Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras: a collection of timeless classics loved across generations
These days, thanks to the widespread use of Spotify and Apple Music, people of all ages can easily listen to a wide variety of songs.
Social media platforms like TikTok have also sparked an increase in older songs becoming revival hits among young people.
In this article, we’ll be showcasing a selection of hit tracks from the Showa and Heisei eras all at once!
There are plenty of timeless masterpieces that haven’t lost their charm, so take this opportunity to give them another listen.
Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras: A collection of timeless classics loved across generations (1–10)
Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki
Noriyuki Makihara, celebrated as one of Japan’s genius melody-makers, continues to create numerous heartfelt masterpieces.
Among his works, the song featured on his 1992 album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono” is one that feels perfect for the season of departures and new beginnings.
Though not released as a single, many people may recognize it from appearances such as in NTT East Japan commercials—truly a hidden gem.
The lyrics, which reflect his own image of leaving home to chase his dreams, give courage to those just starting a new chapter in life and to everyone striving far from home.
With minimal leaps in pitch and a comfortable key, it’s easy to sing—making it a great choice for karaoke with friends you haven’t seen in a while, where you can share warm feelings along with nostalgic memories.
Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu
One of the iconic songs of the Showa era, it continues to resonate closely with many people.
The lyrics, which gently depict young people gazing up at the night sky, pursuing modest happiness and their dreams, are especially memorable.
Originally written as the theme song for a 1960 musical, it became a massive hit after Kyu Sakamoto covered it in 1963, earning the Composer’s Award at the 5th Japan Record Awards.
Set against the backdrop of Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, it has been cherished as a song symbolizing the hopes and efforts of young people who worked by day and studied by night.
It’s a track that gives you the courage to keep moving forward no matter what.
Message of RougeMatsutoya Yumi
This is a song distinguished by its lively rhythm and refreshing melody.
The story of a woman who discovers her boyfriend’s infidelity, leaves a message written in lipstick on the bathroom mirror, and boards a train to visit his mother is bold and humorous, making it especially appealing.
While it carries a cautionary message about cheating, it also presents a positive, strong female figure—one of Yumi Matsutoya’s masterpieces.
Released in February 1975 and included on the album COBALT HOUR, the track features chorus contributions from Tatsuro Yamashita and others, resulting in a vibrant sound.
In 1989, it was chosen as the opening theme for the film Kiki’s Delivery Service, and it has continued to be loved across generations.
With its bright and cheerful tone expressing powerful feelings toward a lover, this song gently encourages women struggling with romance and is highly recommended to many listeners.
A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu
A smash hit released in 1981.
One of Chiharu Matsuyama’s signature songs, this classic Showa-era ballad straightforwardly conveys the “ache of a man’s heart.” The overall vocal range spans D3 to D5, and it’s a song most people can handle if they sing the talk-like phrasing in the verses and release fully in the chorus for contrast.
However, since the chorus jumps up into higher notes, be careful not to strain your throat.
Like Matsuyama himself, keeping your eyebrows raised while singing makes the high notes much easier to hit—highly recommended! When you project your voice, don’t hesitate—use instant power and send it far.
The Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE
A quintessential masterpiece of the Heisei era! The lyrics, depicting deep love that never fades with time, resonate with many people.
Included on the album “LOVE GOES ON…,” released in November 1989, this song has since been re-recorded in various forms and featured across numerous media.
Notably, in 2007 it was used as an insert song in a film, continuing to be cherished across generations.
The musicality woven by Miwa Yoshida’s overwhelming vocals and Masato Nakamura’s arrangements gently envelops the listener’s heart.
With its relaxed melody line, it’s also easy to sing at karaoke—why not try singing it together with someone special?
Please give me wingsakai tori
Among the classic songs of the Showa era, this piece stands out with a special presence.
Its hope-filled lyrics and beautiful harmonies resonate deeply.
Released in February 1971 as a single by Akaitori (The Red Birds), it has continued to be loved by many people ever since.
It has even crossed eras to capture hearts, being used at the 1998 Nagano Olympics and the 2021 Tokyo Olympic opening ceremony.
This song is perfect for anyone who longs for dreams and freedom.
It’s a wonderful piece that reminds us of the importance of holding on to hope, no matter the times.
Island SongTHE BOOM
The BOOM’s classic, which opens with the wistful tones of a sanshin, is a gem of a ballad imbued with the tragedy of the Battle of Okinawa and a fervent wish for peace.
On the surface it appears to be a love song about a parting between a man and a woman, yet it was born from Kazufumi Miyazawa’s 1991 visit to the Himeyuri Peace Museum in Okinawa.
Its distinctive sound blends a base in the Ryukyuan scale with elements of contemporary music.
The track was included on the January 1992 album Adolescence and released as a standalone single the following year.
It was featured in a commercial song for Mizuho Distillery’s Ryukyu Awamori Xi.
In 2001, a cover by an Argentine artist became a major hit locally, and the international response was so great that it was even used as a supporters’ chant during the 2002 Japan–Korea World Cup.
It’s a song I particularly recommend for quiet, solitary evenings, as well as to younger listeners who want to experience the diversity of Japanese music.