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 (1–10)
Love MemoryMatsuzaki Shigeru
“Ai no Memory” is Shigeru Matsuzaki’s 14th single, released in 1977.
It reached No.
2 on the Oricon chart.
The song was used in a Glico Almond Chocolate commercial and as the march for the 50th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament (Senbatsu).
It is one of Matsuzaki’s signature songs, showcasing his overwhelming vocal power.
applausechiaki naomi
Released in 1972 as Naomi Chiaki’s 13th single.
The song is set on a stage where the singer performs while thinking of her deceased lover, and it won the Grand Prize at the 14th Japan Record Awards.
Because of its narrative setup and lyrical content, the song was referred to at the time as “dramatic kayō” (dramatic popular song).
Flying to IstanbulShōno Mayoyo
“Tonde Istanbul” is the fifth single by Mayo Shono, released in 1978.
It won the Japan Record Awards’ Composition Prize.
The song was originally written for Goro Noguchi, but it was decided that it suited a female singer, so Mayo Shono ended up performing it.
Nostalgic Hit Songs of the ’70s: Best-of Collection (11–20)
My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu
A classic by Southern All Stars that etches the bittersweetness of youth into your heart.
Released in March 1979, this song became the decisive hit that rocketed the band to superstardom.
It was also used as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Fuzoroi no Ringo-tachi,” capturing the hearts of many.
The bittersweet yet warm lyrics resonate across generations.
Filled with deep affection for a loved one, regrets of the past, and a wish to strengthen the relationship, the lyrics read like a romantic short story.
It’s also a karaoke staple—one that almost everyone has hummed at least once.
Give it a listen while reflecting on memories with someone special.
Imitation GoldYamaguchi Momoe
Released in 1977 as Momoe Yamaguchi’s 18th single.
The lyrics were written by Yoko Aki and the music composed by Ryudo Uzaki.
It reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
She made her fourth consecutive appearance at the 28th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, where she performed this song.
Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko
Released in 1971 as Kiyohiko Ozaki’s second solo single.
The song was created as a candidate for a Sanyo Electric air conditioner commercial, with lyrics by Yū Aku themed around “parting,” and it became a major hit.
It won the Grand Prize at the 13th Japan Record Awards and is cherished as one of Kiyohiko Ozaki’s signature songs.
Midnight Door ~ Stay With MeMatsubara Miki
Miki Matsubara’s debut song, which portrays a bittersweet love, is known as a quintessential city pop classic.
Its lyrics, steeped in nostalgia for a lost love, blend perfectly with a jazzy, groovy sound that resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in November 1979, it reached No.
28 on the Oricon charts.
It later gained global popularity, and in 2020 it entered the Top 10 of J-POP rankings in 92 countries.
It’s the perfect song for reflecting alone on a past romance in the quiet of the night.
You’ll surely be drawn into its world of intertwined nostalgia and longing.