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)
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe
Momoe Yamaguchi, a star who retired at the height of her popularity, had her biggest hit with “Ii Hi Tabidachi” (“A Good Day to Travel”).
Released as a single in 1978, it reached No.
3 on the Oricon Singles Chart and sold one million copies, achieving million-seller status.
Written and composed by Shinji Tanimura, the song was originally created as a campaign song for the then-JNR (Japanese National Railways).
Its Japanese-style melody is beautiful, and the evocative lyrics are wonderful as well.
In 2003, it was also used in a JR West campaign and has even been featured as the onboard chime on the Shinkansen.
Silhouette RomanceOhashi Junko
A classic ballad that portrays a mature romance with a hint of jazz.
Its standout feature is, above all, the sigh-like vocal delivery.
The way you ease off the voice and blend in breath defines the song’s atmosphere.
The overall range is F3 to C#5; while the chorus reaches some higher notes, you can generally sing it at a relaxed tempo in a composed manner.
If you sing too strongly from the start, you’ll lose contrast with the chorus, so keep the volume around 60% for the first verse.
In the chorus, you might feel tense, but prepare your voice and project it forward with clarity.
When hitting the high notes, think of climbing stairs step by step—this mindful approach helps you build momentum and reach them more easily!
Goodbye Comes After the DanceBaishō Chieko
The single Sayonara wa Dance no Ato ni, released in 1965 by actress Chieko Baisho—well known from the film series It’s Tough Being a Man (Tora-san)—marked her work as a singer.
Selling over 1.5 million copies and becoming a million-seller, it earned composer Hirooki Ogawa the Composition Award at the 7th Japan Record Awards.
The song was later used as an insert song in Studio Ghibli’s Only Yesterday, and a remake was produced in 1990 as the theme song for the drama Last Dance.
Its rumba rhythm is lively, and the piano interlude is really cool.
Forbidden LoveMoriyama Ryoko
“Forbidden Love” is Ryoko Moriyama’s ninth single, released in 1969.
It became her first million-selling hit and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
In interviews, Moriyama has said that “Forbidden Love” is the song she feels most attached to, and that it was the track that awakened her professional consciousness as a singer.
With its somewhat exotic sound, it showcases a different side of Moriyama’s appeal compared to her earlier works.
Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi
Faye Wong, known for signature songs like “Love Is Over,” is a well-known singer.
“Rain on Midosuji” was her debut single, released in 1971.
This song is a local tune that sings of romance along Midosuji in Osaka City.
Those from the Kansai region may find it especially familiar.
The lyrics mention various place names in Osaka, so listeners from Osaka in particular may find a flood of memories returning when they hear it.
If you get the chance, why not use this song as a conversation starter?
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.
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.