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 Nostalgic Oldies & Classic Songs Ranking [1970s Japanese Music Ranking] (1–10)
Midnight Door ~ Stay With MeMatsubara Miki8rank/position
This is Miki Matsubara’s debut single, released in 1979.
In recent years, as the song has been “rediscovered” overseas, it has become a landmark track that opened the door to the now globally celebrated city pop movement.
Matsubara was 19 at the time of release, yet the lyrics depict the morning after a breakup between two adults.
Her clear, slightly wistful vocals match exquisitely with the urbane, sophisticated sound.
It may bring back memories of an unforgettable love and make your chest tighten a little.
Even before calling it city pop, it’s simply an exceptional masterpiece in every respect—be sure to give it a listen.
Playback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe9rank/position
A song known as one of the signature tracks by Momoe Yamaguchi, a leading songstress of the Showa era.
Released in May 1978 as her 22nd single, it is distinguished by its unique lyrics and staging.
Innovative techniques for the time—such as moments of silence within the track and sudden scene changes—are employed throughout, keeping listeners engaged.
The lyrics depict the feelings of a free-spirited woman and deftly convey the complex emotions involved in romantic relationships.
This masterpiece beautifully fuses Yamaguchi’s delicate vocals with lyrics by Yoko Aki and music by Ryudo Uzaki.
It’s a perfect song to accompany a drive.
Friday ChinatownYasuha10rank/position
This is an exotic, foreign-flavored song set in Chinatown.
Known as a classic from the Showa era, it’s now very popular on Instagram Reels.
The lyrics charmingly portray a lively midnight Chinatown, bursting neon signs, and brief, serendipitous encounters with foreigners.
It was Yasuha’s debut work, released in September 1981.
Rediscovered amid the city pop revival, it also became available via digital distribution in May 2022.
The track is included on the album “TRANSIT,” and a reissued analog record was released in June of the same year.
It’s a perfect pick when you want to feel a touch of the exotic or enjoy the Showa vibe.
It’s also highly popular on Instagram Reels.
Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking [1970s Japanese Music Ranking] (11–20)
Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko11rank/position
On the grand stage of a wedding, Seiko Matsuda’s classic “Ruriiro no Chikyuu” (Jewel-toned Earth) envelops the venue with profound emotion.
Through expansive motifs of dawn, the sea, and the Earth itself, this piece depicts hope for the future and universal love, shining perfectly for two people taking their first step together.
Though not released as a single, it was included on the June 1986 album “SUPREME,” and it has continued to be loved across generations—for example, it was used in April 2010 as astronaut Naoko Yamazaki’s wake-up call.
Its gently conversational vocal style is sure to bring tears during moments like the candle service or expressions of gratitude to parents.
It’s a song we highly recommend for the couple embarking on their long journey together.
Journey of the Heartchūrippu12rank/position
Tulip’s third single, released by Toshiba EMI in April 1973, is a classic that poignantly portrays the bittersweet feelings of a protagonist setting off on a journey by train.
Written and composed by Kazuo Zaitsu and tenderly sung by Tatsuya Himeno, whose sweet voice conveys the longing for a lover far away, the song topped the Oricon weekly chart and sold a total of 870,000 copies, becoming one of Tulip’s signature love songs.
It has been widely featured in tie-ins, including the Fuji TV program “Ninjō Ippon Kokoro no Tabi,” a Toyota Carina commercial, and JR West’s graduation trip campaign, making it a heart-tugging tune for the season of farewells and new departures.
It gently accompanies those in long-distance relationships and anyone parting from someone special due to graduation or a job transfer.
era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki13rank/position
Released in December 1975, this song—Miyuki Nakajima’s second single—garnered high acclaim from the very start of her career, including winning the Grand Prix at the Yamaha Popular Song Contest.
Its lyrics, themed around hope and courage in the face of sorrow and hardship, have resonated deeply with many listeners.
In 2007, it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and in 2010 it was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s 50th anniversary drama “Our Family’s History,” remaining a beloved piece across generations.
It’s a highly recommended song for anyone looking to overcome difficult times or seeking emotional support.
Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Oginome Yōko14rank/position
This is the seventh single by Yoko Oginome, who made her entertainment debut after appearing on the TV show “Chibikko Utamane Best Ten” when she was in fourth grade.
It’s a Japanese-lyric cover of a song that became a worldwide hit by British singer Angie Gold, and its classic disco sound at the time made a striking impact on the J-pop scene, setting it apart from other idol songs.
Many will also recall its revival in 2017, sparked by the “Bubble Dance” performed by the dance club of Osaka Prefectural Tomioka High School.
It’s a dance tune loved across generations and a surefire way to hype up any drive as background music.