Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking: 1970s Japanese Music
We’re excited to present the latest top 100 ranking of nostalgic Japanese pop songs, introduced all at once in order of most views!
We’ve picked out beloved classics that were hits in the 1970s.
Listening again like this, you’ll notice many songs are still enjoying revivals today.
Be sure to check them out.
The playlist is updated every week.
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Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking [1970s Japanese Music Ranking] (61–70)
You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi64rank/position
It’s a classic that blends nostalgia with freshness.
Showcasing Eiichi Ohtaki’s delicate musicality, this work was released in March 1981 and included on the album “A LONG VACATION.” It paints the ache of a lost love with vividly colorful expressions.
The unusual twist of lowering the key only in the chorus is also captivating.
After 40 years, a music video was produced for the first time in March 2021, and it has garnered over 6 million views.
While evoking the Showa era, the piece has a timeless appeal that resonates today.
It’s perfect for when you want to bask in nostalgia or reflect on someone dear.
Use it as BGM for your Instagram Reels, and your post will have a wonderful atmosphere.
Goodbyeofukōsu65rank/position
This is a classic folk song that represents the 1970s.
Released by Off Course, the song captured many hearts with its poignant breakup lyrics and beautiful melody.
It appeared as the title track of a single released in December 1979 and came to symbolize Off Course’s musical maturity.
The lyrics, centered on parting with a lover, unfold with a quiet sense of sorrow and leave a powerful emotional impact on listeners.
This piece is recommended for those who have experienced the sadness of separation or who are reflecting on relationships with loved ones.
Its touching lyrics and gentle melody will softly embrace the feelings that lie deep within the heart.
Tsubpari High School Rock ’n’ Roll (Going-to-School Edition)Yokohama Ginbae66rank/position
This is a single released in January 1981 that portrays the relationship between a headstrong high schooler and their parent with lively rock ’n’ roll.
The lyrics follow a 7-7-7-5 meter, creating a pleasing sense of rhythm and comically expressing the inner world of a rebellious youth.
While it vividly depicts the style and behavior of a delinquent, it’s also a nuanced work that reveals glimpses of care for the mother and a search for one’s own way of life.
It has remained beloved across generations, appearing in a 2008 commercial for Suntory’s canned chuhai “Calori.” and covered in a 2011 Asahi Soft Drinks “Jurokucha” ad featuring Yui Aragaki.
Today, it’s a trending track for posting dance videos on social media with simple, modern choreography.
metropoliskurisutaru kingu67rank/position
Released in November 1979, this song celebrates the strong will and hope of those who keep chasing their dreams.
Known as Crystal King’s signature track, it became a million seller.
It delicately portrays the harshness of urban life and the emotions of people pursuing their aspirations, and its universal theme and melody have continued to be loved across generations.
It’s a moving number, powered by soaring high-tone vocals, recommended for anyone chasing a dream or seeking the courage to jump into a new environment.
Let me have that wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu68rank/position
A timeless song whose refreshing acoustic guitar tones and seamless harmonies resonate in the heart.
It sings, with a refined melody, of the ache of a love that has ended and of memories of beautiful days that will never return.
Originally produced as the debut song for a female duo, it was released in April 1971 as a single credited jointly to Kazuhiko Kato and Osamu Kitayama.
Since then, it has been included in music textbooks and sung as a staple at choral competitions, gaining widespread popularity across generations.
In 2002, it was also chosen as the theme song for FNS 27-Hour Television.
Evoking both the brilliance and the bittersweetness of youth, this is a track you’ll want to listen to quietly during farewells with friends or seasons of new beginnings.
bullseyeYamamoto Rinda69rank/position
Linda Yamamoto’s signature song is gaining popularity on Instagram Reels.
It’s known for its memorable phrases and lyrics that exude a mischievous, coquettish charm.
The song portrays a confident woman and sings about the strength to make the most of one’s allure.
Released in February 1973, it reached No.
14 on the Oricon chart and led to her return to the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen in 1991 after 17 years.
It’s also beloved as a baseball cheer song and remains a staple at high school baseball games even after more than 50 years.
This is a recommended track for those seeking a nostalgic vibe or a boost of confidence.
The Scent of CyclamenFuse Akira70rank/position
It’s a classic that topped the Oricon weekly chart at the time and became Mr.
Fuse’s only million-seller, with over 1.05 million copies sold.
Released in April 1975 as Akira Fuse’s 17th single, the song was written and composed by Kei Ogura, who was also working as a banker then.
It swept the major music awards of 1975, including the Grand Prize at the 17th Japan Record Awards.
With delicate color imagery like “the hue of raw silk” and “pale purple,” the lyrics resonate as they layer feelings for a loved one with the fragrance of flowers.
Set against a gentle arrangement centered on strings and acoustic guitar, Fuse’s clear, expansive vocals truly shine.
It’s the kind of love song you’ll want to listen to quietly on a night when you’re thinking of someone dear.