Nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1970s: the golden age of idols and kayōkyoku (Japanese pop songs)
What songs come to mind when you think of Japanese hit songs from the 1970s?
Those who lived through that era in real time probably recall a wide range of hits.
With the spread of color television, people began to enjoy music from a visual perspective as well.
The 1970s are often called the golden age of kayōkyoku and idols.
Even generations who weren’t yet born will find many familiar, approachable songs that make you think, “Hey, I’ve heard this before!”
Please enjoy these captivating hit songs from the 1970s!
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Nostalgic Japanese hit songs of the 1970s: The golden age of idols and kayōkyoku (101–110)
Whenever I arrive, it’s always raining.Za Moppusu
1972.
Its highest position was 26th on the Oricon weekly chart, so it only became a minor hit, but it has remained a long-remembered song as a signature piece for The Mops and Hiromitsu Suzuki.
Takuro Yoshida’s syllable-heavy folk song was transformed into a splendid rock ballad through Masaru Hoshi’s arrangement and Hiromitsu Suzuki’s passionate vocals.
I love you, Captain.Za Ririizu
Released in 1975, this signature hit by The Lilies has been loved across generations, as it’s played in many different places.
The lyrics, depicting the bittersweet romance of youth, are especially memorable.
The song tells the story of an unrequited crush on the captain of a high school tennis team, and listening to it brings back those fresh, innocent feelings.
With lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Koichi Morita, the track peaked at No.
39 on the Oricon charts and sold 80,000 copies.
It also gained wide recognition by winning the Bronze Prize at the 1975 Shinjuku Music Festival.
Travel Lodgeyoshida takurou
A hit song from 1972.
Takuro Yoshida—who, while influenced by Bob Dylan, helped shift Japanese folk from the underground, politically and socially focused scene of artists like Nobuyasu Okabayashi to a new, youth-centered folk—created this lyrical masterpiece in partnership with lyricist Osami Okamoto.
Memories SakeKobayashi Sachiko
Sachiko Kobayashi also scored a huge hit in 1979.
This song made her a regular on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, and her name recognition and popularity spread nationwide.
It sold 990,000 copies and ranked third on the annual singles chart.
I think everyone should listen to the youthful singing voice of Sachiko Kobayashi at least once.
Dream-Chasing SakeAtsumi Jirō
As if the Pink Lady craze of the previous years had been a lie, 1979 saw a complete turnaround, with a mellow enka song taking the top spot on the annual charts.
This track was also a massive hit, selling over 1.45 million copies, which instantly made Jiro Atsumi’s name known nationwide.
Black Cat TangoMinagawa Osamu
The best-selling single in 1970 was this children’s song, “Black Cat Tango.” The song was a global hit at the time; the original is in Italian, and versions were released in various languages around the world.
It ranked number one on the year-end chart for 1970.
DWON TOWNSUGAR BABE
A song released in April 1975 that captures the allure of the city at night.
It was included on Sugar Babe’s only album, “SONGS,” and has continued to be cherished over the years, appearing on Tatsuro Yamashita’s live and best-of albums as well.
The lyrics are memorable for the way they begin with scenes of the city at dusk and empathize with young people seeking special experiences beyond the everyday.
The rhythm pattern has been noted as influenced by the Isley Brothers, making it a track that suggested a new direction for Japanese pop.
It’s recommended when you’re in the mood to hit the town at night or want to savor a sense of liberation from daily life.
youKozaka Akiko
Akiko Kosaka’s signature song, which debuted in 1973, has been loved across generations.
Its pure vocals and melody strike a chord in the heart.
It captures the feelings of a girl dreaming of a happy future with a “you” she has yet to meet, gripping listeners from the start.
After winning the Grand Prix at the Yamaha Popular Song Contest, it was released in February 1974 and became an instant smash hit, reportedly selling an astounding 1.65 million copies.
The lyrics, depicting an ideal family life, likely resonated with many people.
It’s the perfect song for when you want to feel full of love and hope for the future.
Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi
A 1971 hit song.
The Ventures have long maintained a distinctive popularity in Japan, and in the 1970s they even produced “Ventures kayō” songs with Japanese lyrics.
That kind of composition, combined with Taiwanese singer Ouyang Fei Fei’s endearingly lisping Japanese, made this track even more captivating.
Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji
An emblematic song of the ’70s was born—Kenji Sawada’s single that sings of a man’s sweet, aching heart.
It portrays the conflict toward a former lover, wrapped in a mature sense of melancholy, with striking lyrics by Yū Aku.
On TV, his cream-colored suit and the gesture of tossing his hat became a talking point.
It topped the Oricon chart for five consecutive weeks and ranked fourth for the year, selling 890,000 copies to become a major hit.
With a rock-tinged sound, it paints the complex emotions of a man after a breakup.
It’s a stylish, adult breakup song that stays close to the hearts of those troubled by love—one you’ll want to hear.