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.
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- 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 (81–90)
Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai
Released in 1985 as Anzen Chitai’s ninth single, it became a big hit thanks to Koji Tamaki’s gentle, translucent voice.
The song also marked their first appearance on the Kohaku Uta Gassen.
It continues to be passed down through covers, including by EXILE’s ATSUSHI and various female artists.
Beyond the GoodbyeYamaguchi Momoe
Released two months before her retirement, this song—fitting for a final farewell—begins with a whisper-like delivery over a gentle tempo, as if summing up a person’s entire life, and then unfolds dramatically.
Even after retiring, she never appeared on television again—an admirable resolve befitting a charismatic, Showa-era megastar.
Tokyo girlsakura tamako
Released in December 1976.
Basically, even as times change, Japanese people like this kind of ‘bushi’ (song style).
Along with Sakura Tamako’s vocals, it felt fresh to have a young girl singing a Dodonpa-bushi more than ten years after Mari Watanabe’s “Tokyo Dodonpa-bushi,” released in 1961, became a big hit.
Strings of TearsTonosama Kingusu
Known as one of Tonomama Kings’ signature songs, this piece was released in 1973 and had a major impact on the Japanese music scene.
Its lyrics, which portray a woman’s poignant feelings toward straightforward love and a lost romance, resonated deeply with many people.
With an impactful melody right from the opening and the unmistakable flavor of classic Japanese music, it is a superb masterpiece that has been covered by a variety of singers, including Mina Aoe, Yoshi Tendo, and Kiyoshi Hikawa.
It’s a song we highly recommend to those standing at a crossroads in life or carrying unspoken feelings in their hearts.
Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari
Released in 1989 in its original version, this is one of Hibari Misora’s best-known signature songs.
The lyrics were written by Yasushi Akimoto, also known for his work with AKB48.
Hibari Misora’s all-encompassing singing voice continues to live on even today.
YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki
It’s a smash hit released in 1979 that held the No.
1 spot on the Oricon chart for five consecutive weeks.
It’s a cover of the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.,” which was a hit in the U.S.
at the time.
If everyone dances together to the chorus, it’s sure to create a strong sense of unity.
Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras. A collection of timeless classics loved across generations (91–100)
kayōkyoku (Japanese popular music)Tonneruzu
As its straightforward title suggests, this song—called simply “Kayōkyoku”—was crafted under the direction of lyricist-composer Yasushi Akimoto to sample the very essence of classic kayōkyoku in both its lyrical worldview and its melodies.
I’m fully aware of how calculated that is, yet as someone who loves kayōkyoku, I can’t help but feel it strike a chord.