[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)
DOWN TOWNShugā Beibu
They’re an unforgettable presence in J-pop history as the band that featured Tatsuro Yamashita and Taeko Onuki, but their actual period of activity lasted only three years, from 1973 to 1976.
This song later became the ending theme for ‘Oretachi Hyokin-zoku,’ gaining nationwide recognition.
A Fateful Encounter at Twentyshigunaru
A four-member folk band that debuted in 1975.
Their debut single, “A Fateful Meeting at Twenty,” features delicate harmonies that gently draw listeners in, reaching No.
14 on the Oricon weekly chart and selling 300,000 copies.
Later, they formed a unit with Takao Horiuchi, formerly of Alice, and continued their activities.
[1970s] Collection of Japanese hit songs. Nostalgic Japanese classics (31–40)
Listening to OliviaAnri
A melody that gently envelops the lingering ache of a bittersweet romance, paired with refined musicianship, resonates deeply in the heart.
The lyrics, which carefully depict a woman healing her delicate emotions after a breakup while listening to Olivia Newton-John’s songs, have struck a chord with many.
With Anri’s clear, translucent vocals giving the piece a sophisticated, urban feel, it was released in November 1978 and included on the album “Anri.” In 2008, it was also featured as an insert song in the Nippon TV drama “Saito-san,” cementing its status as a timeless classic loved across generations.
This warm ballad offers comfort to those trying to recover from the pain of heartbreak and to anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.
My Favorite TeacherRC sakuseshon
RC Succession’s first hit song, released in 1972.
Kiyoshiro Imawano’s punkish style and provocative stage performance came after 1980; when he debuted, his vocals were more gentle.
This video mixes footage from both early and later stages.
Copypurasuchikkusu
They appeared in the late 1970s, when Y.M.O.’s emergence gave birth to the new genre of technopop.
It was an unconventional band made up primarily of members from fields outside music—illustrators, graphic designers, stylists, and more.
This track is their debut single, released in 1979.
Grab the gun.zunou keisatsu
Formed in 1970, Zunou Keisatsu (Brain Police) was known as an “anti-establishment band” for its radical lyrics and strong messaging, leaving behind numerous legends.
They disbanded in 1975.
When they reunited in 2001, their debut album Zunou Keisatsu 1, which had been banned from release, was issued on CD.
Kewpie-chanYoshikawa Danjirō Ichiza
This is a live recording of Danjiro Yoshikawa—known for the hit song “Ah, Miyagi Prefecture”—competing with a six-piece band at Yamaha’s Popcon national contest in 1974, where they won a prize.
Although the sound is centered around a toy piano, Yoshikawa plays acoustic guitar.