[Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs

The memories are too beautifulYagami Junko

Memories are too beautiful

Junko Yagami’s major-label debut song, which sings of a love forever out of reach, framed within beautiful memories.

A superb ballad where a sophisticated bossa nova-tinged melody intertwines with her lustrous vocals.

With lyrics that poignantly and beautifully depict a lost love, and a transparent, elegant sound, it can be considered the very essence of classic New Music.

Released in January 1978, it reached No.

25 on the Oricon chart.

It was also included on the album “Omoide wa Utsukushisugite” and selected as the theme song for Nippon Broadcasting’s “Cocky Pop.” This work is a timeless classic that gently accompanies hearts feeling the sorrow of parting with a loved one and the nostalgia for a past that can never return.

Recommended for those moments when you want to surrender to a soothing melody and immerse yourself in memories of days gone by.

Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi

Cotton Handkerchief (with lyrics) - Song by Hiromi Ohta

Let me introduce a heartwarming song that brings back nostalgic memories.

It tells a poignant story of a long-distance romance between a man setting off from the countryside to the big city and a woman who stays in their hometown.

The lyrics alternate between the man’s and the woman’s perspectives—a groundbreaking technique for its time.

Released in 1975, it became a signature song for Hiromi Ohta, who made her first appearance at the 26th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

The woman’s longing for an unchanging heart rather than material gifts is especially memorable.

How about humming along with older listeners and sharing stories of youthful days? You’re sure to have a wonderful time.

Red high heelsŌta Hiromi

Hiromi Ohta - Red High Heels

A poignant story woven from Takashi Matsumoto’s delicate lyrics, which portray a young girl’s heart wavering between pure dreams and urban reality, and Kyohei Tsutsumi’s melody.

Hiromi Ohta’s transparent voice beautifully expresses the loneliness and inner conflict of city life, symbolized by the motif of red shoes.

Released in June 1976, the song became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon charts and winning the Excellence in Vocal Performance Award at that year’s Japan Record Awards.

It was also included on the album “Handmade Picture Book” and was frequently featured on music programs of the time.

For those who long for life in the big city or who live far from their hometown, this is a song that will resonate deeply.

Gatchaman SongShimon Masato

Gatchaman Song

A classic song representing Showa-era anime hero series, it has captivated many with its exhilarating, fast-paced melody and grand lyrics.

The song leaves a strong impression with its sense of duty to protect the peace of the Earth and its portrayal of fighting with courage and passion.

Masato Shimon’s powerful vocals further elevate the work’s epic worldview.

Released as a single in October 1972, it was first used as the ending theme for the TV anime.

From episode 23, it was changed to the opening theme, becoming the series’ iconic track.

It has been included in numerous compilation albums and is hailed as a milestone in the world of anime songs.

With its powerful vocals and up-tempo melody, it’s perfect for bringing everyone together at parties and gatherings.

Goodbye once moreOzaki Kiyohiko

Sayonarawo Mouichido

A ballad distinguished by its rich vocal power and expressive nuance, this is a song by Kiyohiko Ozaki released in July 1971.

It’s not just a typical heartbreak tune; it tells of choosing to part ways out of love, set to a beautiful melody that sings of hope for the future.

Its deeply affecting vocals resonate with listeners, and the emotive melody portrays mature love within a calm atmosphere.

Released following the massive hit of the previous single “Mata Au Hi Made,” it reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts and sold a total of 444,000 copies.

In 1999, it was sung on screen by Naoto Takenaka in the film “Nodojiman,” and it has continued to be loved across generations.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing with cherished companions, drawing on the depth of your life experiences.

The Color of WinterYamaguchi Momoe

Momoe Yamaguchi - Winter Colors

A beautiful ballad depicting a bittersweet crush and pure affection is delivered through Momoe Yamaguchi’s clear, translucent voice.

The delicate feelings of a girl yearning for a chaste love brim with deep longing for a gentle man and an overflowing tenderness, while the image of karatachi blossoms—symbolic of a pale, budding romance—leaves a strong impression.

After its release in December 1974, the song topped the Oricon charts for six consecutive weeks.

At the time, Yamaguchi was 15 years and 11 months old, setting a record as the youngest female solo artist to achieve this feat.

Released around the same time as the film “The Dancing Girl of Izu,” it garnered major attention alongside her co-starring works with Tomokazu Miura.

Perfect for those who wish to uphold pure love or revisit memories of their first love, this heartwarming classic evokes nostalgic scenes of youthful days.

Sexual Violet No. 1Kuwana Masahiro

Sexual Violet No. 1

It captivates with a rock sound emblematic of the 1970s and a sultry male vocal.

Depicting a passionate relationship between a man and a woman that exudes a bewitching sensuality, the piece is adorned with Takashi Matsumoto’s sophisticated lyrics and Kyohei Tsutsumi’s masterful melodic lines.

Released in 1979 as a campaign song for Kanebo Cosmetics, it topped the Oricon chart for three consecutive weeks.

Also included on the album “Communication,” it continues to enchant countless listeners.

Masahiro Kuwana’s wild, husky voice and mature allure vividly convey a world steeped in the melancholy of love.

It’s a perfect track for parties or karaoke—ride the catchy rhythm and sing along, and everyone is sure to feel their spirits lift.