[Showa Classics] A Collection of Nostalgic 70s Anime Songs
Back in the 1970s, many iconic anime that represent Japan were broadcast.
Not only the anime themselves, but their theme songs have also captivated many people since those days.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide selection of nostalgic anime songs from the ’70s for those who remember that era.
We’ve picked everything from timeless standards you still hear often today to unforgettable classics you might not have heard recently but can hum the moment they start playing.
As you look back on those times, take this opportunity to sit back and enjoy these nostalgic masterpieces.
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- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
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[Showa Era Classics] Nostalgic 1970s Anime Songs Collection (1–10)
GeGeGe no KitaroKazuo Kumakura
This is a representative work by Shigeru Mizuki, well known from NHK’s morning drama series Gegege no Nyobo.
The first anime adaptation was in 1968, so it might well be called a milestone of Japanese animation.
The original title was Hakaba no Kitaro (Graveyard Kitaro).
Its theme song, Gegege no Kitaro, is even more famous than the manga.
The song, sung in a slightly eerie, spoken style that declares “Ghosts have it easy,” is simply superb.
The intro starts with thin, tinkling notes—ten-tere ten-tere…—which I found a bit scary when I was a kid.
Orphan HachiYuri Shimazaki
Feelings for a mother and hope are woven through a voice that balances gentleness and strength.
With her clear, translucent vocals, Yuri Shimazaki paints scenes that tenderly envelop the story of a small protagonist’s adventure and growth.
You can’t help but empathize with the figure who continues their journey with love and courage in their heart, making this a heartwarming work that gives you the strength to move forward step by step.
Released as a single by Nippon Columbia in May 1970, it captured the hearts of many viewers as the opening theme for the anime “Mitsubachi Māya no Bōken” (Insect Story: Orphan Hacchi).
In 1974, she also performed the theme for the sequel, successfully enriching the world of the series.
It’s the perfect song for when you need encouragement or want to lift someone’s spirits.
Fight! PolymerIsao Sasaki
This is a powerful, up-tempo track brimming with the spirit of 1970s hero anime.
A forceful rock-style performance pairs with fiery vocals reminiscent of steel-like strength, brilliantly conveying the protagonist’s courage and power.
The tense developments and high-velocity rhythm further heighten the realism of battle scenes, making it a superb piece.
Released in October 1974 as a tie-in song for the third installment of Tatsunoko Production’s sci-fi action hero TV anime series, it was later used in a live-action film as well.
Showcasing Isao Sasaki’s overwhelming vocal prowess, this track is perfect for moments when you want to stoke your fighting spirit or boost your motivation.
[Showa Era Classics] Nostalgic 1970s Anime Songs Collection (11–20)
Gutsy FrogSusumu Ishikawa
This is the opening theme of the anime The Gutsy Frog, based on Yasumi Yoshizawa’s manga that ran in Weekly Shonen Jump.
The story begins when the protagonist, Hiroshi Kaizuka, trips and accidentally squashes a frog named Pyonkichi against his chest.
Through sheer grit, Pyonkichi survives by sticking to Hiroshi’s shirt and continues to live as a flat “2D” frog, accompanying Hiroshi everywhere.
This amusing setup is one of the work’s major hallmarks.
The opening theme is notable for its energetic lyrics that seem to embody Pyonkichi’s way of life, as well as the delightfully deflating sound effects woven into the music.
Getter Robo!Isao Sasaki
The Getter Robo series, created by Go Nagai and Ken Ishikawa, is considered the originator of combining and transforming robots.
A hallmark of the series is that the manga and anime have significantly different stories, and this song is the opening theme of the anime version of Getter Robo, where it all began.
Set to a sound that epitomizes classic hero songs, it clearly depicts the form and features of Getter Robo.
The repeated sound effects in the lyrics are striking, making it a tune that easily sticks in the listener’s head.
Ashita no JoeIsao Bito
Ashita no Joe is a manga written by Asao Takamori and illustrated by Tetsuya Chiba.
It is remembered as one of the most iconic works among sports manga themed around boxing, and it has been adapted in various forms, including theatrical films and live-action movies.
The opening theme song of the anime is notable for its heavy atmosphere and sound that evoke the impression of a battle rather than a sport.
It feels like a piece that expresses a quietly blazing fighting spirit from deep within, conjuring images of grueling training and a bleak, combative air.
Doraemon SongKumiko Osugi
This is the opening theme, released in 1979, for Doraemon, a work featuring the cat-shaped robot from the future who springs into action, based on the manga by Fujiko F.
Fujio.
The series itself is often described as a national anime, and this song, Doraemon no Uta, is remembered alongside the series as a representative Japanese anime song that symbolizes the work.
The lyrics portray what kind of being Doraemon is, and another distinctive feature is the choice of simple words that are easy to understand for any age group.