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.
- [Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke.
- Showa-era love songs: A roundup of timeless love songs cherished across generations
- Showa-era songs that went viral on TikTok / revival hit songs
- [Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
- Songs from the Heisei retro era that will get any generation excited! Timeless tracks you’ll want to listen to now.
- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
- [Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- Hits that resonate across generations! Popular 1990s songs on TikTok
- [Showa Era] A Collection of Enka Hits: Timeless Classics Loved Across Generations
- Thrilling to Cool Showa-Era Tunes! Classic Songs from Female Singers and Artists of the Showa Period
- Songs to Enjoy in Summer! Classic Hits Special (Showa & Heisei)
Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras. A collection of timeless classics loved across generations (71–80)
Spirit Boat (Shoro Nagashi)gureepu
Released in 1974 (Showa 49).
This song was performed by Masashi Sada—who has written many hit songs for various artists and is still active today—in a duo with Masami Yoshida.
Although the two were unknown at the time and their songs didn’t sell well at first, this track gradually began to gain popularity thanks to a late-night radio program.
Decades later, Sada recently saw off his late mother in his hometown of Nagasaki during the Obon season, while the song “Shōrō Nagashi” played.
He said that in a time when the family was far from affluent and couldn’t afford a piano, his mother at least gave him a violin.
He has said that he owes who he is today to his mother.
Journey of the Heartchūrippu
This is Tulip’s third single, released in 1973.
It has been covered by a variety of artists, including Eisaku Yoshida and Masaharu Fukuyama, and continues to be covered today.
Even as time passes, the music and lyrics slip effortlessly into the heart—truly a timeless classic.
The Days of Rainbows and Sneakerschūrippu
It’s a song with striking opening lyrics that really stick in your head.
After a period without major hits, Tulip apparently wrote this one with an eye toward making a hit again.
Back then, it often played on late-night radio and stayed in the request rankings’ top 10 for quite a while.
Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras: A collection of timeless classics loved across generations (81–90)
Yearning for youFuranku Nagai
The original song dates back to 1922 (Taisho 11), making it very old, but it was given a rhythmic arrangement and released in 1961, becoming a hit.
It has exactly the atmosphere of mood kayō, resulting in a romantic piece.
Not even worth confessingKitahara Mirei
When I listened to this song, released in October 1970, I was still just a child—barely in middle school—and I remember it being a shocking song, interpreted in my own childish way.
What is now called the “phantom fourth verse” seems to exist, and I recall the word “iron bars” sticking in my ears back then, so I believe it was sung at the time.
From the standpoint that it wouldn’t see the light of day in today’s world, I consider it a hidden masterpiece.
Northern SpringSen Masao
This is one of Masao Sen’s signature songs, expressing the longing to leave the city behind and return to one’s hometown.
The spring scenery of home is depicted like a watercolor painting, conveying the closeness of the seasons and a poignant yearning for the hometown where family and a loved one await.
Released in April 1977, the song became a massive hit, selling over three million copies, and it earned multiple appearances on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It has been covered in various languages, including Chinese and Thai, and is beloved by many, especially across Asia.
It’s the perfect song for those moments, with the arrival of spring, when you find yourself wondering, “How is the place where I was born now?” and feel a nostalgic pull toward your hometown.
Don’t say anything.Sono Mari
Mari Sono, who was active at the forefront of Showa-era kayōkyoku with songs like “When the Acacia Rain Stops” and “Aitakute Aitakute,” also recorded this piece, which has been overshadowed by her more famous hits.
Released in 1964 (Showa 39), it became a hit and followed the so-called Japanese pop style, a trajectory that later led to Yukari Itō’s “Koyubi no Omoide” becoming a massive success.