[1970s] Collection of Japanese hit songs. Nostalgic masterpieces of Japan
Japanese music in the 1970s saw incredible evolution across folk songs, Showa-era pop, idols, bands, and more.
From among them, we’ll introduce classic Japanese hits that everyone knows and that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Many of these songs are still featured on music programs today and are covered by various artists—this song and that song alike.
You might use this list to immerse yourself in fond memories.
Of course, it’s also great for discovering something new.
Please enjoy the many massive hits and wonderful masterpieces that colored Japan in those days!
- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs
- Nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1970s: the golden age of idols and kayōkyoku (Japanese pop songs)
- [Japanese Music] A Collection of Heart-Touching Hit Folk Songs from the 1970s
- Debut songs by Japanese male artists from the 1970s
- [Showa Kayō] A roundup of Japanese love songs that hit in the 1970s
- Commercial songs from the 70s. Nostalgic TV commercial jingles.
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- Dawn of Japanese Rock: A Collection of Debut Songs by 1970s Japanese Rock Bands
- A roundup of debut songs by Japanese female artists from the 1970s
- Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking: 1970s Japanese Music
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- [1970s] Classic and hit songs of Japanese rock that blazed through the dawn era
[1970s] Collection of Japanese Hit Songs: Nostalgic Classics of Japan (21–30)
Funky Monkey BabyKyaroru
It’s the band of the one and only Eikichi Yazawa.
They debuted in 1972.
Releasing singles at a pace of about one per month, their seventh song became a hit, selling 300,000 copies.
Their active period lasted about two and a half years, but their style became a social phenomenon in the 1970s.
Purple Highwayku-ru-su
An American rock band formed following the breakup of Carol in 1975.
Hiroshi Tachi was the leader when the band was formed, but he later left.
The video is a rare clip featuring Hiroshi Tachi on vocals.
Ken Yokoyama of Crazy Ken Band was also a member for a time.
Please, Time MachineSadisutikku Mika Bando
A rock band formed in 1971, led by Kazuhiko Kato, formerly of The Folk Crusaders.
This song is their third single since debut.
It’s a legendary unit that featured famous musicians such as Masayoshi Takanaka, Hiro Tsunoda, and Tsugutoshi Goto as members.
Kakko-man BoogieDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando
Formed in 1973 with Ryudo Uzaki as the leader.
Their trademarks were white coveralls and pompadours.
Although Uzaki now plays the role of a cool older guy, back then he was bursting with youthful energy.
This song was their fourth single, and the B-side was “Minato no Yôko, Yokohama, Yokosuka.”
Song of Departure (Tabidachi no Uta)Kamijō Tsunehiko & Rokumonsen
A unit formed in 1968 centered around Hitoshi Komuro.
After Tsunehiko Kamijo joined, they released “Shuppatsu no Uta” in 1971; thanks to Kamijo’s overwhelming vocal prowess, it won the Grand Prix at that year’s World Popular Song Festival.
After the group disbanded, “Shin Rokumonsen” was formed in 1973.
HERO (The time to become a hero is now)Kai Band
Kai Band, which debuted in 1974, achieved a major breakthrough four years later in 1978 when their hit song “HERO” topped the Oricon charts, cementing their status as a popular band.
The video isn’t footage from that time but from later years; however, Yoshihiro Kai’s powerful shouts are no less impressive than in their prime.
A café in a student districtGaro
A signature song by the trio Garo, consisting of Mark (Mamoru Horiuchi), Tommy (Tomiaki Hidaka), and Vocal (Masumi Ohno).
Released in 1973.
Each member played acoustic guitar and also handled vocals.
It’s said that many people first learned Bob Dylan’s name from the lyrics of this song.