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 pop hits of the 1970s: The golden age of idols and kayōkyoku (81–90)
A woman born in OsakaBORO
1979.
This is a masterpiece of a local Osaka song written and composed by BORO.
BORO’s own version is great, but Shoken’s rendition is also wonderful.
Although it was only a smash hit at the time, in the sense that it has been long loved and sung, it can be called the last great song of the ’70s.
Imperial Regent Declarationsadamasashi
The lyrics list the conditions and requests for getting married, making it a song that essentially declares a domineering husband stance.
At first glance it might seem selfish, but lines like “Happiness is something we nurture together” and “You are the only woman I will love for a lifetime” reveal a deep affection throughout the song.
withered silvergrasschiaki naomi
She covered a song originally sung by Sakura and Ichiro in 1974.
The song is still widely known today as a karaoke enka duet, but when she—who was renowned for her vocal ability and very popular at the time—sang it, it revealed a different kind of charm.
It’s a song that exudes a strong Showa-era vibe, and it probably became such a big hit because it fit perfectly with the mood of that era.
Times change, but great songs endure.
Secrets in My PocketAgunesu Chan
A hit song from 1974.
It was a commemorative work marking Takashi Matsumoto’s transition to a full-time lyricist—he had been the drummer and lyricist for Happy End.
The recording’s backing was handled by Caramel Mama (Haruomi Hosono, Shigeru Suzuki, Masataka Matsutōya, and Tatsuo Hayashi), and when performing on TV music shows, the backing was provided not by the program’s resident jazz full band but by the rock band Hachimitsu Pie.
This song subsequently became a catalyst for the fusion of kayōkyoku and New Music.
EnchantedJudi Ongu
At the end of the 1970s, Judy Ongg made it onto the charts.
This song has become a classic that is still frequently used on television and elsewhere.
It ranked second on the annual chart in 1979, sold over 1.2 million copies, and became a major hit for her.
UFOpinku redii
In 1978, Pink Lady, who had been popular since the previous year, exploded even further in popularity.
They instantly swept the entire pop scene and achieved the unprecedented feat of monopolizing the annual singles chart from first to third place.
This was accomplished decades before groups like AKB even existed.
Monsterpinku redii
Third place in 1978 also went to Pink Lady, with Monster.
This song has a somewhat different feel from their previous hits, but it still sold over 1.1 million copies.
They achieved the remarkable feat of having three consecutive singles in the annual rankings by the same artist, each surpassing one million copies.
I don’t have an umbrella.Inoue Yosui
This is a song that casts a sharp gaze on Japan in the 1970s.
It’s included on Yosui Inoue’s 1972 album “Danzetsu.” While it opens by singing about the rise in urban suicides, its distinctive feature is the way it focuses on personal romantic feelings.
You can feel the urgent longing of someone trying to go see their lover in the rain without an umbrella.
It’s said to have been inspired by the Beatles’ “A Day in the Life.” A track that combines Inoue’s characteristic inscrutability with a power that moves the heart.
Listen to it on a rainy day, and it may resonate even more deeply.
Woman’s PathMiya Shirō to Pinkara Torio
This song became the best-selling enka of the 1970s.
Even looking just at sales, I believe it’s the only song that took the No.
1 spot on the annual singles chart for two consecutive years, 1972 and 1973.
It truly became a song known to people all across Japan.
My castle townKoyanagi Rumiko
The number one spot in the 1971 annual rankings was claimed by Rumiko Koyanagi.
She’s now well known as a passionate fan of Barcelona’s soccer team, but she was also a top-tier singer who churned out major hits.
Sales surpassed 1.1 million copies.