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] (81–90)
spring thunderfuki no tō85rank/position
It’s a lyrical folk song that makes you want to look up at the sky just as Hokkaido’s long winter comes to an end.
Released as a single in February 1979 by Fukinotou, it was also included on the album “Jinsei • Haru • Oudan” and is cherished as one of their signature numbers.
The lyrics, written and composed by Yasuyo Yamaki—said to carry a prayer for his ailing mother—resonate with the unsettled feelings that come with the change of seasons, striking a deep chord.
Ichizo Seo’s arrangement dramatizes both stillness and intensity, powerfully stirring the emotions.
Fans also know that this song marked their first appearance on “Yoru no Hit Studio” in March 1979.
As graduation season blends farewells with new departures, why not listen to it amid the mix of anxiety and anticipation that comes with taking a new step forward?
Parting at 22kaze86rank/position
Released in 1975, the debut single by the folk duo Kaze is a deeply moving breakup song written and composed by Shozo Ise.
Its simple guitar tones and Ise’s gentle vocals beautifully capture the poignant feelings of a young woman.
The song was a major hit upon release, topping the Oricon charts for four consecutive weeks.
It has continued to be sung for many years, and in 2005 it was ranked 71st on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen white team list, remaining beloved across generations.
The lyrics, which resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced the end of a romance, evoke empathy as they overlap with each listener’s own memories.
Please give me wingsakai tori87rank/position
A signature song by Akaitori that colored the music scene of the Showa era.
Released in February 1971, it features beautiful harmonies and evokes a deep sense of Japanese tradition.
The lyrics express a yearning for freedom through the image of “white wings,” reflecting the social climate of the time while conveying a universal message.
It was used at the opening ceremonies of the 1998 Nagano Olympics and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and continues to be loved across generations.
Its touching lyrics and gentle melody are recommended for times when you’re troubled or want to look ahead.
A heartwarming number that offers comfort to anyone seeking healing.
Among the seasonsMatsuyama Chiharu88rank/position
Released in 1978, this song is a masterpiece in which delicate lyricism and a powerful melody are beautifully harmonized.
Through the changing seasons, it portrays the journey of life and resonates deeply with listeners.
Its use in a Glico Almond Chocolate commercial helped bring Chiharu Matsuyama’s name to wide public attention.
The following year, it was chosen as the theme song for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, becoming a beloved track across generations.
The world woven by Matsuyama’s commanding vocals and the lyrics that touch the heart is filled with a universal appeal that anyone can relate to.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to feel something—whether reminiscing about your youth or standing at a crossroads in life.
A Man’s Badge of HonorYokohama Ginbae89rank/position
A masterpiece that portrays the fiery spirit of a young man forging his own path with a rebellious heart.
Released in April 1982, it is known as one of Daisuke Shima’s signature songs.
Written and composed by Johnny of Yokohama Ginbae, the work features powerful vocals and a strong sense of justice, emblematic of the 1980s tsuppari (delinquent) youth culture.
The song was used as the theme for the Nippon TV drama “Ten made Agare!” and reached No.
3 on the weekly Oricon charts.
Its lyrics carefully depict the protagonist’s resolve to stay true to his beginnings despite facing adversity, resonating deeply across generations.
It was also covered as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “From Today, It’s My Turn!!,” which boosted its popularity among younger audiences.
For example, it’s beloved as a cheer song in high school baseball and has been used as a walk-up song by professional baseball players—an anthem that pushes forward those striving toward their dreams.
Gather the Windhappiiendo90rank/position
A gentle weaving of urban transformation and nostalgia, this is a quintessential coming-of-age song of the 1970s.
Created by Happy End in November 1971, it’s a gem in which Takashi Matsumoto vividly and poetically portrays Tokyo’s streets and the lives of its people.
Featured on the album Kazemachi Roman, the track wraps the city’s memories in delicate soundscapes crafted by Eiichi Ohtaki, Haruomi Hosono, and Shigeru Suzuki.
After being featured in the film Lost in Translation, it has been covered and cherished by many artists, including Akiko Yano and Hiromi Ohta.
It’s a song whose tender melody and storytelling resonate deeply—perfect for a calm afternoon or an emotionally stirring dusk.
Ranking of Popular Nostalgic Songs and Classics [1970s Japanese Music Ranking] (91–100)
Forever with youKayama Yūzō91rank/position
As an immortal wedding song that vows eternal love, this piece—considered a signature work of Yuzo Kayama, known as the “Young General”—has been sung since the Showa era.
Released as a single in December 1965, it’s well known as the theme song for the film “The Young General of the Electric Guitar.” The lyrics, written by Tokiko Iwatani, depict a beautiful twilight scene and unchanging love, while the composition—credited to Kosaku Dan—reportedly sold over three million copies at the time.
The spoken line in the interlude, “I feel so happy,” is extraordinarily famous and warmly envelops listeners, filling them with joy.
This moving ballad, elevated by grand strings, is perfect for a moment when the groom expresses his honest feelings to the bride.
How about singing it with heartfelt emotion at the wedding reception to celebrate the couple’s new beginning?