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!
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- 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
A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s (51–60)
Best of My LoveThe Emotions
A quintessential disco track of the 1970s that sings of the joy of love and gratitude over a light, buoyant rhythm.
Produced by members of Earth, Wind & Fire, this gem perfectly blends The Emotions’ beautiful harmonies with a funky groove.
Released in May 1977 as a single from the album “Rejoice,” it held the No.
1 spot on the Billboard charts for four consecutive weeks.
It was also used in the opening of the 1997 film “Boogie Nights,” earning support across generations.
When you want to fully savor the joy of being in love under warm sunshine, this song will gently wrap your heart.
The Emotions’ melodies of love continue to resonate in our hearts across time.
As long as the sun is in the skynishikino akira
As Long as the Sun Is in the Sky is the third single by Nishikino Akira (now known as Nishikino Dan), released in 1971.
It reached No.
3 on the Oricon chart.
Known for his outstanding athletic ability, Nishikino appeared at sports festivals and swimming meets as a singer.
While he is now mainly active on variety shows, this song has become his signature piece.
airportTeresa Ten
“Airport” is the second single by Teresa Teng, released in 1974.
It won the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.
Teresa Teng was a singer from Taiwan who was known as the “Diva of Asia.” There was also a period when she served as a promotional figure for the Republic of China’s military.
Tears of the SunAnzai Maria
“Namida no Taiyo” is the debut single by Maria Anzai, released in 1973.
It is a cover of “Crying in a Storm” by Emy Jackson.
The song won the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.
Maria Anzai, who was a quarter German, had a look that matched the song, contributing to its success.
I just can’t stopYamamoto Rinda
“Dōnimo Tomaranai” is the 20th single by Linda Yamamoto, released in 1972.
It reached No.
3 on the Oricon chart and won the Japan Record Award for Composition and the Japan Kayō Award for Broadcast Music.
Since her debut with “Komacchauna,” she had sung girlish songs, but with this track she changed her image, performing provocative dances in a midriff-baring outfit.