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 | It brings the sparkle of the sun and the scent of the sea breeze... |
| 2 | First loveMurashita Kōzō |  play_arrow | It could be called a quintessential unrequited-love song of the Showa era: Mura… |
| 3 | Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi |  play_arrow | A classic song that captures the heartache of a long-distance relationship |
| 4 | youKozaka Akiko |  play_arrow | A masterpiece about unrequited love written by a high school student |
| 5 | Tears aren’t just for show.Nakamori Akina |  play_arrow | Known as an idol who symbolizes the 1980s… |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | applausechiaki naomi |  play_arrow | A powerful masterpiece about overcoming sorrow |
| 8 | Midnight Door ~ Stay With MeMatsubara Miki |  play_arrow | The de- by Miki Matsubara, released in 1979... |
| 9 | Playback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe |  | The successor to Momoe Yamaguchi, the songstress who epitomized the Showa era... |
| 10 | Friday ChinatownYasuha |  play_arrow | A classic gem of exotic charm from the Showa-era Chinatown |
| 11 | Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | Seiko Matsuda’s classic songs add a touch of color to weddings. |
| 12 | Journey of the Heartchūrippu |  play_arrow | A bittersweet love song of departure, a timeless masterpiece that resonates with the heart |
| 13 | era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki |  play_arrow | Released in December 1975, this work... |
| 14 | Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Oginome Yōko |  play_arrow | The TV show I appeared on when I was in fourth grade, 'Chibi…' |
| 15 | Sonnet of the Clownsadamasashi |  play_arrow | Released as the theme song for the film “Fly: Wings of Icarus”… |
| 16 | There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of the clumsiness of youth and the hope it holds |
| 17 | Lingering Snowiruka |  play_arrow | Dolphin-san’s depiction of a farewell in the falling snow… |
| 18 | Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu |  play_arrow | The Checkers’ debut song is popular right now. |
| 19 | Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko |  play_arrow | This, known as one of Kiyohiko Ozaki’s signature songs… |
| 20 | Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya |  play_arrow | A classic of 80s city pop, the bittersweet emotions of love |
| 21 | Love is overŌyō Fifi |  play_arrow | A heartrending singing voice that announces the end of love tightens my chest... |
| 22 | Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji |  play_arrow | Kenji Sawada, who dominated the music scene of the 70s... |
| 23 | Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii |  play_arrow | In the late 1970s, Japan’s disco boom… |
| 24 | I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu |  play_arrow | With a fleeting, translucent singing voice, many listeners... |
| 25 | younger boykyandīzu |  play_arrow | The pure emotions and allure of an age-gap romance |
| 26 | ambushIshikawa Hitomi |  play_arrow | Ishikawa Hi... as if symbolizing unrequited love from the Showa era |
| 27 | Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai |  play_arrow | Fusing kayōkyoku, pop music, and rock… |
| 28 | Beyond the GoodbyeYamaguchi Momoe |  play_arrow | Momoe Yamaguchi’s moving farewell and song of hope |
| 29 | Asakusa KidBīto Takeshi |  play_arrow | Set in a downtown neighborhood of the Showa era, it portrays youthful dreams and friendship... |
| 30 | YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki |  play_arrow | Hideki Saijo’s passionate singing gives young people the courage to pursue their dreams. |
| 31 | Listening to OliviaAnri |  play_arrow | On a night of heartbreak, Anri gently stays close to my heart… |
| 32 | TouchIwasaki Yoshimi |  play_arrow | Showa-era classic hits are trending again on Instagram. |
| 33 | The Day the Seagulls FlewWatanabe Machiko |  play_arrow | A gemlike portrayal of the heartbreak of lost love, set 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 | Known as a representative idol of the 1980s... |
| 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 depiction of the youthful days spent at a cherished coffee shop... |
| 39 | Boat SongYashiro Aki |  play_arrow | One of the iconic songs representing the Showa era, and for many people… |
| 40 | My loverGorin Mayumi |  play_arrow | Beloved by many as a quintessential ballad of the Showa era… |
| 41 | School HeavenFingā 5 |  play_arrow | A youth song expressing the bittersweetness of school life. |
| 42 | As time goes bysawada kenji |  play_arrow | Among the masterpieces of the Showa era, this work shines with a special brilliance... |
| 43 | ChampionArisu |  play_arrow | Swept through Japan’s music scene in the late 1970s… |
| 44 | I am the wind.Karumen Maki & OZ |  play_arrow | A witch-like singing voice shakes the heart |
| 45 | Kanda Riverkaguya hime |  play_arrow | Depicting the days of a poor yet happy youth and a heartrending farewell… |
| 46 | Words of FarewellKaientai |  play_arrow | A classic by Kaientai, singing of heartbreak and the depths of love. |
| 47 | Cutie HoneyMaekawa Yōko |  play_arrow | This song sung by Yoko Maegawa features a lively, bouncy dan… |
| 48 | You’re Kiwi, Papaya, and Mango, aren’t you?Nakahara Meiko |  play_arrow | I spent my youth around the time this song was a hit… |
| 49 | loveMatsuyama Chiharu |  play_arrow | This piece, known as one of Chiharu Matsuyama’s signature songs, is... |
| 50 | The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | As a leading example of an idol singer, they sparked a social phenomenon and... |
