A classic Showa-era kayōkyoku song sung by a female vocalist. A nostalgic tune passed down through the years.
When you think of the Showa era, it was the golden age of kayōkyoku (Japanese pop).
Countless songs by both male and female artists were released, and many timeless classics are still loved today.
In this article, we’ll focus on songs by female singers from among those masterpieces.
We’ve selected not only the massive hits of the time but also many tracks that continue to enjoy enduring popularity across generations.
Take this opportunity to savor them—sing along or simply listen—as you reminisce about those days.
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Classic Showa-era kayokyoku hits sung by female vocalists. Beloved nostalgic songs passed down through generations (1–10)
Song of the Four SeasonsSeri Yoko
Yoko Seri’s “Shiki no Uta” (Song of the Four Seasons) is a cover of a song written and composed by lyricist Toyohisa Araki in the 1960s.
While Seri’s 1976 release of the cover is particularly famous, the song has also been covered by a wide range of artists across genres and generations, including Hiroshi Itsuki, Tsutomu Aragaki, and Rimi Natsukawa.
When people of different generations gather for year-end and New Year events or other occasions, it might be fun to compare which artist’s version each person remembers.
Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi
Ayumi Ishida’s Blue Light Yokohama was released in 1968.
The song has become a local anthem for Yokohama, and for people from the city it’s about as familiar as the children’s song Red Shoes.
Incidentally, she made her first appearance at the 20th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1969 with this song.
Also, Kyōhei Tsutsumi, who composed it, won the Composer’s Award at the 11th Japan Record Awards.
You can tell how highly it was regarded at the time!
Drinks for twoAzusa Michiyo
“Futari de Osake o,” released by Michiyo Azusa in 1974, features a bouncy rhythm centered on the theme of adult romance.
Her husky, rich vocals make you feel relaxed and at ease as you listen.
By the way, she also appeared with this song on the 25th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
She has many other classics as well, such as “Konnichiwa Akachan” and “Melancholy.” Each song has its own distinctive flavor, so definitely give them a listen!
See ya.Naoko Ken
Naoko Ken, who is also active as a comedienne, released “Abayo” in 1976.
It became her biggest hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart and earning numerous awards, including the Vocal Performance Award at the 18th Japan Record Awards.
It’s also notable as the first song that Miyuki Nakajima, who wrote both the lyrics and music, ever provided to an artist other than herself.
The lyrics themed around parting and the characteristically melancholic sound typical of Nakajima leave a strong impression.
Rainbow-colored lakeNakamura Akiko
Since her debut in 1965, Akiko Nakamura has created numerous classic songs that have colored the times.
Among the most memorable—also marking her first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen—is “Niji-iro no Mizuumi” (Rainbow-Colored Lake).
Set to a wistful melody, the song asks what happiness in life truly is.
This universal theme is surely one reason it continues to be cherished across generations.
Although it went unreleased on CD for many years and was even called a “legendary hidden gem,” it is now available in physical form.
