Just listening to it purifies the heart... A healing song born in the Showa era.
Masterpieces born in the Showa era all carry a certain wistfulness that reflects the spirit of their time, don’t they?
That nostalgic atmosphere alone can stir the heart just by listening.
This time, we’ve put together a list of especially soothing songs from among those Showa-era classics.
From songs that celebrate great love to ones steeped in melancholy, we selected them with a focus on melody and ensemble, so we hope you’ll find tracks that match your mood.
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Just listening purifies the heart... Healing songs born in the Showa era (1–10)
In the Great Sky and on the Vast EarthMatsuyama Chiharu
A signature song by Chiharu Matsuyama that sings of the resolve to seize happiness through one’s own strength amid the grandeur of nature.
Set against vast land and an endless sky, it expresses a forward-looking attitude and hope.
It was included on the June 1977 album “A Song Made for You,” and later used as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “The Ugly Duckling.” Its heartwarming melody and lyrics resonate with many people.
It’s a track that gives you courage when you’re feeling lost in life or about to take a new step forward.
Our FailureMorita Doji
Singer-songwriter Doji Morita, whose translucent voice and delicate lyricism continue to move many listeners.
The song released in November 1976 is a classic imbued with a nostalgic atmosphere, as if capturing a moment of youth spent in the gentle spring sunlight.
The vivid, concrete imagery in the lyrics is striking, and those of that generation may find the scenes fondly familiar.
In 1993, it was used as the theme song for the drama “High School Teacher,” becoming a major hit with about 900,000 copies sold.
Delicately portraying universal emotions such as loneliness, melancholy, love, and heartbreak, this work offers solace, gently accompanying anyone carrying something in their heart.
Scat at DawnYuki Saori
A signature song by Saori Yuki featuring striking scat singing.
Released in 1969, it topped the Oricon weekly singles chart for eight consecutive weeks and became a million seller.
The track was originally created as the opening theme for TBS Radio’s late-night program “Ballad of the Night,” and due to numerous listener inquiries, it was released as a single.
It also marked her first appearance on that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, cementing Saori Yuki’s status as a singer.
Its delicate, emotive melody evokes the moments before dawn, making it perfect for times when you want to calm your mind or for waking up in the morning.
era; age; time; periodYakushimaru Hiroko
This song, performed by Hiroko Yakushimaru, renowned in the entertainment world for her exceptional vocal prowess, is a cover of a classic written and composed by Miyuki Nakajima.
The lyrics, which depict life’s hardships, partings, and reunions, resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in 1988, the track is widely known as one of Yakushimaru’s signature songs.
Her delicate yet powerful vocals further enhance the song’s appeal.
It’s a recommended piece when you want to reflect on life while savoring a touch of Showa-era nostalgia.
So sad I can’t bear itZa Fōku Kurusedāzu
A masterwork by The Folk Crusaders whose heartrending yet beautiful melody and lyrics about profound sorrow sink deep into the heart.
Released in March 1968 as their second single, it is said to center on themes of war and a sense of loss.
Against natural scenes like white clouds and the deep green of forests, it delicately portrays the sadness and helplessness humans carry.
Covered by many artists and featured in the 2016 animated film In This Corner of the World, the song has continued to be loved across generations.
It’s recommended for times when you want to empathize with the feeling of moving forward despite carrying deep sadness.