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.
Playlist
| Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking: 1970s Japanese Music | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | Seiko Matsuda’s classic summer love song |
| 2 | First loveMurashita Kōzō |  play_arrow | Kozo Murashita’s unrequited love song masterpiece |
| 3 | Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi |  play_arrow | A classic song that captures the heartache of a long-distance relationship |
| 4 | Tears aren’t just for show.Nakamori Akina |  play_arrow | Known as an idol who symbolizes the 1980s… |
| 5 | Midnight Door ~ Stay With MeMatsubara Miki |  play_arrow | Miki Matsubara’s debut song, the masterpiece that thrilled the world |
| 6 | youKozaka Akiko |  play_arrow | A masterpiece about unrequited love written by a high school student |
| 7 | Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo |  play_arrow | Eggo Kawashima’s signature work. A Showa-era classic that expresses the sorrow of men and women through sake and tears. |
| 8 | applausechiaki naomi |  play_arrow | A powerful masterpiece about overcoming sorrow |
| 9 | Friday ChinatownYasuha |  play_arrow | A classic gem of exotic charm from the Showa-era Chinatown |
| 10 | Playback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe |  | The successor to Momoe Yamaguchi, the songstress who epitomized the Showa era... |
| 11 | Journey of the Heartchūrippu |  play_arrow | A bittersweet love song of departure, a timeless masterpiece that resonates with the heart |
| 12 | Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | Seiko Matsuda’s classic songs add a touch of color to weddings. |
| 13 | era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki |  play_arrow | Miyuki Nakajima’s masterpiece, loved across time |
| 14 | Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Oginome Yōko |  play_arrow | The TV show I appeared on when I was in fourth grade, 'Chibi…' |
| 15 | Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu |  play_arrow | The Checkers’ debut song is popular right now. |
| 16 | Sonnet of the Clownsadamasashi |  play_arrow | A heartwarming song, one of Masashi Sada’s signature works |
| 17 | There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of the clumsiness of youth and the hope it holds |
| 18 | Lingering Snowiruka |  play_arrow | Dolphin-san’s depiction of a farewell in the falling snow… |
| 19 | Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya |  play_arrow | A classic of 80s city pop, the bittersweet emotions of love |
| 20 | Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji |  play_arrow | Kenji Sawada's heartbreak ballad smash hit |
| 21 | Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko |  | A breakup-themed, upbeat classic |
| 22 | Love is overŌyō Fifi |  play_arrow | Ouyang Fei Fei’s signature song, a heartbreaking love song about farewell |
| 23 | I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu |  play_arrow | With a fleeting, translucent singing voice, many listeners... |
| 24 | Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii |  play_arrow | In the late 1970s, Japan’s disco boom… |
| 25 | Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai |  play_arrow | A massive hit song featuring Koji Tamaki’s warm, captivating vocals |
| 26 | younger boykyandīzu |  play_arrow | The pure emotions and allure of an age-gap romance |
| 27 | ambushIshikawa Hitomi |  play_arrow | A signature work by Hitomi Ishikawa that portrays the poignancy of unrequited love |
| 28 | YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki |  play_arrow | Hideki Saijo’s passionate singing gives young people the courage to pursue their dreams. |
| 29 | Beyond the GoodbyeYamaguchi Momoe |  play_arrow | Momoe Yamaguchi’s moving farewell and song of hope |
| 30 | Asakusa KidBīto Takeshi |  play_arrow | A moving anthem of support that portrays the dreams and friendships of a downtown neighborhood |
| 31 | Listening to OliviaAnri |  play_arrow | Anri’s debut song “Olivia o Kikinagara” is a highly polished masterpiece ballad. |
