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.
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- You'll surely remember your youth. Spring songs recommended for people in their 40s.
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- For people in their 50s: Songs that make you want to sing—perfect for driving
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- 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 1970s–80s (41–50)
The person I used to likekaguya hime
These are tracks from Kaguya-hime’s album produced by Takuro Yoshida, released on April 20, 1972.
The songs quietly express feelings toward someone you loved and lost.
When you’re heartbroken, it might be good to sing them at karaoke and have a good cry.
My good friendKamayatsu Hiroshi
This work is infused with heartfelt themes of friendship and youth.
It’s a classic song powerfully sung by Hiroshi Kamayatsu.
The lyrics, full of nostalgia and warmth, gently wrap you in memories of friends from your school days.
Released in February 1975, the track reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart and became a major hit, selling over 700,000 copies.
Its gem-like melody, blending folk and rock, poignantly conveys the longing to reunite with friends.
Recommended for those who want to feel unchanging friendship amid changing times.
Let the soul-stirring vocals deepen your feelings for the people you cherish.
Farewell to the Days of YouthArisu
In March, during graduation season, I imagine many people feel like listening to this.
It was released as a single in 1977 by Alice, a folk group that was hugely successful in the 1970s and produced numerous classic songs.
The rich strings resonate beautifully, perfectly matching Shinji Tanimura’s deep, solid vocals.
It’s dynamic yet so comfortable you could listen to it endlessly.
That feeling that everyday life was the greatest treasure of all… Isn’t that what everyone comes to feel after graduating?
Children Who Don’t Know WarJirōzu
Jiro’s was a Japanese folk duo active in the 1970s.
“Children Who Don’t Know War” is a song that delicately portrays the feelings of a generation born into a time of peace.
Since its 1971 release, it has resonated with many people and become a beloved song across generations.
Its message—expressing a wish for peace and conveying the pure impressions of a generation that has not known war—has not faded with time.
The track is also known for its distinctive mixing, with different vocals coming from the left and right speakers, offering listeners a fresh and surprising experience.
Please give it a listen.
To say goodbyebiriibanban
Released in 1972, Billy BanBan’s signature work is a classic that portrays lost love and determination for the future.
Widely known as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “3-chome 4-banchi,” it also marked the duo’s first appearance at the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen (the 23rd edition).
While it incorporates elements of folk music, it also retains the charm of Japanese kayōkyoku, creating a distinctive style.
The lyrics, imbued with the sorrow of parting and the courage to take a new step, are sure to resonate deeply with students approaching graduation.
This song is perfect for those who cherish their past memories yet are ready to look ahead and move forward.
Just like back thenBureddo & Batā
A graduation ceremony with cherry blossom petals dancing in the air, and a moving song of departure.
Released in the 1970s yet loved across generations, the song is Bread & Butter’s “Ano Koro no Mama.” Kureta Keiko’s poignantly beautiful lyrics are paired with a gentle, subdued composition by Haruomi Hosono and Masataka Matsutoya.
The contrasting worldview—between the passion of chasing dreams and the cool composure of letting them go—resonates with everyone and is sure to touch the heart.
Poem of Youthyoshida takurou
Singer-songwriter Takuro Yoshida, often called a “founding father of J-POP” for bringing the then-minor genres of folk and rock into the mainstream in the 1970s.
The title track of his first album, “Seishun no Uta” (Poem of Youth), later released as a single, is known as a popular song.
Its lyrics, which include provocative phrases evocative of the era, depict the preciousness of each person’s youth, just as the title suggests.
It’s a song with a universal theme, marked by bluesy guitar phrases and an old-school arrangement.
