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 (21–30)
The Scent of CyclamenFuse Akira
Released in 1975, this song swept the major titles at year-end music shows and awards that year.
The sight of the singer performing while playing the guitar, combined with his sweet voice, captivated listeners and made it a massive hit.
Interestingly, at the time, cyclamen flowers did not come in light purple, but the success of this song inspired the later development of light purple cyclamen and fragrant cyclamen.
That’s how beloved this song was by so many people.
Yokohama TwilightItsuki Hiroshi
This was Itsuki’s re-debut single, released in 1971.
It’s one of his signature songs, which won awards at the Japan Record Awards and the Kayo Awards.
Amazingly, Hiroshi Itsuki is his fourth stage name.
This was the first song he released as “Itsuki,” and he says he has a deep attachment to it.
It’s a city-themed song about Yokohama and is loved alongside Ayumi Ishida’s similarly city-themed “Blue Light Yokohama.” Itsuki’s trademark singing style began with this song.
Nostalgic Japanese Hit Songs of the 1970s: The Golden Age of Idols and Kayōkyoku (31–40)
The Bride of SetoKoyanagi Rumiko
Although it was overshadowed by the monster hit “Onna no Michi,” Rumiko Koyanagi once again took the No.
2 spot on the 1972 annual singles chart.
This song also boasted sales of around 700,000 copies and remains a popular choice for karaoke even today.
Thousand KnivesSakamoto Ryuichi
This is the title track from Ryuichi Sakamoto’s debut album, released in 1978.
An instrumental piece, it was produced using the cutting-edge technology of the time.
Employing synthesizers and computers, it’s an ambitious work that created a new “Ryuichi sound.” It’s packed with diverse musical elements, from pieces that emulate sounds of nature to tracks influenced by reggae.
A key track that marks the early stages of Sakamoto’s musical exploration, it was later self-covered by YMO.
It’s a highly experimental piece that anyone seeking to explore the possibilities of music should definitely hear.
A Midsummer IncidentHirayama Miki
A hit song from 1971.
Rather than a massive hit, it was more of a smash hit for the time, peaking at No.
5 on the Oricon weekly chart and ranking 37th for the year.
Yet as the crowning achievement of Kyōhei Tsutsumi’s melodies and as the work of the one-and-only, distinctive singer Miki Hirayama, it became a quintessential piece of 1970s kayō pop, forever etched in people’s memories.
YOUNG MAN（Y.M.C.A.）Saijō Hideki
Released in 1979, this big hit from the end of the ’70s is a track arranged from the disco song “Y.M.C.A.,” which was popular in the U.S.
at the time.
From the intro, it’s an instant mood-lifter.
It’s a happy kayōkyoku-style song that gets everyone pumped up doing the “Y.M.C.A.” pose together.
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.