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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- Commercial songs from the 70s. Nostalgic TV commercial jingles.
- Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking: 1970s Japanese Music
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- 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-of Collection (11–20)
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.
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.
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.
GandharaGodaigo
A classic by Godiego that sings of a distant utopia.
Its melody exudes an exotic atmosphere, and the distinctive lyrics interweaving Japanese and English leave a strong impression.
Released in October 1978, the song was used as the ending theme for the Nippon TV drama “Saiyuki” and became a huge hit, selling over 1.6 million copies.
The longing for a utopia overflowing with love and dreams surely resides in everyone.
When you’re tired of everyday life or seeking something new, why not give this piece a listen? It will surely soothe your heart and give you courage.
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.
Time, stop.Yazawa Eikichi
Known as one of Eikichi Yazawa’s signature songs, this piece expresses a longing for the enduring nature of love and time.
The contrast between the phrase “a sinful guy,” which suggests a frivolous persona, and the depth of affection is striking.
Released in March 1978, it became a massive hit, ranking No.
1 on Oricon for three consecutive weeks.
It was also featured in a Shiseido commercial, which drew considerable attention.
It’s also fascinating that Ryuichi Sakamoto and Yukihiro Takahashi—who would later form YMO—participated in the recording.
It’s a perfect track for those moments when you want to feel the bittersweetness of love or reminisce about summer memories.
Farewell, my loverSakai Masaaki
Released in 1971 as Masakazu Sakai’s solo debut single.
It won the Popularity Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards that same year and ranked 10th on the 1971 Oricon year-end chart.
He also performed it at the 22nd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, and it became one of his signature songs.
RomanceIwasaki Hiromi
A second single from Hiromi Iwasaki that brims with the fresh, bittersweet spirit of youth without losing its vibrancy.
Released not long after her debut, this hit song poignantly sings of sweet, aching first love, drawing listeners irresistibly into its lyrical world.
Kyōhei Tsutsumi’s delicate melodic lines and Yū Aku’s deeply resonant lyrics blend beautifully, capturing a page of youth that pulses—at times intense, at times gentle—as if scattered throughout our own memories.
Upon its release in July 1975, it became a major hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Even when heard by chance, the song conveys a sense of storytelling, offering comfort and appeal to listeners across generations.
My boyfriend is left-handed.Asaoka Megumi
Released in 1973 as Megumi Asaoka’s fifth single, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and won the Popularity Award at the 15th Japan Record Awards.
Her cute singing style—paired with a hairstyle reminiscent of the fairy-tale princess Otohime—was popular at the time, and this song also earned her first appearance at the 24th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii
Released in 1977 as Pink Lady’s fourth single.
It became their third consecutive No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart, achieving remarkable popularity and sales for an idol pop song.
Its choreography also drew attention, and it remains one of Pink Lady’s many popular hit songs.