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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Ranking of Popular Nostalgic Songs and Classics [1970s Japanese Music Ranking] (91–100)
Monkey MagicGodiego96rank/position
A song inspired by the story of Journey to the West, distinguished by lyrics entirely in English.
The lyrics, which depict the monkey’s birth and his departure for the West, evoke a mythic worldview and a spirit of adventure.
Released in December 1978, it became a massive hit as the theme song for the drama of the same name.
It was also included on the album “Journey to the West (MAGIC MONKEY)” and achieved million-seller status.
This work has long been cherished as one of GODIEGO’s signature songs.
It’s recommended not only for those who want to enjoy a nostalgic classic, but also for anyone seeking a song with an epic, narrative quality.
bulldogfoorību su97rank/position
Four Leaves, a representative group from the early Johnny’s era that left a major mark on the idol scene of the 1970s.
The song they released in 1977 is a particularly popular classic of the idol kayō style, with lyrics by Akira Ito and music by Shunichi Tokura.
With lyrics that put rugged masculinity front and center and a rock-influenced arrangement featuring aggressive guitar sounds, it’s the kind of track that would definitely get the crowd going at karaoke.
You could also call it a killer 70s idol tune that would fit perfectly at DJ events themed around the music of this era.
interaction; friendly contact; bondingNakamura Masatoshi98rank/position
Masatoshi Nakamura has produced numerous masterpieces as an actor.
He also began working as a singer in the 1970s and released several hit songs.
Fureai here is an insert song from the youth drama Ware Ra Seishun!, which centers on rugby and in which he stars; it was also his debut single.
If you know the drama, you might picture the club members deepening their bonds through rugby.
The song is also used in Hitoshi Matsumoto’s film Big Man Japan, but despite being the same track, the atmosphere there is quite different.
Perhaps one of this song’s unique charms is how dramatically its mood can change depending on the part that’s used.
Midnight PretendersAran Tomoko99rank/position
This song sung by Tomoko Aran is very popular on Instagram Stories.
Its lyrics, depicting a secret love between two people drifting along the nighttime sea, are striking, and it’s known as a classic of city pop.
It was included on the album “Floating Space,” released in May 1983, with music composed by Tetsurō Oda.
In 2022, it was sampled by Canadian artist The Weeknd, bringing it to a new audience worldwide.
It’s the perfect track for creating a mature atmosphere—whether for a night drive or making memories with a lover.
Be sure to try using it in your Instagram Story!
Love in KyotoNAGISA YŪKO100rank/position
It is a single released by The Ventures in February 1970.
In May of the same year, a cover version by Yūko Nagisa was released, and it reached number one on the Oricon chart.
It also received the Planning Award at the Japan Record Awards.