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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- 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)
That wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu
A gem of a folk song, filled with longing and nostalgia in search of a lost love.
It gently embraces shifting emotional distances and reflections on youth gone by.
The warm sonic world woven by the soothing resonance of the acoustic guitar and a refined arrangement beautifully captures the farewells and hoped-for reunions we all encounter in life.
Since its release in May 1971, it has been beloved as a staple for school events and graduation season, and has been widely used as incidental music in dramas and variety shows.
When you want to linger in memories with someone dear, why not immerse yourself in its soul-stirring vocals and poetic world?
Parting at 22kaguya hime
This moving farewell song by Kaguya-hime truly resonates with the heart.
It portrays a 22-year-old woman deciding to part ways with her lover—a theme that young people can easily relate to.
It’s characterized by Shozo Ise’s poetic lyrics and Takahiko Ishikawa’s memorable guitar intro.
Released in February 1975, the song became a major hit, selling 708,000 copies on the Oricon charts.
If you sing it at karaoke, it’s best to savor the lyrics—filled with gratitude toward the other person and lingering feelings—and perform it with emotion.
It’s a song I’d love not only seasoned romantics to hear, but also young people just beginning their journey in love.
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.
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.
The season the sun gave usaoi sankakujougi
A song that vividly captures the brilliance of youth was released in February 1972 and became a nationwide hit.
Known as the signature song of Aoi Sankakujōgi, it was used as the theme for the NTV youth drama “Tobidase! Seishun,” selling over one million copies.
The lyrics delicately portray the feelings of young people, teaching the importance of facing forward and living alongside friends.
The song has since been covered by various artists, and in 2017 it was also chosen as the ending theme for “Clean Freak! Aoyama-kun.” Its beautiful, moving melody and powerful vocals make it highly recommended for anyone nostalgic for their youthful days.
Cape TourYamamoto Kōtarō to Uīkuendo
It’s a classic song that poignantly portrays a bittersweet love journey, marked by striking images of a beautiful sea and cape.
The gentle, refreshing melody harmonizes beautifully with lyrical verses that circle around memories of a cherished person who has been lost.
The delicate depiction of traveling alone on a trip once promised to a loved one conveys a quiet resilience—a resolve to move forward while carrying sorrow.
Yamamoto Kotaro and The Weekend debuted with this song in June 1974, and it became a major hit, reaching No.
5 on the Oricon charts.
It has long been beloved as the station melody on the Keikyu Kurihama Line and was also used as the ending theme for the anime Heaven’s Lost Property.
For those who have experienced parting from someone dear or who carry deep feelings in their hearts, this song will gently keep them company.
A Midsummer IncidentHirayama Miki
A bittersweet love story woven with a gentle, husky singing voice.
It’s a masterpiece that vividly captures the emotions of a man and woman traveling by car on a midsummer night.
Jun Hashimoto’s bold lyrics and Kyohei Tsutsumi’s funky sound are a perfect match, while Miki Hirayama’s vocal prowess further elevates the song’s appeal.
Released in May 1971, it reached No.
5 on the Oricon charts.
A remake in 1999 breathed new life into the track when it was used as the ending theme for the film Adrenaline Drive.
With its distinctly American groove and striking string arrangements, this song is perfect as BGM for driving scenes or for sinking into the bittersweet memories of summer.