The 12th Japan Record Awards took place at the Imperial Garden Theater in Chiyoda, Tokyo, on December 31, 1970, starting at 7:00PM JST. The primary ceremonies were televised in Japan on TBS.

• Yoichi Sugawara for "Kyou De Owakare"
  • Lyricist: Rei Nakanishi-2nd time awarded after 2 years
  • Composer: Akira Ui
  • Arranger: Kenichirou Morioka-2nd time awarded after 3 years
  • Record Company: Polydor Records

• Vacant

• Akira Nishikino for "Mou Koi Nanoka"

• Youko Kishi for "Kibou"
  • 2nd time awarded after 6 years, absent the live because of collagen disease, only responding by phone call. The vocal performer that has the most potential to be the best vocal performance winner.
• Hiroshi Uchiyamada and Cool Five for "Uwasa No Onna"
• Saori Yuki for "Tegami"
• Shinichi Mori for "Hatoba Onna No Blues"
  • Last year's best vocal performance winner.

• Keiko Fuji for "Inochi Azukemas"^[1]
• The Drifters for "Drift No Zundokobushi"^[1]

• Masaki Nomura for "Ichido Dakenara"
• Ritsuko Abe for "Ai No Kizuna"
• Salty Sugar for "Hashire Koutaro"
• Mari Henmi for "Keiken"

• Makoto Kawaguchi for "Manatsu No Arashi"
  • Singer:Teruhiko Saigō

• Shunichi Makaino for "Waratte Yurushite"
  • Singer:Akiko Wada

• Rei Nakanishi for "Showa Onna Blues"
  • Singer:Mina Aoe
  • Awarded again after 3 years, 4th composer award.

• Staff of Nippon Columbia for "Nihon Hayariuta No Ayumi"

• Nippon Columbia for "Futari No Ginza" and "Kyoto No Koi"
  • Composer:The Ventures
  • Singer: Masako Izumi, Ken Yamauchi and Yuuko Nagisa
  • 4th time in a row for 2 years.

• Sakiko Tamagawa for "Moomin Theme"^[1]
  • Theme song for Moomin.

• Official Website