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
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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 (91–100)
It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Uchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five
Showa-era songs often included many local-themed tunes, and this one drew attention because its title was unusual.
While many songs of the time were mellow mood numbers sung tenderly, Kiyoshi Maekawa’s powerful vocals were also a factor in its success.
Although Maekawa is often seen as the quiet type, he also ventured into comedy sketches with Kinichi Hagimoto, and this different side of him became popular.
bullseyeYamamoto Rinda
A song that represents the Showa era is showing signs of a resurgence on YouTube Shorts.
Linda Yamamoto’s signature track, released in February 1973, is a kayokyoku number that reached No.
14 on the Oricon charts.
With lyrics by Yū Aku and music by Shunichi Tokura, the piece portrays a confident woman.
It opens with a powerful sense of self-affirmation—“the world exists for me”—and leaves a strong impression with its stance of maximizing one’s allure to obtain what one desires.
The song has also been embraced as a baseball cheering anthem, adopted by Meiji University’s cheer squad as well as the Chunichi Dragons and the Hanshin Tigers.
Its catchy melody has helped it gain popularity on YouTube Shorts as well.
Sōemonchō Bluesheiwa katsuji to daakuhosu
Released in 1972 (Showa 47).
Its popularity gradually grew from the entertainment district in Sakai, Osaka, and it became a hit, selling over two million.
Thanks to this song, Soemoncho became known nationwide, and it’s said that Katsuji Heiwa received a letter of appreciation from the neighborhood association.
I think the crisp singing style favored by people in Osaka and the up-tempo melody resonated with the nightlife crowd.
The singing style somehow sounds similar to the old Shinichi Mori.
Your NameOrii Shigeko
This is the theme song from a film that was a huge hit about 60 years ago.
The part about leaving things to fate seems to have something in common with the 2016 film Your Name., but it appears there’s no connection at all.
For people above a certain age, when they hear “Your Name,” I imagine this older film is the one that comes to mind.
Hometown of TsugaruMisora Hibari
There are many famous songs by Hibari Misora, and among them, Ringo Oiwake—evoking Aomori’s apples—was a massive hit, ranking as her fifth best-selling single of all time.
Also set in Aomori Prefecture, this song was performed in 1951 (Showa 26).
Even after decades, it conveys the charm of one’s hometown with simple warmth and never feels dated, making it a masterpiece that, along with her vocal prowess, truly stands out.
The two were young.Ozaki Kiyohiko
Released in March 1972, this song is a wonderful piece that lightly conveys the mood of a sorrowful love within a light, cheerful melody.
Kiyohiko Ozaki, who turned “Mata Au Hi Made” into a massive hit with his overwhelming vocal power, has countless hidden masterpieces, in my opinion.
Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko
It’s one of the quintessential masterpieces of the Showa era.
Though it centers on parting, it presents a forward-looking, positive way to say goodbye.
The lyrics reflect a mature decision to avoid hurting each other by not revealing the reason for the breakup.
Released in March 1971, it became a major hit for Kiyohiko Ozaki.
In the same year, it won the Grand Prize at both the 13th Japan Record Awards and the 2nd Japan Kayou Awards, and he performed it on NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
It was also chosen as the entrance march for the 44th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in 1972, and has continued to be loved across generations.
It’s a song I’d recommend to anyone who has experienced a farewell with someone dear, or who is about to embark on a new path.