| 51 | Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko |  play_arrow | This song, known as one of Keiko Fuji's signature tracks... |
| 52 | Roppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisu |  play_arrow | A leading songstress who represents 1980s Japan delivers… |
| 53 | EnchantedJudi Ongu |  play_arrow | As a piece that evokes the winds of the Aegean Sea, in 19… |
| 54 | Wandering Love SongNagabuchi Tsuyoshi |  play_arrow | A piece widely known as one of the iconic songs representing the Showa era... |
| 55 | Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Katō Tokiko |  play_arrow | A classic song depicting the nature of Shiretoko and the feelings of love |
| 56 | Love Song of LumMatsutani Yūko |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of the bittersweet feelings of first love |
| 57 | The season the sun gave usaoi sankakujougi |  play_arrow | A feeling that gently embraces the joys and sorrows of youth… |
| 58 | rainMiyoshi Eiji |  play_arrow | This song was released in 1972... |
| 59 | 17 years oldMinami Saori |  play_arrow | In 1971, appearing like a comet from Okinawa, ... |
| 60 | Goodbyeofukōsu |  play_arrow | Off Course, a classic folk song of a heartrending farewell |
| 61 | Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri |  play_arrow | Sayuri Ishikawa’s classic song is popular on Instagram Stories. |
| 62 | Light Blue RainYagami Junko |  play_arrow | With crystal-clear melodies and shimmering, transparent high notes, it’s especially... |
| 63 | Tsubpari High School Rock ’n’ Roll (Going-to-School Edition)Yokohama Ginbae |  play_arrow | Rebel youth rock, love that transcends generations |
| 64 | metropoliskurisutaru kingu |  play_arrow | This work, released in November 1979, … |
| 65 | Let me have that wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu |  play_arrow | A refreshing classic, the brilliance of youth |
| 66 | My good friendKamayatsu Hiroshi |  play_arrow | A nostalgic classic that depicts friendship and youth |
| 67 | bullseyeYamamoto Rinda |  play_arrow | Yamamoto Linda’s signature song is in the spotlight again. |
| 68 | MissingKubota Toshinobu |  play_arrow | Known as a quintessentially wistful ballad of the Showa era… |
| 69 | 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. |
| 70 | Please tell me.Iju Kayoko |  play_arrow | By the Swiss author Johanna Spyri... |
| 71 | The Bride of SetoKoyanagi Rumiko |  play_arrow | A famous song by Rumiko Koyanagi singing about the Seto Inland Sea |
| 72 | youthMorita Kōichi to Toppugyaran |  play_arrow | Treasure the present in your youth, and make memories you won’t regret. |
| 73 | Summer MissSakakibara Ikue |  play_arrow | Ikue Sakakibara’s summer classic, a melody of youth |
| 74 | UFOpinku redii |  play_arrow | Pink Lady's smash hit song |
| 75 | Suddenly, SinbadSazan Ōrusutāzu |  play_arrow | Southern’s first single, a passionate classic |
| 76 | At the coffee shopabe shizue |  play_arrow | With a beautiful, striking singing voice and a pure, delicate charm... |
| 77 | From the northern innMiyako Harumi |  play_arrow | Harumi Miyako’s classic song that portrays the loneliness of a broken heart. |
| 78 | Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi |  play_arrow | A hit song from 1971. In Japan, for a very long time… |
| 79 | Message of RougeArai Yumi |  play_arrow | A classic by Yumi Arai, an iconic song of love and growth |
| 80 | FANTASYNakahara Meiko |  play_arrow | A positive breakup song, 'FANTASY…' |
| 81 | Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki |  play_arrow | With a distinctive high-tone voice and lyrical singing... |
| 82 | Time TravelHarada Shinji |  play_arrow | Motoharu Sano, a classic that influenced the rock scene |
| 83 | Aquamarine Lovetenchi mari |  play_arrow | As an insert song for the drama “Jikan Desu yo,” Ocha no… |
| 84 | A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR |  play_arrow | A love story that unfolds by the seaside in summer |
| 85 | spring thunderfuki no tō |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings about the end of winter in Hokkaido |
| 86 | Parting at 22kaze |  play_arrow | Kaze’s debut song, a heartbreak tune, becomes a big hit. |
| 87 | Please give me wingsakai tori |  play_arrow | A signature song by Akai Tori that colored the music scene of the Showa era. |
| 88 | Among the seasonsMatsuyama Chiharu |  play_arrow | Chiharu Matsuyama’s masterpiece that depicts the seasons and life |
| 89 | A Man’s Badge of HonorYokohama Ginbae |  play_arrow | A masterpiece that portrays the passionate hearts of young people, driven by a rebellious spirit |
| 90 | Gather the Windhappiiendo |  play_arrow | The 1970s, gently weaving together urban transformation and nostalgia… |
| 91 | Forever with youKayama Yūzō |  play_arrow | Yuzo Kayama’s classic song “Shiawase da naa,” depicting love and twilight |
| 92 | Let’s get married.yoshida takurou |  play_arrow | Folk songs in the Japanese music scene... |
| 93 | poppy flowerAgunesu Chan |  play_arrow | The feelings of a girl who tells her fortune in love with poppy flowers |
| 94 | A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe |  play_arrow | With a refreshing melody that heralds the arrival of spring and a nostalgi… |
| 95 | Monkey MagicGodiego |  play_arrow | A song inspired by the story of Journey to the West, with the entire piece... |
| 96 | bulldogfoorību su |  play_arrow | A representative group of the early Johnny’s era, and... |
| 97 | interaction; friendly contact; bondingNakamura Masatoshi |  play_arrow | He has produced numerous masterpieces as an actor... |
| 98 | You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi |  play_arrow | Eiichi Ohtaki’s classic: a bittersweet yearning for love |
| 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 |