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.
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Unforgettable Youth Songs: Revisiting New Music Masterpieces from the 1970s–80s (21–30)
Kanda Riverkaguya hime
Kaguya-hime is a three-member group led by Kosetsu Minami.
“Kandagawa” is a single released in September 1973.
Its worldview—vividly reflecting the social climate of the time, such as scenes of meeting up outside public bathhouses—captivated many people nationwide and became a major hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Light Blue RainYagami Junko
This is Junko Yagami’s fifth single, released in May 1978.
Although Yagami had already earned a strong reputation for her vocal ability before debuting—winning numerous awards at events such as Yamaha’s Popcon, the World Popular Song Festival, and the Viña del Mar International Song Festival—this was her first song to enter the Oricon Top 10.
It peaked at No.
2 on the weekly chart and sold 588,000 copies.
wicked womanNakajima Miyuki
She is a leading female artist in the New Music genre, on par with Yumi Matsutoya.
She appears in commercials now, but back then it was rare for New Music artists to appear on TV programs.
In October 1981, during the peak era of ranking shows, her song “Akujo” also hit No.
1 on the Oricon chart and became a massive hit with 830,000 copies sold, yet she had no media exposure.
The morning I had forgottenYamamoto Junko
The July 1971 single by the folk group Akai Tori is like a mental landscape that gently reflects the youth of those days.
Skillfully blending the essences of folk and pop, Junko Yamamoto’s clear, translucent vocals and the beautiful harmonies soothe the listener’s heart.
Rofu Yamagami’s poetic lyrics quietly evoke memories of days gone by, while Kunihiko Murai’s melody tenderly accompanies them.
Included on the album Akai Tori II, this piece features a calm arrangement that conveys the freshness of a morning breeze.
It’s a recommended song for moments when you want to pause amid a busy life to reflect on yourself, or when you feel like immersing yourself in cherished memories.
triggerSera Masanori & Tsuisto
The band group Twist, with Masanori Sera as the vocalist.
In 1977, they won the Grand Prix at Yamaha’s Popcon, known as a gateway to success for New Music artists.
While many bands were folk-oriented, they brought a strong rock sensibility to the forefront and gained popularity.
Their song “Hikigane,” released in August 1978, reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts and achieved the highest sales, with 548,000 copies sold.
ChampionArisu
Alice is a band consisting of three members: Shinji Tanimura, Takao Horiuchi, and Toru Yazawa.
Although they had no major hits immediately after their 1972 debut, they subsequently released a string of successes such as “Kaerazaru Hibi” and “Fuyu no Inazuma.” Their biggest hit was “Champion,” released in December 1978, which reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart and sold 780,000 copies.
HEROKai Band
Kaiband is a band centered around vocalist Yoshihiro Kai, which debuted in 1974.
“HERO,” released in December 1978, was featured in a Seiko wristwatch commercial, reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts, and became a major hit with sales of 670,000 copies.