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 (91–100)
Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko
Kiyohiko Ozaki is known for his robust, tenor-like singing voice.
This song was a huge hit at the time, selling 920,000 copies.
It ranked third on the 1971 annual singles chart, becoming a song everyone knew.
Lament of ResentmentKaji Meiko
A hit song from 1973.
After the end of Nikkatsu’s New Action “Stray Cat Rock” series, she moved to Toei and starred in “Female Prisoner Scorpion,” a masterpiece that unleashed her edgy allure even more.
The mysterious charm of its theme song also makes this film—and her—impossible to forget.
Strings of TearsTonosama Kingusu
Looking back at the early 1970s, enka and kayōkyoku were extremely dominant, with a power that left no room for others.
This song also took the top spot on the 1974 year-end rankings and recorded a stunning 1.93 million copies sold, just shy of the two-million mark.
It was the year Tonosama Kings achieved nationwide popularity.
Husband and Wife MirrorsTonosama Kingusu
Released in May 1974, this song by Tonomama Kings is beloved by many as a representative work of the enka genre.
Its lyrics, which symbolically portray the bond between a married couple and the pain of parting, resonate deeply, enhanced by Osamu Miyaji’s emotive, vibrato-rich vocals.
It debuted in the Oricon Top 10 two weeks after release and reached No.
1 six weeks later—marking a second consecutive No.
1 and totaling approximately 1.5 million copies sold.
It’s a must-listen not only for fans of Showa-era kayōkyoku, but also as a great entry point to enka.
It sounds like it would be fun to sing at karaoke, too.
A gem of a classic that touches the heart every time you listen.
Time, stop.Yazawa Eikichi
It’s an immortal classic from the ’70s, isn’t it? Eikichi Yazawa has pumped out plenty of hits, but this song is definitely one of his signature tracks.
Under the blazing sun, on a hot beach in a quiet summer… even now, when that season comes around, I get an irresistible urge to listen.
He’s the only artist who can sing this song with this vibe—our great “Eiyan.” And of course, it was a million-seller back then.
SEPTEMBERTakeuchi Mariya
Released in 1979, this song became Mariya Takeuchi’s first smash hit, peaking at No.
39 on the Oricon chart and earning her the Best New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.
The lyrics were written by Takashi Matsumoto, the music was composed by Tetsuji Hayashi, and the chorus and chorus arrangement were by EPO.
While it could be seen as marketing her in the style of a New Music–influenced idol singer, it also helped shape the concept of Mariya Takeuchi as a singer-songwriter.
From the northern innMiyako Harumi
Harumi Miyako, who is now a major enka singer, ranked third in the annual chart for 1976.
Even when she was young, she had a commanding presence and delivered a magnificent singing voice.
That’s probably why she remains popular today.
Her music has a quality that resonates even with young women.