| 32 | TouchIwasaki Yoshimi |  play_arrow | Showa-era classic hits are trending again on Instagram. |
| 33 | The Day the Seagulls FlewWatanabe Machiko |  play_arrow | A Machiko Watanabe classic depicting heartbreak in a port town |
| 34 | foreignerKUBOTA Saki |  play_arrow | The allure of Saki Kubota’s classic song “Ihōjin” (Stranger) |
| 35 | SWEET MEMORIESMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | Seiko Matsuda’s classic love ballads |
| 36 | Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten |  play_arrow | Teresa Teng’s classic that portrays deep love |
| 37 | Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | Seiko Matsuda’s classic song, imbued with pure love and a hint of spring. |
| 38 | A café in a student districtGaro |  play_arrow | A nostalgic classic song about memories of a coffee shop |
| 39 | Boat SongYashiro Aki |  play_arrow | Aki Yashiro's classic Showa-era ballads |
| 40 | Kanda Riverkaguya hime |  play_arrow | Depicting the days of a poor yet happy youth and a heartrending farewell… |
| 41 | My loverGorin Mayumi |  play_arrow | Beloved by many as a quintessential ballad of the Showa era… |
| 42 | Light Blue RainYagami Junko |  play_arrow | With crystal-clear melodies and shimmering, transparent high notes, it’s especially... |
| 43 | School HeavenFingā 5 |  play_arrow | A youth song expressing the bittersweetness of school life. |
| 44 | Words of FarewellKaientai |  play_arrow | A classic by Kaientai, singing of heartbreak and the depths of love. |
| 45 | As time goes bysawada kenji |  play_arrow | A beloved Showa-era ballad of love by Kenji Sawada |
| 46 | ChampionArisu |  play_arrow | Alice's signature songs from the 1970s |
| 47 | I am the wind.Karumen Maki & OZ |  play_arrow | A witch-like singing voice shakes the heart |
| 48 | You’re Kiwi, Papaya, and Mango, aren’t you?Nakahara Meiko |  play_arrow | Masterpieces of Showa-era kayōkyoku: the origins of their distinctive titles and the background of their production |
| 49 | The season the sun gave usaoi sankakujougi |  play_arrow | A nostalgic classic themed around youth and friendship |
| 50 | Cutie HoneyMaekawa Yōko |  play_arrow | Yoko Maekawa’s Classic Dance Anime Songs |
| 51 | loveMatsuyama Chiharu |  play_arrow | This piece, known as one of Chiharu Matsuyama’s signature songs, is... |
| 52 | Love Song of LumMatsutani Yūko |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of the bittersweet feelings of first love |
| 53 | The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | As a leading example of an idol singer, they sparked a social phenomenon and... |
| 54 | Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko |  play_arrow | This song, known as one of Keiko Fuji's signature tracks... |
| 55 | Roppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisu |  play_arrow | Ann Lewis's wistful love song about romance |
| 56 | EnchantedJudi Ongu |  play_arrow | Showa-era classic song with an Aegean Sea backdrop |
| 57 | Wandering Love SongNagabuchi Tsuyoshi |  play_arrow | A piece widely known as one of the iconic songs representing the Showa era... |
| 58 | Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri |  play_arrow | Sayuri Ishikawa’s classic song is popular on Instagram Stories. |
| 59 | Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Katō Tokiko |  play_arrow | A classic song depicting the nature of Shiretoko and the feelings of love |
| 60 | My good friendKamayatsu Hiroshi |  play_arrow | A nostalgic classic that depicts friendship and youth |
| 61 | rainMiyoshi Eiji |  play_arrow | This song was released in 1972... |
| 62 | Let’s get married.yoshida takurou |  play_arrow | Takuro Yoshida’s classic song brightly expresses young people’s views on love. |
| 63 | 17 years oldMinami Saori |  play_arrow | Seventeen, the debut song of Saori Minami |
| 64 | You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi |  play_arrow | Eiichi Ohtaki’s classic: a bittersweet yearning for love |
| 65 | Goodbyeofukōsu |  play_arrow | Off Course, a classic folk song of a heartrending farewell |
