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 | A love song cherishing my left-handed lover |
| 2east | My Blue BirdSakurada Junko | play_arrow | A masterpiece in which a bluebird expresses the fleeting nature of love |
| 3east | A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe | play_arrow | Momoe Yamaguchi’s classic song, Departure and Nostalgia |
| 4east | Boys and girlsGō Hiromi | play_arrow | Hiromi Go’s debut song depicts the joy of youth |
| 5east | Summer MissSakakibara Ikue | play_arrow | Ikue Sakakibara released it in 1978 and made her first appearance at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen. |
| 6east | Private railway line areaNoguchi Goro | play_arrow | Goro Noguchi’s signature song depicting heartbreak |
| 7east | Smiling Backkyandīzu | play_arrow | Candies' last famous song |
| 8east | Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji | play_arrow | Kenji Sawada's heartbreak ballad smash hit |
| 9east | Laura Covered in ScarsSaijō Hideki | play_arrow | A smash hit song singing of Hideki Saijo’s devotion to his beloved |
| 10east | teacherMori Masako | play_arrow | Masako Mori's debut song and biggest hit |
| 11east | Love Requestaizaki shinya | play_arrow | Shinya Aizaki’s classic breakup song |
| 12east | UFOpinku redii | play_arrow | Signature songs of Pink Lady |
| 13east | bulldogfoorību su | play_arrow | The 1977 classic by Four Leaves |
| 14east | Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi | play_arrow | Hiromi Ota’s signature song, a long-distance love theme |
| 15east | sentimentalIwasaki Hiromi | play_arrow | Hiromi Iwasaki’s youth romance song becomes a big hit |
| 16east | A City Turning ColorsMinami Saori | play_arrow | An autumn classic depicting Saori Minami’s heartbreak and growth |
| 17east | A Boy Riding a DolphinShiro Michiru | play_arrow | Michiru Jō’s debut song was a big hit |
| 18east | You’re not alone.tenchi mari | play_arrow | Her biggest hit song led to her first appearance on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen. |
| 19east | I’m not afraid of wolves at all.Ishino Mako | ![]() | Mako Ishino’s debut single, released in 1978 |
| 20east | As long as the sun is in the skynishikino akira | play_arrow | A massive hit that became Akira Nishikino’s signature song |
| 21east | foreignerKUBOTA Saki | play_arrow | Saki Kubota's 1979 debut single became a big hit |
| 22east | YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki | play_arrow | Hideki Saijo’s 1979 smash hit song |
| 23east | poppy flowerAgunesu Chan | play_arrow | Agnes Chan’s signature debut song |
| 24east | The Bride of SetoKoyanagi Rumiko | play_arrow | Rumiko Koyanagi’s signature song themed around the Seto Inland Sea |
| 25east | At the coffee shopabe shizue | play_arrow | Shizue Abe’s debut single and biggest hit |
| 26east | 17 years oldMinami Saori | play_arrow | Saori Minami makes an unprecedented first appearance at the Kohaku with her debut song |
| 27east | Yokosuka StoryYamaguchi Momoe | play_arrow | A song that established a new image of womanhood for Momoe Yamaguchi |
| 28east | Listening to OliviaAnri | play_arrow | Anri’s debut song, later noted through a cover |
| 29east | Sexy Bus StopAsano Yūko | play_arrow | Yuko Asano 1976 single highest self sales |
| 30east | Cinderella HoneymoonIwasaki Hiromi | play_arrow | An award-winning song released by Hiromi Iwasaki in 1978 |
| 31east | When you become an adultŌba Kumiko | play_arrow | The song that made Kumiko Ōba an idol |
| 32east | Aquamarine Lovetenchi mari | play_arrow | Mari Amachi’s debut song is a big hit |
| 33east | Good-bye, My LoveAn Ruisu | play_arrow | Ann Lewis's first hit song |
| 34east | Red BalloonAsada Miyoko | play_arrow | Miyoko Asada debut song “It’s Time” |
| 35east | Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii | play_arrow | A classic song that portrays a woman’s feelings as she falls in love by the summer seaside |
| 36east | No-No BoyZa Supaidāsu | ![]() | Hiroshi Kamayatsu’s British beat-infused rock masterpiece |
| 37east | Sunflower GirlItō Sakiko | play_arrow | Akiko Ito’s 1974 debut single |
| 38east | As time goes bysawada kenji | play_arrow | A masterpiece by Kenji Sawada. A work with outstanding lyrics. |
| 39east | How are you?Shimizu Yukiko | play_arrow | Yukiko Shimizu’s debut song, singing while playing a folk guitar |
| 40east | younger boykyandīzu | play_arrow | The Candies’ first hit song and their first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen |
| 41east | A Lonely RoomTakagi Asaya | play_arrow | Debut prize won in a lonely room |
| 42east | Inspector Pepperpinku redii | play_arrow | Pink Lady scores a hit with their debut single |
| 43east | Glass SlopeTakada Mizue | play_arrow | Mizue Takada’s 1977 debut song. |


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