Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking: 1970s Japanese Music

17 years oldMinami Saori61rank/position

Amateur singer-songwriter performance: 17 Years Old by Saori Minami

This is the striking debut single by Saori Minami, who burst onto the scene from Okinawa in 1971 like a comet.

The title “17-sai” (“Seventeen”), sung by her at the age of 16, is incredibly memorable, isn’t it? The scene of being alone by the seaside with someone you love, heart fluttering with a slightly grown-up kind of romance, is something many of us may have experienced.

The sweet-and-sour, slightly bittersweet feelings carried by the stylish, Western-influenced sound blend perfectly with Saori Minami’s clear, luminous voice, and even today it makes your heart tighten without you realizing it.

You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi62rank/position

[Official] Eiichi Ohtaki “Kimii wa Tennen-shoku” Music Video (40th Anniversary Version)

It’s a classic that blends nostalgia with freshness.

Showcasing Eiichi Ohtaki’s delicate musicality, this work was released in March 1981 and included on the album “A LONG VACATION.” It paints the ache of a lost love with vividly colorful expressions.

The unusual twist of lowering the key only in the chorus is also captivating.

After 40 years, a music video was produced for the first time in March 2021, and it has garnered over 6 million views.

While evoking the Showa era, the piece has a timeless appeal that resonates today.

It’s perfect for when you want to bask in nostalgia or reflect on someone dear.

Use it as BGM for your Instagram Reels, and your post will have a wonderful atmosphere.

Goodbyeofukōsu63rank/position

Sayonara – Off Course (Full)

This is a classic folk song that represents the 1970s.

Released by Off Course, the song captured many hearts with its poignant breakup lyrics and beautiful melody.

It appeared as the title track of a single released in December 1979 and came to symbolize Off Course’s musical maturity.

The lyrics, centered on parting with a lover, unfold with a quiet sense of sorrow and leave a powerful emotional impact on listeners.

This piece is recommended for those who have experienced the sadness of separation or who are reflecting on relationships with loved ones.

Its touching lyrics and gentle melody will softly embrace the feelings that lie deep within the heart.

Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri64rank/position

Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene

Sayuri Ishikawa’s popular song is gaining attention as a track you can use in Instagram Stories.

This piece is a classic that portrays the emotions of people woven through its narrative.

Released in March 1977, it became a major hit.

Ishikawa’s powerful vocals and emotionally rich lyrics captured many hearts, making it one of Japan’s representative enka songs.

The lyrics evoke the era of the Seikan ferry, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.

It’s especially recommended for Instagram Stories that capture travel memories or moments of longing.

It’s the perfect song for those who want to highlight nostalgic scenery or deeply moving moments.

Tsubpari High School Rock ’n’ Roll (Going-to-School Edition)Yokohama Ginbae65rank/position

Tsubpari High School Rock ’n’ Roll (Going-to-School Edition)

This is a single released in January 1981 that portrays the relationship between a headstrong high schooler and their parent with lively rock ’n’ roll.

The lyrics follow a 7-7-7-5 meter, creating a pleasing sense of rhythm and comically expressing the inner world of a rebellious youth.

While it vividly depicts the style and behavior of a delinquent, it’s also a nuanced work that reveals glimpses of care for the mother and a search for one’s own way of life.

It has remained beloved across generations, appearing in a 2008 commercial for Suntory’s canned chuhai “Calori.” and covered in a 2011 Asahi Soft Drinks “Jurokucha” ad featuring Yui Aragaki.

Today, it’s a trending track for posting dance videos on social media with simple, modern choreography.

metropoliskurisutaru kingu66rank/position

Crystal King - Metropolis

Released in November 1979, this song celebrates the strong will and hope of those who keep chasing their dreams.

Known as Crystal King’s signature track, it became a million seller.

It delicately portrays the harshness of urban life and the emotions of people pursuing their aspirations, and its universal theme and melody have continued to be loved across generations.

It’s a moving number, powered by soaring high-tone vocals, recommended for anyone chasing a dream or seeking the courage to jump into a new environment.

Let me have that wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu67rank/position

That Wonderful Love Once More ✦ Kazuhiko Kato & Osamu Kitayama

A timeless song whose refreshing acoustic guitar tones and seamless harmonies resonate in the heart.

It sings, with a refined melody, of the ache of a love that has ended and of memories of beautiful days that will never return.

Originally produced as the debut song for a female duo, it was released in April 1971 as a single credited jointly to Kazuhiko Kato and Osamu Kitayama.

Since then, it has been included in music textbooks and sung as a staple at choral competitions, gaining widespread popularity across generations.

In 2002, it was also chosen as the theme song for FNS 27-Hour Television.

Evoking both the brilliance and the bittersweetness of youth, this is a track you’ll want to listen to quietly during farewells with friends or seasons of new beginnings.

bullseyeYamamoto Rinda68rank/position

Linda Yamamoto – Shot at the Target (Official Audio)

Linda Yamamoto’s signature song is gaining popularity on Instagram Reels.

It’s known for its memorable phrases and lyrics that exude a mischievous, coquettish charm.

The song portrays a confident woman and sings about the strength to make the most of one’s allure.

Released in February 1973, it reached No.

14 on the Oricon chart and led to her return to the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen in 1991 after 17 years.

It’s also beloved as a baseball cheer song and remains a staple at high school baseball games even after more than 50 years.

This is a recommended track for those seeking a nostalgic vibe or a boost of confidence.

MissingKubota Toshinobu69rank/position

Toshinobu Kubota – Missing [Official Video Short ver.]

A song by Toshinobu Kubota, known as a quintessentially poignant ballad of the Showa era.

Featured on the album “SHAKE IT PARADISE,” this gem portrays the pain of heartbreak and the turmoil of the heart.

Its delicate vocals and melody resonate deeply with listeners, movingly expressing the sorrow of parting, lingering attachment, and the strong will to move forward.

Since its release in September 1986, it has been covered by many artists and cherished across generations.

It has also been used as a TV program’s ending theme, its allure continuing to shine across time.

A heart-stirring piece that stands by those who have experienced heartbreak.

Please give me wingsakai tori70rank/position

Red Bird “Please Give Me Wings” 1971

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.