| 66 | Tsubpari High School Rock ’n’ Roll (Going-to-School Edition)Yokohama Ginbae |  play_arrow | Rebel youth rock, love that transcends generations |
| 67 | metropoliskurisutaru kingu |  play_arrow | Sing of a strong will and hope to pursue dreams |
| 68 | Let me have that wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu |  play_arrow | A refreshing classic, the brilliance of youth |
| 69 | bullseyeYamamoto Rinda |  play_arrow | Yamamoto Linda’s signature song is in the spotlight again. |
| 70 | The Scent of CyclamenFuse Akira |  play_arrow | Akira Fuse’s classic song “Ai no Uta,” a million-selling hit written and composed by Kei Ogura. |
| 71 | MissingKubota Toshinobu |  play_arrow | Known as a quintessentially wistful ballad of the Showa era… |
| 72 | Please give me wingsakai tori |  play_arrow | A signature song by Akai Tori that colored the music scene of the Showa era. |
| 73 | The Bride of SetoKoyanagi Rumiko |  play_arrow | A famous song by Rumiko Koyanagi singing about the Seto Inland Sea |
| 74 | Please tell me.Iju Kayoko |  play_arrow | By the Swiss author Johanna Spyri... |
| 75 | youthMorita Kōichi to Toppugyaran |  play_arrow | Treasure the present in your youth, and make memories you won’t regret. |
| 76 | Summer MissSakakibara Ikue |  play_arrow | Ikue Sakakibara’s summer classic, a melody of youth |
| 77 | UFOpinku redii |  play_arrow | Pink Lady's smash hit song |
| 78 | Suddenly, SinbadSazan Ōrusutāzu |  play_arrow | Southern’s first single, a passionate classic |
| 79 | At the coffee shopabe shizue |  play_arrow | Shizue Abe’s pure and lovely image |
| 80 | From the northern innMiyako Harumi |  play_arrow | Harumi Miyako’s “Kita no Yado Kara” is from 1975… |
| 81 | Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi |  play_arrow | A hit song with charming Japanese by a Taiwanese singer |
| 82 | Message of RougeArai Yumi |  play_arrow | A classic by Yumi Arai, an iconic song of love and growth |
| 83 | FANTASYNakahara Meiko |  play_arrow | Meiko Nakahara’s heartbreak pop song |
| 84 | Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki |  play_arrow | A masterpiece that was Hideaki Tokunaga’s major-label debut song |
| 85 | Time TravelHarada Shinji |  play_arrow | Motoharu Sano, a classic that influenced the rock scene |
| 86 | Aquamarine Lovetenchi mari |  play_arrow | Mari Amachi’s debut song is a big hit |
| 87 | A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR |  play_arrow | A love story that unfolds by the seaside in summer |
| 88 | spring thunderfuki no tō |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings about the end of winter in Hokkaido |
| 89 | Parting at 22kaze |  play_arrow | Kaze’s debut song, a heartbreak tune, becomes a big hit. |
| 90 | Among the seasonsMatsuyama Chiharu |  play_arrow | Chiharu Matsuyama’s masterpiece that depicts the seasons and life |
| 91 | A Man’s Badge of HonorYokohama Ginbae |  play_arrow | A masterpiece that portrays the passionate hearts of young people, driven by a rebellious spirit |
| 92 | Gather the Windhappiiendo |  play_arrow | The 1970s, gently weaving together urban transformation and nostalgia… |
| 93 | Forever with youKayama Yūzō |  play_arrow | Yuzo Kayama’s classic song “Shiawase da naa,” depicting love and twilight |
| 94 | poppy flowerAgunesu Chan |  play_arrow | Fortune-telling about love with poppy flowers, a memorable classic song |
| 95 | A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe |  play_arrow | Momoe Yamaguchi’s classic song, Departure and Nostalgia |
| 96 | Monkey MagicGodiego |  play_arrow | An English-lyric song with a Journey to the West motif |
| 97 | bulldogfoorību su |  play_arrow | The 1977 classic by Four Leaves |
| 98 | interaction; friendly contact; bondingNakamura Masatoshi |  play_arrow | The Allure and Uses of Masatoshi Nakamura’s Debut Song “Fureai” |
| 99 | Midnight PretendersAran Tomoko |  play_arrow | Tomoko Aran's classic song is popular on Instagram. |
| 100 | Love in KyotoNAGISA YŪKO |  play_arrow | A single by Yuko Nagisa that became a big hit |