorsMinami Saori | play_arrow | A clear, translucent singing voice emblematic of the 1970s, and… |
| 20east | As long as the sun is in the skynishikino akira | play_arrow | As Akira Nishikino's third single in 19... |
| 21east | foreignerKUBOTA Saki | play_arrow | In 1979, with Saki Kubota’s debut single... |
| 22east | YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki | play_arrow | It was Hideki Saijo’s 28th single, released in 1979… |
| 23east | poppy flowerAgunesu Chan | play_arrow | Agnes Chan’s debut in Japan... |
| 24east | 17 years oldMinami Saori | play_arrow | As Saori Minami’s debut single in 1971... |
| 25east | At the coffee shopabe shizue | play_arrow | As Shizue Abe’s debut single, in 1973… |
| 26east | The Bride of SetoKoyanagi Rumiko | play_arrow | As Rumiko Koyanagi’s 4th single, in 1972… |
| 27east | Yokosuka StoryYamaguchi Momoe | play_arrow | As Momoe Yamaguchi's 13th single, in 1976... |
| 28east | Aquamarine Lovetenchi mari | play_arrow | As an insert song for the drama “Jikan Desu yo,” Ocha no… |
| 29east | Listening to OliviaAnri | play_arrow | As Anri’s debut single in 1978… |
| 30east | Cinderella HoneymoonIwasaki Hiromi | play_arrow | As Hiromi Iwasaki’s 14th single, in 1978… |
| 31east | Good-bye, My LoveAn Ruisu | play_arrow | The sing... released by Ann Lewis in 1974 |
| 32east | Red BalloonAsada Miyoko | play_arrow | As the debut single of Miyoko Asada, 197… |
| 33east | Sexy Bus StopAsano Yūko | play_arrow | As the 8th single by Yuko Asano, in 1976… |
| 34east | Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii | play_arrow | A sweet, lingering tale of a woman who falls in love, set on a summer seaside. |
| 35east | When you become an adultŌba Kumiko | play_arrow | The single released by Kumiko Ooba in 1978... |
| 36east | No-No BoyZa Supaidāsu | ![]() | Sophistication influenced by the British Beat… |
| 37east | As time goes bysawada kenji | play_arrow | The 14th single by Kenji Sawada, aka Julie, ... |
| 38east | How are you?Shimizu Yukiko | play_arrow | Released in 197… as Yukiko Shimizu’s debut single |
| 39east | Sunflower GirlItō Sakiko | play_arrow | As Akiko Ito’s debut single in 1974… |
| 40east | A Lonely RoomTakagi Asaya | play_arrow | At the 5th Yamaha Popular Song Contest… |
| 41east | Inspector Pepperpinku redii | play_arrow | As Pink Lady’s debut single… |
| 42east | Glass SlopeTakada Mizue | play_arrow | Released in 197… as Mizue Takada’s debut single |
| 43east | younger boykyandīzu | play_arrow | As the Candies’ fifth single, on the 19… |


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