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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 (91–100)

To my distant loverSaijō Hideki

A heartwarming medium-tempo ballad by Hideki Saijo that poignantly sings of his feelings for the lover he left behind in his hometown after moving to the city.

Released in November 1978, the song reached No.

8 on the Oricon chart.

With a powerful voice, it gently embraces the yearning for a dear one far away and the hope for the arrival of spring.

The strong will to reunite with his lover after a long winter resonates with a beautiful melody, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

This work stands as a classic that conveys the preciousness of love that remains unchanged despite distance, offering comfort to everyone living apart from their loved ones.

Sōemonchō Bluesheiwa katsuji to daakuhosu

Soemoncho Blues (Katsuji Heiwa and the Dark Horse)
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

Film: Your Name, Showa 28 (1953) Keiji Sada / Keiko Kishi; Song: Shigeru Orai; Lyrics: Kazuo Kikuta; Music: Yuji Koseki
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

Hibari Misora ♪ Tsugaru no Furusato II
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.

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.