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 (41–50)
youthMorita Kōichi to Toppugyaran
They may be overshadowed by Pink Lady, but this group actually scored a huge hit as well.
This pop song, which ranked second on the 1977 year-end charts, had an excellent melody and, I think, a fresh originality.
It became a major hit, selling 860,000 copies.
The Apple Murder CaseGō Hiromi, Kigeki Kirin
Released in 1978, this song drew attention as an insert track for the TV drama “Mu Ichizoku.” The duet by Hiromi Go and Kiki Kirin is particularly memorable.
The lyrics by Yu Aku comically depict a story of a murder case and a detective, while hinting at a melodrama of love and hate between a man and a woman—making it very intriguing.
Paired with a lively melody, it has a captivating charm that draws listeners in.
It was extremely popular at the time, even taking the top spot on The Best Ten for four consecutive weeks.
It’s a recommended track for those who enjoy detective-themed works or witty, humorous lyrics.
A café in a student districtGaro
The No.
3 single on the 1973 year-end chart was claimed by the folk group Garo.
This song, their signature hit that catapulted them to fame, is an excellent track with a uniquely melancholic atmosphere.
It sold 760,000 copies and remains enduringly popular even today.
GandharaGodaigo
Released as a single in 1978, this is one of Godiego’s signature songs.
It was used as the ending theme for the Nippon TV drama “Saiyuki,” and thanks to the show’s massive success, it became a million-seller with total sales exceeding 1.6 million copies.
It was Godiego’s first single with Japanese lyrics, and there are two versions: one with English lyrics and one with Japanese lyrics.
“Gandhara” refers to an “ideal land that once existed in India,” and the song is crafted as a mid-tempo number with an exotic atmosphere that matches its title.
Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko
I think many people have heard the name Keiko Fuji somewhere.
Yes, she’s the mother of Hikaru Utada.
She also had many hit songs in the 1970s, and this song sold 760,000 copies, ranking third on the 1970 year-end chart.
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe
Released in 1978, this is a Japan National Railways campaign song written and composed by Shinji Tanimura.
Among the many hits sung by the exceptionally talented idol Momoe Yamaguchi, this is surely one of her biggest.
It’s a truly wonderful song that perfectly suited Yamaguchi at the time.
Beautiful SundayDanieru Būn
Because Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun achieved the immortal record of 4.53 million copies sold, this one may seem a bit overshadowed, but it also reached an astounding 1.9 million copies.
Naturally, it ranked second on the 1976 year-end chart.
Carmen ’77pinku redii
A 1977 hit song known for its choreography that dynamically shows off long, slender arms and legs, and its powerful sound.
The concept is that a pure-hearted girl is pretending to be “Carmen,” stretching just a bit beyond her years as she falls into a passionate, fiery love—when you listen now, it feels adorable, doesn’t it? She’s fallen for a slightly older man, and to make him notice her, she’s putting on the act of being a slightly sexy woman.
So please sing it with a playful touch, leaning into those prim and proper little “desu!” and “masu!”-like emphases that only a girl like her would make.
Farewell SongNakajima Miyuki
This is Miyuki Nakajima’s fifth single, released in 1977.
It’s the song that sparked her breakthrough as a singer, and even now—nearly 40 years after its release—you may feel that you’ve heard it at least once when you listen to it.
As the title suggests, it’s a somewhat heavy song, but the melody is so catchy that you can’t help humming along.
Polyushka-PolyeNaka Masami
A hit song from 1971.
Known for being sung by the Red Army Choir, it is a piece that praises the exploits of the Red Army during the Russian Revolution, to which lyricist Jun Hashimoto added Japanese lyrics that can be read as a love song, yet remain as grand and expansive as the Russian land.
It was an unusual song even at the time, but doesn’t it still feel fresh today?