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 Songs and Classics Ranking [1970s Japanese Music Ranking] (51–60)
loveMatsuyama Chiharu51rank/position
Known as one of Chiharu Matsuyama’s signature songs, this piece portrays the pain of heartbreak and the emotions of a woman.
It delicately expresses the complex feelings of a woman who continues to love despite being weary from romance.
Released in 1980 as his eighth single, it has since been included on various albums.
It appears on albums such as “Kishōtenketsu II” and “Tabidachi,” holding an important place throughout Matsuyama’s musical career.
Resonating with those who have experienced heartbreak or struggle with love, it’s a perfect choice for karaoke or acoustic guitar performances.
The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko52rank/position
This is the fifth single released in April 1981 by Seiko Matsuda, who sparked a social phenomenon as a quintessential idol singer.
The lyrics, themed around summer scenes and romance, are characteristic, making it a quintessential pop work in the idol kayō genre.
When it was performed at the 32nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it became a hot topic that Seiko Matsuda had cut her long hair, worn since her debut, into a short style.
It has become a staple in her concerts, typically performed at the end or near the end, with fans joining in a customary sing-along.
As a refreshing song that evokes the arrival of summer, it is a beloved number cherished by many across generations.
Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko53rank/position
Known as one of Keiko Fuji’s signature songs, this track was released in April 1970 as her third single.
Written by Masao Ishizaka and composed by Kōmei Sone, it belongs to the kayōkyoku genre, yet captivated many listeners through Fuji’s distinctive husky voice and deeply emotional delivery.
It was also used as the theme song for the Toei film “Zubekō Banchō: Yume wa Yoru Hiraku,” and became a major hit, holding the top spot on the Oricon charts for ten weeks.
The lyrics, depicting a woman who continues to chase her dreams while carrying the hardships and sorrows of life, resonate powerfully with listeners.
Expressing both the joy and sadness of love, the song offers a sense that is at once nostalgic and refreshingly new.
Roppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisu54rank/position
A masterpiece that portrays the aching feelings of love, delivered by one of Japan’s iconic divas of the 1980s.
Set against the nightlife of Roppongi, it vividly depicts a passionate romance.
Ann Lewis’s powerful vocals and the rock-infused sound leave a strong impression.
Released in October 1984, it gained popularity after being selected as the opening theme for the TV Asahi drama “Triangle Blue” starting in May the following year.
It’s also a karaoke staple—perfect when you want to sing out the emotions of an adult woman troubled by love.
A gem of a love song that epitomizes Showa-era retro, brimming with Ann Lewis’s charm.
EnchantedJudi Ongu55rank/position
Released in February 1979, this signature song by a female singer evokes the breeze of the Aegean Sea.
Ken Shimura’s skits on the national TV show “It’s 8 o’clock! Everyone Gather!” and her performances in a pure white dress left a powerful impression.
Set against the Aegean backdrop, the lyrics delicately portray a woman’s emotions, vividly expressing the struggles and inner changes in a relationship with a loved one, resonating deeply with listeners.
It is a classic Showa-era song that fully showcases the allure of a mature woman—one you’ll want to sing at karaoke.
Wandering Love SongNagabuchi Tsuyoshi56rank/position
Known as one of the iconic songs representing the Showa era, this was the artist’s second single overall.
Its melancholy melody and sentimental lyrics resonate deeply with listeners.
Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s powerful yet delicate vocals blend beautifully with the acoustic guitar.
Released in October 1978, the song drew attention as Nagabuchi’s re-debut work.
The promotional campaign—touring the country with just a guitar case in hand—was unusual for the time and became a talking point.
With its relaxed tempo and relatively narrow vocal range, it’s also recommended for those who want to try singing and playing guitar.
Love Song of LumMatsutani Yūko57rank/position
This is a pop tune that sings of the thrill and heartache of first love.
Released as a debut single in October 1981, it was performed by Yuko Matsutani as the opening theme for the anime Urusei Yatsura.
The heroine’s single-minded passion for love and her complex feelings over her partner’s fickleness are conveyed through a breezy melody and striking syncopation.
Although it served as an image song for the anime, it adopted an innovative approach during production by omitting character names from the lyrics, capturing the hearts of many as a universal love song.
Its catchy rhythm and sweet, wistful vocals sound as if they’ve turned a lovestruck woman’s emotions directly into music.
It’s a track that still resonates with today’s youth.
Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Katō Tokiko58rank/position
It is a celebrated song that vividly portrays the nature of Shiretoko and the feelings of love.
Its beautiful scenery and poignant emotions resonate together, leaving a deep impression on listeners.
Tokiko Kato’s pure, clear vocals further enhance the song’s appeal.
Released in November 1970, it topped the Oricon charts for seven consecutive weeks.
It also ranked second on the year-end chart that same year and became a massive hit, selling over 1.4 million copies.
The song is included in Japanese middle school music textbooks and continues to be loved across generations.
It’s a perfect choice for moments when you want to relax or reflect on memories with someone special.
My good friendKamayatsu Hiroshi59rank/position
This work is infused with heartfelt themes of friendship and youth.
It’s a classic song powerfully sung by Hiroshi Kamayatsu.
The lyrics, full of nostalgia and warmth, gently wrap you in memories of friends from your school days.
Released in February 1975, the track reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart and became a major hit, selling over 700,000 copies.
Its gem-like melody, blending folk and rock, poignantly conveys the longing to reunite with friends.
Recommended for those who want to feel unchanging friendship amid changing times.
Let the soul-stirring vocals deepen your feelings for the people you cherish.
rainMiyoshi Eiji60rank/position
This song was released in 1972 and was sung by Eishi Miyoshi when he was in his teens.
Because “Onna no Michi” by Shiro Miya and the Pinkara Trio was a hit around the same time, it didn’t reach number one, but it left a strong impression on the public and won the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.
The song begins on a high note, making for a striking opening that, together with his clear, pure vocal tone, is very memorable.
Sung about a woman standing alone in the rain, this piece evokes scenes of the Showa era and a sense of nostalgia just by listening to it.
