Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
In recent years, subscription-based services and other music platforms have been becoming the new standard for discovering music.
Perhaps as a result, songs from the Showa and Heisei eras have been enjoying revival hits more and more often.
On social media, too, classic gems from the past are being used in dance videos, and it feels like the J-pop scene has changed compared to a decade or two ago.
So this time, we’re introducing beloved Showa-era classics that are popular with Gen Z.
Whether they feel nostalgic to you or totally fresh, there’s something for every generation to enjoy!
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A revival hit centered on social media! Showa-era classics popular with Gen Z (1–10)
School HeavenFingā 5
Known as a classic that sings of the sweet and sour taste of youth, this song was released in March 1974 as a signature work by Finger Five and became a major hit.
Its catchy melody, depicting secret classroom crushes and friendship, continues to capture the hearts of many.
It was also used as an insert song in the film Waterboys, making it beloved across generations.
The track has recently been rediscovered by Gen Z through social media.
It’s perfect for livening up a karaoke session or when you’re in the mood for a touch of nostalgia.
Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii
In the late 1970s, a signature hit that symbolized Japan’s disco boom was one of Pink Lady’s hallmark songs.
With its catchy melody and easy-to-remember lyrics, it quickly gained popularity and reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Released in June 1977, the song sold an enormous number of records in a short time, propelling Pink Lady to instant stardom.
The lyrics depict a love story set against the backdrop of the summer sea, and together with the buoyant rhythm, they captured the hearts of many.
This is the perfect track for anyone who wants to feel the thrill of summer by the sea and the excitement of romance.
Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya
A song included on singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi’s sixth album, VARIETY, released in April 1984.
She is known as an iconic artist in Japanese city pop, which has been attracting renewed attention in recent years.
The ensemble is superb, packed with the very essence of city pop—crisp, urban-tinged guitar comping and a funky 16-beat groove.
With its stylish arrangement and catchy melody, it’s the kind of song that feels great to sing at karaoke.
The music video released in 2021 has racked up over 40 million views, underscoring that this classic is loved across generations.
Revival hits centered on social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z (11–20)
Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Oginome Yōko
This is the seventh single by Yoko Oginome, who made her entertainment debut after appearing on the TV show “Chibikko Utamane Best Ten” when she was in fourth grade.
It’s a Japanese-lyric cover of a song that became a worldwide hit by British singer Angie Gold, and its classic disco sound at the time made a striking impact on the J-pop scene, setting it apart from other idol songs.
Many will also recall its revival in 2017, sparked by the “Bubble Dance” performed by the dance club of Osaka Prefectural Tomioka High School.
It’s a dance tune loved across generations and a surefire way to hype up any drive as background music.
A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR
Released in 1983, this song is considered one of Rats & Star’s signature works.
With an arrangement that incorporates elements of funk and Latin music, it portrays events sparked by an alluring woman against the backdrop of a summer beach.
Chosen as a Shiseido campaign song, it topped the Oricon singles chart and became a major hit, selling over 600,000 copies.
It also won the Gold Award at the 25th Japan Record Awards.
With its distinctive choreography and catchy melody, it’s a song that has been loved across generations for many years.
Give it a listen when you want to liven up a karaoke session or reminisce about summer memories.
Love Song of LumMatsutani Yūko
Yuko Matsutani’s debut single, best known as the opening theme of the anime Urusei Yatsura.
Its lyrics, which express the bittersweet feelings of a woman in love, and her distinctive vocals captured the hearts of many listeners.
Released in October 1981, the song has remained beloved over the years, also being used as a synchronized track in the TV drama WATER BOYS 2.
It’s a poignant yet powerful love song that speaks for women struggling with love, and it remains a popular choice for karaoke.
bullseyeYamamoto Rinda
The signature song of Linda Yamamoto, who dazzled the music scene of the 1970s, is gaining renewed attention among Gen Z.
A pioneering work of “action kayō” (action-style pop), it captivated many listeners with its catchy phrases and alluring vocals.
Released in February 1973, it reached No.
14 on the Oricon chart.
Beloved for decades afterward, it even brought her back to the Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1991 for the first time in 17 years.
Its lyrics, celebrating strong self-affirmation and desire, are likely to resonate with anyone who values their individuality.
It’s also widely known as a baseball cheer song, making it a recommended pick for sports fans as well.