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 Era of Idols and Kayōkyoku (111–120)
School HeavenFingā 5
Speaking of Finger 5’s signature songs, this one is it.
Released in March 1974, its lyrics vividly capture the excitement and flutter of school life.
It has a charm that brings back bittersweet memories from our student days, and it continues to be loved by many.
The song portrays students competing for the seat next to the most beautiful girl in class, conveying pure feelings and desires over a light, catchy melody.
Finger 5’s songs often center on school romance, and this track is one of them.
Perhaps because of its familiarity, it’s still frequently heard today.
With an easy-to-follow call and response and a fun vibe, it’s a great choice when you want to liven things up at karaoke.
foreignerKUBOTA Saki
This was Saki Kubota’s debut single, released in 1979.
Its exotically tinged intro is striking, and it was featured in a Sanyo Electric color TV commercial.
While depicting the pain of heartbreak and the loneliness of starting over in a new place, it carries a hopeful message that time will heal emotional wounds.
Inspired by the Silk Road, the song—paired with Kubota’s beautiful vocals—captured the hearts of many and became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.
It’s a perfect track for when you want to immerse yourself in an exotic atmosphere or soothe the pain of a broken heart.
You May DreamSHEENA&THE ROKKETS
This is Sheena & The Rokkets’ second single, released in December 1979.
The song, which was also used in a Japan Airlines commercial, is a rock ’n’ roll track with a slightly punk vibe.
Sheena’s vocals, Ayukawa’s guitar, and the looks of the two of them—all of it felt incredibly cool.
Graduation PhotoArai Yumi
A song included on Yumi Arai’s third album, COBALT HOUR, released in June 1975.
It has been loved across generations and covered by many artists—a true classic.
It’s also known as a staple for graduation season.
The theme revolves around one’s past and present self and the relationship with that special someone, touching on how human connections and self-image change through the process of growing up.
Shigeru Suzuki’s distinctive guitar solo is memorable as well; it was reportedly crafted to emulate the timbre of the human voice.
Listeners often find that revisiting the song in adulthood brings new feelings, and it continues to influence many people.
It’s an evergreen track that revives memories of youth and never fades.
In conclusion
The range between the lyrical, emotionally gripping songs and the fun, upbeat music is really wide.
Even among music from the ’70s, I felt a kind of freshness that sounds new when you listen now.
Music from before we were born can somehow feel fresh, can’t it? And for those who spent their youth back then, I imagine it brought back nostalgia and many memories.
I’d be happy if you could also sense something that connects to today’s music.