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 (51–60)
TechnopolisYellow Magic Orchestra
It’s a signature song by YMO, pioneers of Japanese technopop.
As it was structured after studying the body of work by Pink Lady, an idol group that was hugely popular at the time, it’s extremely pop.
At the same time, their masterful use of then-cutting-edge technology—such as prominent analog synthesizers and a vocoder—is nothing short of remarkable.
Parting at 22kaze
A story woven with a voice that touches the heart.
It’s a heartrending breakup song depicting five years of a couple’s love.
Released in 1975 as Kaze’s debut single, it became a major hit, topping the Oricon chart for four consecutive weeks.
It’s said that Shozo Ise crafted the song through an all-nighter with meticulous precision.
The complex emotions of a woman who has decided to end the relationship are expressed through delicate lyrics and melody.
As a timeless classic that never fades, it continues to be loved by many even today.
If you want to feel the bittersweetness of love and the pain of parting, give it a listen—it’s sure to resonate with your heart.
Salvia flowermotomaro
Motomaro, a folk group, covered a famous song by the solitary rock singer Yoshio Hayakawa, turning it into a hit.
Thanks to the success of this cover, the song became widely known.
When Hayakawa sings it, it’s a rock ballad brimming with passion, but in this cover, the lyricism that conveys a girl’s feelings stands out.
Yoko of the Port, Yokohama, YokosukaDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando
A 1975 single that dominated the charts at the time.
Its spoken-style lyrics and groovy sound are striking, drawing listeners in.
It also marked Yoko Aki’s debut as a lyricist, and features a richly narrative story set in Yokohama and Yokosuka.
It spent five consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Oricon chart and became a massive hit, ranking fifth on the year-end chart for 1975.
Ryudo Uzaki’s distinctive vocals and Wada’s guitar solo are memorable, making it a track brimming with rock ’n’ roll flair.
If you’re in the mood to savor the atmosphere of a port town, give it a listen.
Nostalgic Japanese hit songs of the 1970s: The golden age of idols and kayōkyoku (61–70)
Your eyes are 10,000 voltsHoriuchi Takao
It’s one of Takao Horiuchi’s signature songs that’s still sung today.
It describes the thrill and shock of their first meeting with the line, “Your eyes are 10,000 volts.” With phrases like “the last angel to descend to earth,” it’s a song that continuously praises her from start to finish—so much so it’s a bit embarrassing.
Message of RougeArai Yumi
Before Yumi Matsutoya’s marriage, during her Yumi Arai era, this was her first smash hit, peaking at No.
45 on the Oricon charts.
The shift from the European-style sound of her debut album “Hikōkigumo” to a lively American pop style was extremely fresh and innovative.
It felt like the birth of a new pop star.
Lingering Snowiruka
Iruka’s biggest hit and practically her signature song—that’s “Nagori Yuki.” The song was written and composed by Shozo Ise and was originally included on the 1974 Kaguyahime album “Sankaidate no Uta.” Iruka covered it as a single in 1975, and it became a monster hit, selling a total of 800,000 copies.
The arrangement was handled by Masataka Matsutoya—husband of Yumi Matsutoya—who is also active as an arranger and producer.
In 2002, a film of the same name, inspired by the song, was released.
From its 1975 success to the present day, it remains a beloved classic of Japanese music.