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)
The season the sun gave usaoi sankakujougi57rank/position
It’s a memorable song that gently embraces the joys and sorrows of youth.
With friendship as its theme, it delicately portrays the feelings of young people.
Its hopeful message—about facing forward and walking on together with friends—strikes a chord.
Released in February 1972 as Aoi Sankaku Jōgi’s second single, it was chosen as the theme song for a Nippon TV drama.
It became a major hit, earning newcomer awards and the honor of a first appearance on Kōhaku.
It’s the perfect song for looking back on memories with friends or cherishing encounters with new companions.
Why not hum along together as you reminisce about your youthful days?
rainMiyoshi Eiji58rank/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.
17 years oldMinami Saori59rank/position
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.
Goodbyeofukōsu60rank/position
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.
Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking [1970s Japanese Music Ranking] (61–70)
Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri61rank/position
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.
Light Blue RainYagami Junko62rank/position
A number released in September 1978 by Junko Yagami, distinguished by its clear, sweeping melody and crystalline high notes.
The lyrics, which nostalgically recall a lost love, portray memories of gentle, peaceful days alongside the loneliness and sorrow of having lost them.
The shifting emotions, expressed through imagery of rain, leave a strong impression and resonate deeply with listeners.
The song became a major breakthrough following her appearance on the popular TV show “The Best Ten,” marking a turning point in Yagami’s career.
It’s a captivating track you’ll want to add to your karaoke repertoire, and it continues to be loved across generations.
Tsubpari High School Rock ’n’ Roll (Going-to-School Edition)Yokohama Ginbae63rank/position
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.