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 Oldies and Classic Songs [1970s Japanese Music Ranking] (31–40)
Listening to OliviaAnri31rank/position
On a night of heartbreak, Anri’s ‘Listening to Olivia’ gently nestles close to the heart—a masterfully finished ballad that hardly feels like a debut single.
Lyrics and composition are by Ami Ozaki.
Sipping jasmine tea while reflecting on a past love—the mature worldview pairs exquisitely with Anri’s luminous, transparent vocals.
The song’s urban, sophisticated aura can be seen as a starting point for her later city pop direction.
On a night weighed down by sorrow, why not take the time to listen to this song?
TouchIwasaki Yoshimi32rank/position
Classic Showa-era songs are trending on Instagram.
Yoshimi Iwasaki’s track was released in 1985 as an anime opening theme.
The lyrics, interweaving the ache of heartbreak with deep affection, resonate with listeners.
It’s included on the album “Touch,” which also features other anime-related songs.
There’s also a fun tidbit: until 1986, it was categorized as a children’s song.
Blending nostalgia with freshness, this piece is recommended for anyone who wants to relive their youth or savor the Showa vibe.
Use this song in an Instagram Reel for a wonderfully nostalgic post.
The Day the Seagulls FlewWatanabe Machiko33rank/position
Set in a port town, this gem of a ballad poignantly portrays the pain of heartbreak.
Against the glittering morning seascape, the singer overlays her feelings for a departing lover onto a single seagull, creating a moving masterpiece.
Released in April 1978, it became one of Machiko Watanabe’s signature songs, peaking at No.
5 on the Oricon charts.
The track won numerous music awards and drew attention to her as a rising talent among female singers.
In 2007, it was adopted as a Chiba Lotte Marines cheer song, with a special stadium version also released.
A performance by Japan’s dance team Avantgardey, featuring their unique choreography, garnered significant buzz and boosted the song’s recognition among younger audiences.
It’s a recommended listen for anyone who can relate to a woman quietly accepting the pain of lost love, or for those who wish to revisit youthful memories alongside the scenery of a harbor town.
foreignerKUBOTA Saki34rank/position
“So you only ever see me as someone just passing by….” Foreign Visitor (Ihōjin) poetically captures a woman’s wistful, unrequited love.
Released in 1979 as singer-songwriter Saki Kubota’s debut single, the song’s enigmatic lyrics can make it hard to recognize at first listen as a love song—perhaps one of the charms of Showa-era romance music.
On top of that, it features meticulous compositional craft, shifting from a darker verse to a bright key change in the chorus.
Give it multiple listens and savor the profound depth of Showa kayō!
SWEET MEMORIESMatsuda Seiko35rank/position
Seiko Matsuda is known as a representative idol of the 1980s and is still an active and prolific singer-songwriter today.
Originally included as the B-side to her 14th single “Glass no Ringo” (Glass Apple), this song became widely popular after being featured in a Suntory CAN Beer commercial.
With lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Haruomi Hosono, it was released in August 1983.
The lyrics, which look back on a past romance and sing of its bittersweet pain and beauty, resonate deeply with listeners.
Expressing the feeling of overcoming the pain of heartbreak and accepting the past as a sweet memory, it stands as an emotional ballad emblematic of the Showa era.
Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten36rank/position
Among the many masterpieces that sing of deep love, this is a particularly moving song.
It deftly depicts the evolving landscapes of love over time, and through its exquisite melody and exceptional expressiveness, it showcases Teresa Teng at her very best.
The song beautifully portrays unconditional love for someone dear, along with the self-sacrifice that springs from it, gently enveloping the listener’s heart.
Released in February 1986, it was also included on the album “Toki no Nagare ni Mi o Makase” (I Only Care About You).
It achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Grand Prix at the 19th Japan Cable Radio Awards for the third consecutive year, and it also received the Gold Award at the 28th Japan Record Awards.
Even today, it is widely covered by many artists and cherished across generations.
It is a recommended listen when you are thinking of someone special or wish to spend time in a calm, peaceful mood.
Why not immerse yourself in memories with a loved one and enjoy a heartwarming moment?
Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko37rank/position
With an intro that vividly conjures hints of spring and seaside scenery, this Showa-era pop masterpiece delicately portrays the shifting emotions of a woman in love.
The golden duo of lyricist Takashi Matsumoto and composer Keisuke Kureta—better known as Yumi Matsutoya—brings out the full charm of Seiko Matsuda’s vocals.
Released in January 1982 as her eighth single and included on the acclaimed album Pineapple, the song has retained its brilliance for over 40 years, even being featured in a Fujifilm commercial in 2023.
Its melody, brimming with pure feeling, is perfect for wedding dress changes or moments of expressing gratitude to parents.
As a timeless classic beloved across generations, it’s wholeheartedly recommended for couples hoping to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
A café in a student districtGaro38rank/position
A classic song that portrays youthful days spent in a beloved coffee shop.
Its gentle melody and delicate lyrics resonate deeply with many listeners.
Released in June 1972, it became a major hit, topping the Oricon Singles Chart for seven consecutive weeks the following year.
Known as one of Garo’s signature songs, it has since been covered by various artists.
Set against the backdrop of Bob Dylan’s music, this piece evokes memories of the casual conversations shared with friends and lovers.
It’s a recommended track for when you want to rekindle nostalgic memories or reflect on time spent with someone special.
Boat SongYashiro Aki39rank/position
One of the quintessential masterpieces of the Showa era, this gem of a ballad resonates in the hearts of many.
Sung by Aki Yashiro, whose unique phrasing and emotionally rich voice are its allure, the song was released in May 1979.
Its lyrics vividly depict the atmosphere of an izakaya, delicately expressing a lingering longing for a former lover.
The piece became even more widely remembered when a scene featuring Yashiro herself singing it was included in the 1981 film “Station.” It’s the perfect song for savoring a quiet drink or immersing yourself in nostalgic memories.
My loverGorin Mayumi40rank/position
This is Mayumi Itsuwa’s signature song, cherished by many as one of the defining ballads of the Showa era.
Released in August 1980, it achieved the remarkable feat of reaching number one on the Oricon weekly chart.
Beloved in countries such as South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, this work is a poignant love song centered on lost love and parting.
Itsuwa’s clear, pure vocals and the lyrically vivid imagery leave a lasting impression.
The lyrics skillfully portray expressions that evoke the changing seasons and the inability to accept a breakup with a lover.
It’s a highly recommended track for anyone who has lost someone important or seeks to heal the pain of a broken heart.