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

Babel IIIchiro Mizuki

[Official] Babel II Episode 1: "The Messenger from Five Thousand Years Ago" <1970s Anime>

A powerful, valiant hero song of justice! This work depicts a young psychic boy living in the desert’s Tower of Babel and his three servants as they fight to protect peace on Earth.

Sung with heartfelt passion by Ichiro Mizuki and the Columbia Yurikago-kai as the opening theme for the television anime of the same name, which aired from January to September 1973.

The striking lyrics by the pen name “Toei Ni” pair perfectly with Shunsuke Kikuchi’s exhilarating, fast-paced melody.

Proclaiming hope for the future and the bonds of comrades, this piece continues to be loved as a fiery cheer song that resonates with both children and adults.

Dororon Enma-kunChinatsu Nakayama

[Official] Dororon Enma-kun Night 1: "Those Who Came From Hell" <1970s Anime>

A song that vividly depicts the mysterious world of yokai was released in 1973 as the opening theme for a TV anime.

With lyrics by Chinatsu Nakayama and music by Asei Kobayashi, the melody wonderfully captures the strange yet humorous nature of these spirits.

The piece playfully recounts the mischief of yokai emerging from the underworld with a bright, light rhythm, offering a friendly charm that appeals to both children and adults.

Its lyrics, imbued with affection for Japan’s traditional yokai culture, harmonize beautifully with a catchy melody.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to spend a fun time with yokai or enjoy a nostalgic Showa-era anime song.

Cutie HoneyYoko Maekawa

Cutie Honey / Yoko Maekawa

The theme song of Go Nagai, the master whose works have received overwhelming support across every medium from anime to film—his masterpiece Cutie Honey.

I don’t think there’s anyone who doesn’t know it anymore.

That super short intro actually makes it even better, doesn’t it? Of course, the covers by Kumi Koda, Maria Nishiuchi, and others reflect their eras nicely and I like them too.

But above all, Yoko Maekawa’s original Cutie Honey is exceptional.

Even words that could come off as crude somehow exude an elegant allure—perhaps you could call it refinement—there aren’t many songs that capture “Japanese sexy” this well.

It’s a nostalgic track that makes you want to rewatch the anime!

Gatchaman SongMasato Shimon

Gatchaman no Uta (Masato Shimon)

This is the theme song of Science Ninja Team Gatchaman, a work depicting the battle between the five-member Science Ninja Team, formed by boys and girls, and the secret organization Galactor, which schemes to conquer the world.

Although it is strongly associated with the opening theme as a song symbolic of the series, it was originally broadcast as the ending theme.

There is an anecdote that, due to the song’s success, it was switched with ‘Defeat Galactor!’ and moved to the opening.

It’s a powerful track whose resolute spirit charging into battle leaves a strong impression.

Space Battleship YamatoIsao Sasaki

Space Battleship Yamato (1) / Isao Sasaki + The Royal Knights

Space Battleship Yamato is a quintessential Japanese sci-fi anime series that began airing in 1974 and has long been beloved, spawning sequels, remakes, and even live-action films.

While incorporating sci-fi elements such as aliens and weaponry, it carries a powerful message about human growth through the experience of war.

The opening theme song, famous in its own right, feels both like a straightforward depiction of the story and an expression of unwavering resolve, conveying a sense of valor and strength.

Mazinger ZIchiro Mizuki

Ichiro Mizuki – Mazinger Z (LIVE)

Mazinger Z is cited as one of the most iconic works in the robot anime genre.

It is said to be the origin of what is classified as the “super robot” subtype and has had a major influence on later robot anime.

This opening theme from Mazinger Z introduces the weapons and fighting style of the robot Mazinger Z, which battles for peace in the story, while directly conveying its power and strength.

It is also a signature song of Ichiro Mizuki—known as the “Emperor of Anime Songs”—who performed numerous anime themes.

Fly, Gundam!Ko Ikeda

Fly! Gundam (Ichiro Mizuki Version)

Mobile Suit Gundam, which began in 1979, continues its series even now through the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras.

It’s delightful how the level of enthusiasm varies by generation—some say, “I know up to Gundam SEED,” while others ask, “You don’t know Iron-Blooded Orphans?” Above all, what feels especially nostalgic is the original Gundam’s theme song, ‘Fly! Gundam.

’ Its pure, straightforward message—‘Charge toward the enemy!!’—is emblematic of Showa-era robot anime.

Listening to the song makes you want to build a Gundam plastic model kit!