Memorable Youth Songs: Looking Back on New Music Masterpieces from the 1970s–80s
New Music, which incorporated elements of folk and rock while remaining more approachable, captured the hearts of many.
GARO’s “Gakuseigai no Kissaten” and Kaguyahime’s “Kandagawa” gently portrayed the everyday lives of young people at the time, while Alice’s “Champion” and Masashi Sada’s “Kampaku Sengen” powerfully voiced down-to-earth feelings.
These classic songs that colored the memories of youth continue to resonate with many people even today.
Here, we present a selection of exquisite gems from the 1970s, woven with delicate lyrics and melodies.
- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
- Best City Pop Classics: Recommended Popular Songs [Timeless & Modern]
- A collection of nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1980s that still linger in our ears
- [Japanese Music] A Collection of Heart-Touching Hit Folk Songs from the 1970s
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs
- [Spring Songs Recommended for People in Their 40s] Relive Your Youth! A Selection of Nostalgic Tracks
- Big Hits, Including New Standard Favorites! Best Hits of Popular J-POP Songs
- For people in their 50s: Songs that make you want to sing—perfect for driving
- [Standard] A Collection of Songs You Want to Listen to While Driving—Tunes You'll Find Yourself Humming
- Classic and hit kayōkyoku songs from the nostalgic 1960s
- Masterpieces that sing about various lives. Recommended popular songs.
Unforgettable Youth Songs: Revisiting New Music Masterpieces from the ’70s–’80s (11–20)
Dream FlowerEn Hiroshi
This is Hiroshi En’s debut single, and he is still active as a TV personality today.
It was released in November 1978.
The song won the Grand Prix at both the Yamaha Popular Song Contest and the World Popular Song Festival, and was also used in a JAL commercial for its America campaign.
The chorus, which repeats the phrase “Tonde” (“Fly”), is particularly memorable.
The Days of Rainbows and Sneakerschūrippu
It is a classic song that leaves a strong impression with its delicate portrayal of youthful love and transience.
The scene of two people embracing in rain-soaked sweatshirts and the tender sentiment of cherishing a pair of sneakers are depicted with gentle warmth.
The lyrics symbolically express the disconnect between a man and a woman, a sudden farewell, and the immaturity of not yet being able to become an adult, all imbued with the bittersweet ache of youth.
Released in 1979 by Tulip, the song drew attention on TV programs such as The Best Ten and Yoru no Hit Studio, gaining popularity as a piece in which folk and pop are beautifully harmonized.
Kazuo Zaitsu’s warm vocals and the beautiful melody will surely comfort those who wish to heal the pain of heartbreak or look back on their cherished memories.
The Day the Seagulls FlewWatanabe Machiko
This was Machiko Watanabe’s second single, released in April 1978.
Expectations were high for her as a new-music female artist following in the footsteps of Yumi Matsutoya and Miyuki Nakajima, and she won the Best New Artist award at the Japan Record Awards that year.
Showcasing her outstanding vocal ability to the fullest, this song continues to be sung today.
It peaked at No.
5 on the Oricon charts and sold 460,000 copies.
Our FailureMorita Doji
Starting with a scene bathed in spring sunlight, Morita Doji’s classic masterfully portrays the delicate feelings and subtle shifts of a young person’s heart.
Many will be moved by the protagonist, who acknowledges their fragility yet strives to move forward.
Featured on the album Mother Sky, the song initially garnered support for its unique worldview upon its November 1976 release.
Later, in 1993, it was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama High School Teacher, becoming a major hit with over 900,000 copies sold.
Its melody—woven from a softly spoken, intimate vocal and the gentle timbre of an acoustic guitar—is the perfect companion when you’re carrying something in your heart or want to immerse yourself in memories of someone dear.
First loveMurashita Kōzō
Kozo Murashita made his debut as a singer in 1979 after passing a CBS/Sony audition.
“Hatsukoi” (First Love) was his fifth single, released in 1983.
With lyrics and a melody that evoke a sense of nostalgia, it reached No.
3 on the Oricon charts and became a hit, selling over 500,000 copies.