Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z

Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Oginome Yōko

Yoko Oginome / Dancing Hero (Eat You Up) (Official Music Video)

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.

Love Song of LumMatsutani Yūko

Love Song of Lum

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.

Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Plastic Love (Official Music Video)

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.

Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi

Cotton Handkerchief (with lyrics) - Song by Hiromi Ohta

Known as an innovative work that bridged folk songs and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular music), this piece is distinguished by its fresh, dialogue-style lyrics between a man and a woman.

Centered on a long-distance relationship, it sensitively portrays the feelings of a man who has moved from a western region to Tokyo and the woman who remains in their hometown.

Upon its release in 1975, it became a massive hit, selling 867,000 copies, and it continues to be cherished as one of Hiromi Ōta’s signature songs.

It’s a timeless classic that can be enjoyed across generations—recommended both for those who feel nostalgic and those who find it refreshingly new.

bullseyeYamamoto Rinda

Linda Yamamoto – Shot at the Target (Official Audio)

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.

Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda - Blue Coral Reef

It’s a classic with a striking intro that seems to carry the sparkle of the sun and the scent of the sea breeze.

You can picture a summer day by the ocean with someone you love—the racing heartbeat and the little burst of boldness that comes with it.

It evokes scenes of a sweet and dazzling romance.

This song, which propelled Seiko Matsuda to the status of “eternal idol,” was released in July 1980 as her second single and is also included on her debut album, SQUALL.

As the theme for Glico’s ice cream commercial, it brightened living rooms across the nation and topped The Best Ten for three consecutive weeks.

It’s a refreshing track that instantly paints listeners’ hearts in summer hues.

A Man’s Badge of HonorYokohama Ginbae

A Man’s Badge of Honor

A masterpiece that portrays the fiery spirit of a young man forging his own path with a rebellious heart.

Released in April 1982, it is known as one of Daisuke Shima’s signature songs.

Written and composed by Johnny of Yokohama Ginbae, the work features powerful vocals and a strong sense of justice, emblematic of the 1980s tsuppari (delinquent) youth culture.

The song was used as the theme for the Nippon TV drama “Ten made Agare!” and reached No.

3 on the weekly Oricon charts.

Its lyrics carefully depict the protagonist’s resolve to stay true to his beginnings despite facing adversity, resonating deeply across generations.

It was also covered as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “From Today, It’s My Turn!!,” which boosted its popularity among younger audiences.

For example, it’s beloved as a cheer song in high school baseball and has been used as a walk-up song by professional baseball players—an anthem that pushes forward those striving toward their dreams.