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
A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s (51–60)
I want to go back to that dayArai Yumi
It was released in 1975 as Yumi Arai’s sixth single.
The song was used as the theme for the TBS drama “Katei no Himitsu” (Family Secrets) and also featured in a 1975 Mitsubishi Electric Diatone Stereo commercial.
It reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and is one of Yumi Arai’s most popular songs.
The season the sun gave usaoi sankakujougi
The Season the Sun Gave Us is the second single by Aoi Sankaku Jōgi, released in 1972.
It reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart and won the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.
Used as the theme song for the TV drama Fly Out, Youth, it became a major hit.
Although Aoi Sankaku Jōgi was formed as a folk group, they performed pop-oriented songs with youth as their theme.
A world without youZa Bībāzu
A masterpiece woven from a psychedelic rock sound and a wistful melody, this is The Beavers’ second single, released in November 1967.
Its heartrending tune vividly portrays the pain of a broken heart.
Showcasing beautifully balanced twin vocals and the twin-guitar virtuosity of Hideki Ishima and Masayuki Hirai, the track reached No.
57 on the Oricon chart.
The band also appeared on the TV program “Young 720” that same year.
It’s a song to play on nights when you want to soothe a love-broken heart, or on a quiet afternoon when you’re nostalgic for your youth.
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.
Song of Hakushon Daimaoshimazaki yuri
Starting with adorable opening sound effects, the friendly lyrics vividly conjure the image of a great demon king emerging from a magic jar.
His character—honest, quick to tears, and full of human warmth—is wonderfully portrayed, making this a heartwarming piece that children and adults alike can enjoy.
Yuri Shimazaki’s bright, soaring vocals further enhance the comedic storytelling atmosphere.
Released by Nippon Columbia in October 1969, it gained popularity as the opening theme for a Fuji TV–broadcast anime airing at the same time.
It’s a perfect track for moments when everyone wants to have fun together—like family time on holidays or children’s events.
Listening to OliviaAnri
A melody that gently envelops the lingering ache of a bittersweet romance, paired with refined musicianship, resonates deeply in the heart.
The lyrics, which carefully depict a woman healing her delicate emotions after a breakup while listening to Olivia Newton-John’s songs, have struck a chord with many.
With Anri’s clear, translucent vocals giving the piece a sophisticated, urban feel, it was released in November 1978 and included on the album “Anri.” In 2008, it was also featured as an insert song in the Nippon TV drama “Saito-san,” cementing its status as a timeless classic loved across generations.
This warm ballad offers comfort to those trying to recover from the pain of heartbreak and to anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.
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.