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 Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking [1970s Japanese Music Ranking] (81–90)
Message of RougeArai Yumi81rank/position
Known as one of Yumi Arai’s signature songs, this track was released in February 1975.
Lauded for its American pop style, it features prominent artists such as Tatsuro Yamashita and Minako Yoshida on backing vocals.
The piece is characterized by deep emotional expression and delicate melodies, and is interpreted as symbolizing love, longing, and a young girl’s coming of age.
It has been used in various commercials and was featured as an insert song in the 2022 film “Suzume.” It’s a perfect pick for those who want to relax and immerse themselves in music on Halloween night.
FANTASYNakahara Meiko82rank/position
Let me introduce a positive break-up song, “FANTASY.” It’s a track sung by singer-songwriter Meiko Nakahara, included on her second album, “Cinderella Until 2 O’Clock – FRIDAY MAGIC -.” The lyrics portray a woman who, after a breakup, finds her way to a new love.
The song is dance-themed, with a relaxed, groovy sound you can move to.
It’s also a track that lends itself well to adding your own original choreography.
Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki83rank/position
This is the major debut single by singer-songwriter Hideaki Tokunaga, who has earned enduring popularity with his distinctive high-tone voice and lyrical singing.
Given how many prominent musicians have covered it, chances are everyone has heard it at least once.
The lingering feelings for an unforgettable, precious person intertwine with the rainy scenery, and Tokunaga’s androgynous, translucent vocals double the sense of poignancy.
Its fragile, beautiful melody soothes a wounded man’s heart, making it a quintessential unrequited-love song.
Time TravelHarada Shinji84rank/position
If anything, he had a strongly pop-leaning image, but at the time he was also called one of the ‘Three Rock Greats’ alongside The Twist and Char.
There’s even a story that before Motoharu Sano broke out, people said his sensibility was strikingly similar to Shinji Harada’s.
In that sense, I think it’s fair to say Harada had a huge influence on the Japanese rock scene that followed.
Time Travel was his fourth single, released in 1978 at the peak of his popularity.
It’s a masterpiece whose pop melody line—devoid of any trace of Japan’s earthy rawness—and brisk rhythm intertwine exquisitely with the Japanese lyrics.
Aquamarine Lovetenchi mari85rank/position
This is the memorable debut song of Mari Amachi, which played in living rooms across Japan as an insert song in the drama “Jikan Desu yo,” instantly making her a star.
Released in 1971, it became a major hit, reaching No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
Her crystal-clear voice and the light, folk-inspired melody are a perfect match.
The “sky blue” of the title seems to symbolize the freshness of a budding romance and a hint of bittersweet feeling.
Just quietly thinking of someone you like makes your heart overflow—such sweet and sour scenes come vividly to mind.
It might remind you of that fluttering excitement we’ve all felt back then.
A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR86rank/position
This song portrays a “stylish incident” sparked by the appearance of a charming woman on a summer seaside stage.
Released in April 1983, it was the first single after the group changed its name to Rats & Star.
With its catchy melody and distinctive choreography, it topped the Oricon Singles Chart and became a massive hit, selling over 600,000 copies.
It was also loved by many, ranking 10th on the year-end charts.
The track captures a fleeting summer romance on the beach with an upbeat rhythm and has enjoyed a revival through platforms like YouTube Shorts.
It’s the perfect song for those who want to get into a summer mood or enjoy a nostalgic Showa-era classic.
spring thunderfuki no tō87rank/position
It’s a lyrical folk song that makes you want to look up at the sky just as Hokkaido’s long winter comes to an end.
Released as a single in February 1979 by Fukinotou, it was also included on the album “Jinsei • Haru • Oudan” and is cherished as one of their signature numbers.
The lyrics, written and composed by Yasuyo Yamaki—said to carry a prayer for his ailing mother—resonate with the unsettled feelings that come with the change of seasons, striking a deep chord.
Ichizo Seo’s arrangement dramatizes both stillness and intensity, powerfully stirring the emotions.
Fans also know that this song marked their first appearance on “Yoru no Hit Studio” in March 1979.
As graduation season blends farewells with new departures, why not listen to it amid the mix of anxiety and anticipation that comes with taking a new step forward?
Parting at 22kaze88rank/position
Released in 1975, the debut single by the folk duo Kaze is a deeply moving breakup song written and composed by Shozo Ise.
Its simple guitar tones and Ise’s gentle vocals beautifully capture the poignant feelings of a young woman.
The song was a major hit upon release, topping the Oricon charts for four consecutive weeks.
It has continued to be sung for many years, and in 2005 it was ranked 71st on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen white team list, remaining beloved across generations.
The lyrics, which resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced the end of a romance, evoke empathy as they overlap with each listener’s own memories.
Among the seasonsMatsuyama Chiharu89rank/position
Released in 1978, this song is a masterpiece in which delicate lyricism and a powerful melody are beautifully harmonized.
Through the changing seasons, it portrays the journey of life and resonates deeply with listeners.
Its use in a Glico Almond Chocolate commercial helped bring Chiharu Matsuyama’s name to wide public attention.
The following year, it was chosen as the theme song for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, becoming a beloved track across generations.
The world woven by Matsuyama’s commanding vocals and the lyrics that touch the heart is filled with a universal appeal that anyone can relate to.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to feel something—whether reminiscing about your youth or standing at a crossroads in life.
Gather the Windhappiiendo90rank/position
A gentle weaving of urban transformation and nostalgia, this is a quintessential coming-of-age song of the 1970s.
Created by Happy End in November 1971, it’s a gem in which Takashi Matsumoto vividly and poetically portrays Tokyo’s streets and the lives of its people.
Featured on the album Kazemachi Roman, the track wraps the city’s memories in delicate soundscapes crafted by Eiichi Ohtaki, Haruomi Hosono, and Shigeru Suzuki.
After being featured in the film Lost in Translation, it has been covered and cherished by many artists, including Akiko Yano and Hiromi Ohta.
It’s a song whose tender melody and storytelling resonate deeply—perfect for a calm afternoon or an emotionally stirring dusk.