A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
The 1970s, which began with the Osaka Expo, were a tumultuous decade of change, marked by the reversion of Okinawa, the first oil shock, and the opening of the first McDonald’s and Seven-Eleven stores in Japan.
In this article, we’ll introduce hit Japanese songs that energized the music scene during that dynamic era!
Many of these tracks have continued to be featured in commercials and more long after their release, so even younger listeners may find many of them familiar.
Whether nostalgic for those who lived through the era or fresh for younger generations, please enjoy these hit songs from the 1970s!
- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
- [1970s] Collection of Japanese hit songs. Nostalgic masterpieces of Japan
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese idols from the 1970s
- 1970s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs
- Nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1970s: the golden age of idols and kayōkyoku (Japanese pop songs)
- Commercial songs from the 70s. Nostalgic TV commercial jingles.
- Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking: 1970s Japanese Music
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
- Memorable Youth Songs: Looking Back on New Music Masterpieces from the 1970s–80s
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- Classic and hit kayōkyoku songs from the nostalgic 1960s
- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
Nostalgic Hit Songs of the ’70s: Best Classics (61–70)
interaction; friendly contact; bondingNakamura Masatoshi
It was released in 1974 as Masatoshi Nakamura’s debut single.
The song was used as an insert song for the Nippon TV drama “We Are Youth!” and was also used as an insert song for the film “Big Man Japan,” released in June 2007.
It reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart and is one of Masatoshi Nakamura’s signature songs.
Hello UncleKina Shōkichi & Chanpurūzu
It’s a bright and lively song, just like the Okinawan sun! It’s hard to believe Shoukichi Kina wrote it at the age of 13—the lyrics and melody are so rich and memorable.
Starting with the Okinawan dialect greeting “Haisai,” the song vividly portrays the lives and culture of the local people.
Since its release in 1976, it has been cherished as a high school baseball cheer song and has resonated with many hearts.
This piece features a unique sound that blends Okinawan traditional music with rock, and it’s a track that gives you energy every time you listen.
It’s perfect for the summer beach or fun moments with friends.
You’re not alone.tenchi mari
Released in 1972 as Mari Amachi’s third single in total.
It is her biggest hit single to date, and she is said to have established the position of the “female idol” in the public eye.
Thanks to the success of this song, she made her first appearance at the 23rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Street Corner of BetrayalKai Band
Uragiri no Machikado (Street Corner of Betrayal) is the second single by Kai Band, released in 1975.
It reached No.
7 on the Oricon charts and won the Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards’ Newcomer Excellence Award.
With its rock-influenced, easy-to-sing style, the song gained popularity among young listeners.
Kai Band is a rock group led by Yoshihiro Kai, performing a wide range of music including rock, folk, and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular music) styles.
Four Requestschiaki naomi
“Four Requests” is the fourth single by Naomi Chiaki, released in 1970.
It won the Japan Kayo Awards’ Broadcast Music Award and the Wired Music Awards’ Effort Award.
Naomi Chiaki, known as a sultry idol, also appeared on variety shows.
Her signature song is “Kassai” (Applause).
Forbidden lovesawada kenji
Released in 1972 as Kenji Sawada’s second single, this song became his first to enter the Oricon Top 10.
It won the Vocal Performance Award at the 14th Japan Record Awards and the Excellence Award at the 5th Japan Cable Awards, and it marked his first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Other people’s relationshipsKanai Katsuko
“Tanin no Kankei” (Other People’s Affair) is the 31st single by Katsuko Kanai, released in 1973.
It won the Japan Record Award’s Planning Prize.
Its distinctive choreography became a talking point, and even children imitated it.
Katsuko Kanai came from the Nishino Ballet Company and, as a singing dancer, formed the group “Les Girls” together with Kaoru Yumi and others.