1950's to 1970's Popular Japanese Music
 

I don't think I would really have looked into old school Japanese tunes from the eras of 1950 to 1970s if it wasn't for Ayu was inspired by this lady?. I downloaded Mieko Hirota's single collection and have to say its really refreshing and while some songs sound a little silly, I really appreciate them and her voice especially. I'm curious if anyone listens to Japanese music from the 50's to 70's? Or even likes music from those times?

The only artists I've been semi familiar with are Kyu Sakamoto (Sukiyaki, the only Japanese language song that made it in the US) and Linda Yamamoto (Neraiuchi.)

From these eras, who and what songs of theirs would you recommend checking out? Discuss.

Check out Yamaguchi Momoe. She was extremely popular in the 70s. A living legend :)

I agree with you on that!! I love imitation gold, playback part 2, and Manjyushaka (Amaryllis).

There is also Pink Lady-SOS and Sawada Kenji- Toki No Sugiyuku Mama Ni.

(OMG wherre did you find the single collection? I've been looking everywhere!)

I am thirding Momoe, especially her later half stuff. I recommend her albums Phoenix Densetsu and Yokosuka Story first. Pink Lady is another staple of the late 70s.

Other popular groups are the Candies (think like Japanese Supremes) and Junko Sakurada. You're talking the new music and kayoukyoku music eras which had some really great folksy stuff.

50s? I am not as familiar, but the Peanuts (twin sisters) were big. Also one of the biggest names of Jpop is Hibari Misora who was pretty much the big time in the mid 20th century. I don't know much about her actual music though, but she may be a place to start.

Yumi Matsutoya/ Yumi Arai was pretty popular during the early/late 1970s in Japan. But thats only according to the topic title. She was popular for long after the 1970s.

oh man how could I forget Yuming? What am I saying I always forget Yuming. :(

Oh I forgot Pink Lady (I love UFO :laugh)!
Check out also:

Meiko Kaji
Yosui Inoue
Anzen Chitai

Its good to see people listening to the oldies, thanks for the recommendations. :D

I don't have much space in my mediafire account and can't fit the second disc but I uploaded the first disc. Let me know when you download it, I'll have to take it down and then upload the second disc. I took a while to find it, I looked everywhere. haha Now that I relooked I can't find the album where I downloaded it... :S Maybe someone else can upload these if they have more space if they feel like sharing so people can download both at the same time? Sorry!

http://www.mediafire.com/?iw75bw5z38z93ro

Enjoy!

When it comes to old music, Yumi is aways on my mind :P

Enka was so huge in the 50-70's in Japan. I've got soo much enka songs in my collection. Best of 1950's, 60', 70's, through 90's of Enka.
A couple of noteworthy artists from the 70's/60's:

Miyako Harumi
Hashi Yukio
Yashiro Aki
Kaji Meiko

I can upload songs or suggestions if you want ^^

Thanks so much! I've grabbed it and shared it with someone else looking for her stuff alongside me. Hope it's okay. :yes

I think it's just because I mostly consider Yuming an 80's-present artist (or it's where I tend to lump her in. I love her 80's stuff the best so I tend to forget she did anything else, haha.)

Oh totally, share away as much as you like. I just don't have the space to hold both otherwise I'd keep them uploaded for everyone to download. :)

http://www.mediafire.com/?459n1c4bcb346me

What do you think of the first disc so far?

Thanks again. I've been listening to both songs and they're great :)

Also, for you and anyone looking for oldies artists, to check out, I can't recommend the "Japanese Oldies" forums enough.

http://z7.invisionfree.com/jpopoldies/index.php