[1970s] Classic and hit songs of Japanese rock that blazed through the dawn era
When it comes to the era that laid the foundation for Japanese rock music, isn’t it the 1970s? The musicians and bands that emerged during this time had a tremendous impact on later Japanese rock.
Here, we introduce supreme masterpieces that colored the 1970s.
From famous bands everyone knows to musicians known only to the initiated, we’ve picked a wide range—so please find the tracks that suit you.
Now, please sit back and enjoy!
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- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
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- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- Debut songs by Japanese male artists from the 1970s
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- [Classic Hits of the 70s] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Commercials
- A roundup of debut songs by Japanese female artists from the 1970s
- Cool band: A rock band that represents Japan
- So nostalgic it feels new? Showa retro classics that colored Japan’s period of rapid economic growth
[1970s] Masterpieces and Hit Songs of Japanese Rock That Raced Through the Dawn (21–30)
Time TravelHarada Shinji
If anything, he had a strongly pop-leaning image, but at the time he was also called one of the ‘Three Rock Greats’ alongside The Twist and Char.
There’s even a story that before Motoharu Sano broke out, people said his sensibility was strikingly similar to Shinji Harada’s.
In that sense, I think it’s fair to say Harada had a huge influence on the Japanese rock scene that followed.
Time Travel was his fourth single, released in 1978 at the peak of his popularity.
It’s a masterpiece whose pop melody line—devoid of any trace of Japan’s earthy rawness—and brisk rhythm intertwine exquisitely with the Japanese lyrics.
That girl’s window lightSENTIMENTAL CITY ROMANCE
At a time when folk was mainstream, they drew attention in the music industry as a band performing the West Coast sound.
There’s even an anecdote that their first album was produced with Haruomi Hosono serving as an advisor.
“Ano Ko no Madoakari” (That Girl’s Window Light) is the third track on their first album, Sentimental City Romance, released in 1975.
It’s a melancholic yet unsentimental rock ballad that evokes the night breeze of the West Coast.
SATORI PART2FLOWER TRAVELLIN’ BAND
It was a band formed under the production of Yuya Uchida, featuring musicians closely associated with him.
All the lyrics were in English, and the music was characterized by a strong oriental flavor.
They also had a period when they were based in Canada, and David Bowie is said to have held the band in high regard.
SATORI PART 2 is the second track on their second album, released in 1971.
English lyrics flow smoothly over an Eastern-style melody reminiscent of Indian music.
This song, too, can truly be called a masterpiece with a sensibility that feels distinctly un-Japanese.
Double Dealing Womanmurasaki
This is a band from Okinawa that was formed before the islands were returned to Japan.
In the 1960s, while the Vietnam War was still ongoing, they honed their skills by performing at the many clubs that catered to American soldiers.
Double Dealing Woman is the first track on Murasaki’s debut album, Murasaki, released in 1976.
Its hard yet driving sound pairs perfectly with the native-sounding English lyrics, and it makes sense that they weren’t regarded as a Japanese band at the time.
One timeKaneko Mari & Bakkusu Banī
Mari Kaneko is a woman who has a background of forming a band with Char and Hiroyuki Namba, and was nicknamed “Janis of Shimokitazawa.” Aru Toki wa is a single released in 1976.
With a hint of huskiness yet a soaring vocal tone, interwoven with a brisk, well-paced rhythm, it delivers a powerful sound.