Lovely anime song

[Showa Classics] A Collection of Nostalgic 70s Anime Songs

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

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.

[Masterpieces of the Showa Era] A Collection of Nostalgic 1970s Anime Songs (21–30)

dawn roadKumiko Osugi

World Masterpiece Theater – A Dog of Flanders OP: The Road at Dawn

Dawn Road by Kumiko Ōsugi

Based on the children’s novel written in the 19th century by the British female author Ouida, “A Dog of Flanders” was produced in Japan as an animated work in 1975.

It has been passed down as a story about the friendship between a poor boy, Nello, and the old dog, Patrasche, culminating in a sad ending centered on painting.

Despite this, the opening theme song carries no sense of grimness; as its title suggests, it evokes the bright atmosphere of dawn and even conjures an image of joyful dancing.

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Dumb Jock! KoshienFour Sluggers

Takeshi-chan’s Song: The Big Dumb Guy! Koshien “The Big Dumb Guy! Koshien”

Boneheaded Men! Koshien Four Sluggers

“Dokonjou Gaeru Koshien” (The Stubborn Fool of Koshien) is a series that Shinji Mizushima—known for creating various baseball manga—serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday, based on an original story by Mamoru Sasaki.

A TV anime aired from September 1970 to April 1971, with the theme song performed by The Four Sluggers.

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[Showa Era Classics] A Collection of Nostalgic 1970s Anime Songs (31–40)

Apache Baseball TeamEmiko Hayashi

Apache Baseball Army OP [Stereo]

Keiko Hayashi of the Apache Baseball Team

“Apache Yakyuugun” is an anime based on a manga that was serialized in Weekly Shonen King.

It’s known for its socially conscious storytelling and extremely distinctive characters, and it enjoys enduring popularity.

Listening to the opening theme will give you a taste of its appeal.

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Let’s do it with a bang! The Way of BaseballYumi Chiba, Young Fresh, Korogi '73

Let's do it in one go! The Way of Baseball

Let’s do it in one go! Baseball Way Chiba Yumi, Young Fresh, Korogi '73

A heartwarming classic, brimming with humor and capturing the feelings of those devoted to baseball, was born in September 1977.

The lively back-and-forth by Yumi Chiba, Young Fresh, and Korogi ’73 creates a bright, powerful harmony that brilliantly conveys a burning passion for the sport.

Broadcast as the opening theme for the anime “Ippatsu Kanta-kun,” it was also included on the album “Tatsunoko Pro Daizenshū” in October of the same year.

The protagonist—struggling with the gap between ideals and reality yet refusing to give up on his dreams—leaves a lasting impression.

It’s recommended not only for baseball enthusiasts but also as a motivational song that gently encourages anyone striving toward their goals.

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Oak Wood MocKumiko Onogi

Oak Wood Moc

Kimiko Onogi, Oak Tree Mock

With a bright, lively rhythm and a catchy, child-friendly melody, this heartwarming song conveys the importance of kindness and human bonds.

It expresses the protagonist’s innocence and positive spirit through simple yet memorable phrases, resulting in a familiar tune that anyone can hum along to.

The clear, gentle vocals of Kumiko Onogi and the Columbia Yurikago Kai softly deliver the story’s message.

Released in January 1972, it was used as the opening theme for an anime produced by Tatsunoko Production.

It has continued to be loved for many years and cherished by people of all ages.

It’s a nostalgic track that can be enjoyed with family and friends.

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Message of RougeYumi Matsutoya

Rouge's Message – Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya) (Full)

Rouge no Dengon Matsutoya Yumi

This is a song distinguished by its lively rhythm and refreshing melody.

The story of a woman who discovers her boyfriend’s infidelity, leaves a message written in lipstick on the bathroom mirror, and boards a train to visit his mother is bold and humorous, making it especially appealing.

While it carries a cautionary message about cheating, it also presents a positive, strong female figure—one of Yumi Matsutoya’s masterpieces.

Released in February 1975 and included on the album COBALT HOUR, the track features chorus contributions from Tatsuro Yamashita and others, resulting in a vibrant sound.

In 1989, it was chosen as the opening theme for the film Kiki’s Delivery Service, and it has continued to be loved across generations.

With its bright and cheerful tone expressing powerful feelings toward a lover, this song gently encourages women struggling with romance and is highly recommended to many listeners.

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Fight! CasshernIsao Sasaki

Fight! Casshern_Isao Sasaki (1982 LIVE)

Fight! Casshern Sasaki Isao

Neo-Human Casshern is a TV anime produced by Tatsunoko Production, and its theme song, “Tatakae! Casshern,” was the first anime song sung by Isao Sasaki.

A live-action film, CASSHERN, starring Yusuke Iseya, was later made.

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