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.

Playlist

A classic Showa-era kayōkyoku song sung by a female vocalist. A nostalgic tune passed down through the years.
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe		Momoe Yamaguchi’s classic song “Ii Hi Tabidachi,” written by Shinji Tanimura
2	Silhouette RomanceOhashi Junko		Jazz-style ballad with emotionally rich vocals
3	Goodbye Comes After the DanceBaishō Chieko		Chieko Baisho’s classic hit, 1.5 million copies sold
4	Forbidden LoveMoriyama Ryoko		Ryoko Moriyama’s signature song, her first million-selling hit.
5	Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi		FiFi Ouyang’s debut single “Rainy Midosuji”
6	See ya.Naoko Ken		Naoko Ken’s “Abayo,” a masterpiece by Miyuki Nakajima
7	Song of the Four SeasonsSeri Yoko		Yoko Seri’s classic “Song of the Four Seasons” is loved across generations.
8	Rainbow-colored lakeNakamura Akiko		Akiko Nakamura’s classic hit “Nijiiro no Mizuumi” (Rainbow-Colored Lake) makes her first appearance on Kōhaku.
9	Drops of LoveItō Yukari		“Drops of Love” sung by Yukari Ito
10	Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi		Ayumi Ishida’s classic song “Blue Light Yokohama”
11	Drinks for twoAzusa Michiyo		Savor Michiyo Azusa’s classic song “Futari de Osake o” (“Let’s Drink Together”).
12	Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko		The Appeal of Keiko Fuji’s Melancholic Masterpiece
13	hopeKishi Yoko		Yoko Kishi’s classic “Hope,” a masterpiece that moved many
14	At the tavernEri Chiemi		Chiemi Eri’s song “At the Bar” is a classic.
15	Everyone in a dreamTakada Kyoko		Kyoko Takada “Minna Yume no Naka” — award-winning debut/newcomer prize song
16	A cold morningYoshinaga Sayuri		Sayuri Yoshinaga debuted in 1962 with “Cold Morning.”
17	Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten		Teresa Teng’s classic that portrays deep love
18	Beyond the GoodbyeYamaguchi Momoe		Momoe Yamaguchi’s moving farewell and song of hope
19	atonementTeresa Ten		Teresa Teng’s classic song “Tsugunai”
20	cherry blossom frontKoyanagi Rumiko		A cherry blossom song, a masterpiece that portrays journeys and the shifting heart
21	The last spring breakMatsutōya Yumi		Yumi Matsutoya’s graduation song, a poem of a girl with a trembling heart
22	The Bride of SetoKoyanagi Rumiko		The famous song by Rumiko Koyanagi that depicts the Seto Inland Sea