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)
Yokosuka StoryYamaguchi Momoe
A big hit in 1976.
Departing from the previous collaborations with lyricist Kazuya Senke and composer Shunichi Tokura, this first song with lyrics by Yoko Aki and music by Ryudo Uzaki became her biggest hit as well.
It also marked a turning point from the earlier image of a prematurely world-weary, tragic girl to that of a dignified, beautiful woman who lives strongly and independently.
Crying in the rainYanagi Jōji & Rainīuddo
A hit song from 1978.
Although George Yanagi was a member of The Golden Cups—who could be considered not so much a GS group as the cutting edge of Japanese rock—when he reappeared to perform the theme song for Shoken’s TV drama “Matsuri Byoshi ga Kikoeru,” I was captivated by his soulful singing and playing.
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.
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.
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.
