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.
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- 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: Collection of Classics (21–30)
Room of BlocksFuse Akira
“Tsumiki no Heya” (The Building-Block Room) is the 33rd single by Akira Fuse, released in 1974.
It won the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance.
He also performed this song at the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Fuse’s clear, expansive voice and excellent vocal technique gained popularity, making it a hit.
The Day the Seagulls FlewWatanabe Machiko
Released in 1978 as Machiko Watanabe’s second single.
It reached No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and won the Best New Artist Award at the 20th Japan Record Awards.
Known as one of Machiko Watanabe’s signature songs, it remains a classic that is still covered by many artists today.
While listening to a distant train whistleArisu
It was released as Alice’s ninth single in [year].
The lyrics were written by Shinji Tanimura and the music composed by Takao Horiuchi.
At the 47th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1996, Horiuchi performed it as a solo act, and at the 56th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2005, it was used as one of the songs in a medley by Alice.
A café in a student districtGaro
Gakuseigai no Kissaten (The Coffee Shop in the Student District) is the third single by Garo, released in 1972.
It reached number one on the Oricon charts and won the Japan Cable Awards Newcomer Prize.
Its folk-style sound was especially popular.
Garo was formed as a folk rock group.
Love in KyotoNAGISA YŪKO
Kyoto no Koi (Love in Kyoto) is the sixth single by Yuko Nagisa, released in 1970.
It is a Japanese cover of a single that The Ventures released in Japan.
The song ranked No.
1 on the Oricon charts for eight consecutive weeks and won the Planning Award at the Japan Record Awards.
It is a masterpiece set to the lively, characteristic rhythm of The Ventures.
Lost roadWatanabe Machiko
“Mayoi Michi” is the debut single by Machiko Watanabe, released in 1977.
It reached No.
3 on the Oricon charts and led to her appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It was also a popular choice for karaoke at the time.
Machiko Watanabe has since released numerous hit songs and is known for her powerful vocals.
Tokyo LullabyNakahara Rie
Tokyo Lullaby is the debut single by Rie Nakahara, released in 1978.
It won the Japan Record Award New Artist Award and Composer Award, the Japan Cable Radio Awards New Artist Award, and the All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards Excellent New Artist Award.
Rie Nakahara also appeared on variety shows and became popular for her humor.