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 from the 1970s: The golden age of idols and kayōkyoku (1–10)
Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo
This is a famous song by Eigo Kawashima that was also used as a commercial jingle for the sake brand Kizakura.
It was originally included on an album and was later released as a single.
During his only appearance on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, he did not perform this song; after Kawashima passed away in 2001, his close friend Takao Horiuchi performed it.
Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Katō Tokiko
Tokiko Kato is still a well-known singer, and I think we often see her on TV music programs.
This signature song sold 1.02 million copies in 1971 and became a huge hit, ranking second on the year-end singles chart.
Its timeless melody is a must-listen even today.
Please, Time MachineSadisutikku Mika Bando
It’s a single released in 1974, later included on the album Kurofune.
This “Kurofune” is considered a historic record because it was the first time a Japanese band released audio material overseas.
While the song strongly conveys the vibe of a 1970s Japanese band, it doesn’t feel dated and is a very enjoyable listen.
southpawpinku redii
The No.
2 spot on the 1978 singles chart was Pink Lady’s “Southpaw.” By then, Pink Lady had become such a dominant presence that people joked you could judge someone’s personality or compatibility by which Pink Lady song they liked.
Even at No.
2, it boasted sales of 1.46 million copies.
As time goes bysawada kenji
A hit song from 1975.
Lyrics by Yu Aku, music by Katsuo Ono.
It was also the theme song for the TV drama “Akuma no Yō na Aitsu,” starring Julie (Kenji Sawada).
The drama, with a script by the maverick Kazuhiko Hasegawa and produced and directed by hitmaker Mitsuhiko Kuze, was an eccentric work inspired by the 300 million yen robbery case.
Although the drama itself wasn’t a hit, it remains a memorable piece along with its theme song.
Love Dial 6700Fingā 5
This is Finger Five’s fourth single, released in 1973.
It topped the Oricon charts and became a massive hit, selling a total of 1.6 million copies.
The lyrics were written by Yū Aku, with composition and arrangement by Tadao Inoue.
Finger Five was a group modeled after the Jackson 5, the sibling vocal unit that Michael Jackson belonged to, and they produced enduring smash hits such as “Gakuen Tengoku” and “Kojin Jugyō.” In 1978, they went on hiatus, partly due to lead vocalist Akira’s voice change.
Smiling Backkyandīzu
“Hohoemi Gaeshi” (Return of a Smile) is the 17th single, released in 1978, and it was the final single during Candies’ active years.
As a farewell, the lyrics include numerous titles of their singles, such as “Haru Ichiban,” “Wana,” “Un, Deux, Trois,” and “Heart no Ace.” The lyrics were written by Yoko Aki and the music composed by Yuyo HoguCHI.
This was Aki’s first time writing a single for Candies, while HoguCHI had composed eight of their songs, including “Toshishita no Otokonoko” and “Haru Ichiban.” Candies were a trio—Ran, Sue, and Miki—and Ran (Ran Ito) is married to actor Yutaka Mizutani.