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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Revival hits centered on social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z (11–20)
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.
Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko
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 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.
In conclusion
How was it? This time, we introduced classic Showa-era songs popular among Gen Z.
The global reevaluation of Japanese city pop—not only among younger generations but worldwide—really shows the timeless appeal of good old music, doesn’t it? Every track is a reminder that great music never fades with time, so be sure to check them out!