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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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.
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.
Nostalgic Hit Songs of the ’70s: Best Classics (61–70)
Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri
A masterpiece by Sayuri Ishikawa that depicts the poignant sentiments of winter travel.
You can practically picture the Seikan ferry crossing the Tsugaru Strait in bone-chilling cold.
Released in 1977, the song captured many hearts with lyrics reflecting the transportation of the time and a melody that sinks deep into the soul.
The journey from Ueno Station through Aomori to Hakodate is portrayed like a scene from a film.
This work beautifully expresses both the harsh winter scenery of the north and the feelings of people returning home.
It’s a timeless classic that stirs nostalgia every time you listen.
A song you’ll want to hear alone on a winter night.
third-year middle school studentMori Masako
It was released in 1973 as Masako Mori’s third single.
The song depicts the feelings of a girl whose admired upperclassman, one year ahead of her, is graduating from junior high school, and it also drew attention for incorporating part of the melody of Auld Lang Syne during the instrumental break.
It reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Love is vulnerable.Hide to Rozanna
‘Love Is Vulnerable’ is the fifth single by Hide and Rosanna, released in 1970.
It reached number one on the weekly Oricon chart and was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
At a time when foreign entertainers were still rare, the charm of Rosanna, who is Italian, became a talking point.