Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras: a collection of timeless classics loved across generations

applausechiaki naomi

applause

When it comes to iconic Showa-era kayōkyoku, you can’t leave out this song sung by Naomi Chiaki.

With its powerful, passionate vocals and profound emotional expression, it resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in September 1972, it became a massive hit, even winning the Japan Record Award that same year.

The lyrics portray the image of a singer shining on stage while grappling with grief over a lost loved one.

The contrast between outward glamour and inner sorrow further enhances the song’s appeal.

It’s a must-listen for anyone trying to overcome the pains of love and life.

Love on the Yamanote LineKobayashi Akira

Love on the Yamanote Line / Akira Kobayashi

Known as the “Mighty Guy,” Akira Kobayashi not only starred in Nikkatsu’s Wataridori film series but also excelled as a singer across mood kayō and many other styles.

Surprisingly, he has quite a few comic songs as well.

“The Automobile Show Song” is pretty entertaining, but some lyrics refer to cars so old that only enthusiasts would get them, so here’s this track instead.

Released in 1964, it cleverly parodies the stations on the Yamanote Line within the lyrics.

Time has passed, but the station names haven’t changed, so it’s still easy to follow today.

spring hazeIwasaki Hiromi

spring haze

It’s a classic song that beautifully captures spring in the Showa era.

Set against a scene of cherry blossoms at sixty percent bloom, it poignantly sings of parting with a lover.

Hiromi Iwasaki’s transparent vocals perfectly express Michio Yamagami’s delicate lyrics and Kyohei Tsutsumi’s flowing melody.

Released on February 5, 1979, it was also featured on TBS Television’s “The Best Ten.” The lyrics, depicting emotions that sway with spring’s fickle weather, resonate with many listeners.

It’s a recommended track for those troubled by love or wishing to look back on bittersweet spring memories.

The last spring breakMatsutōya Yumi

Saigo No Haruyasumi

A poignant classic that heralds the arrival of spring.

Included on Yumi Matsutoya’s seventh album, “OLIVE,” this song delicately portrays the emotions of a girl on the brink of the season of farewells.

Released in July 1979, it was later adapted into a TBS drama, “Rouge no Dengon,” in 1991.

As graduation approaches, the sadness of knowing it will no longer be easy to meet is gently conveyed through a relaxed, unhurried melody.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to bask in the spring sunshine and reminisce about days gone by.

Among the seasonsMatsuyama Chiharu

Among the seasons (Chiharu Matsuyama) Chiharu Takamatsu

This was Chiharu Matsuyama’s first song to reach number one.

At the time, it was also used in a TV commercial, and since that chocolate ad featured Momoe Yamaguchi and Tomokazu Miura—who were a hot topic back then—it stuck in my mind like their theme song.

You Are the One Who Rings That BellWada Akiko

You Are the One Who Rings That Bell (Original)

When it comes to classic songs from the Showa era, you can’t leave this one out! Known as one of Akiko Wada’s signature numbers, this was her 11th single, released in March 1972.

With lyrics by Yu Aku and music by Koichi Morita, it’s a powerful kayōkyoku piece highlighted by Wada’s soulful vocals.

While it explores themes of personal inner turmoil and loneliness, it also conveys a strong sense of finding hope.

Over the years, this song has been a source of support for people living through difficult times.

Truly, it’s a masterpiece that has continued to be loved across eras—from Showa to Heisei and now Reiwa.

Dramatic RainInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki 'Dramatic Rain'

Even though it only peaked at No.

8 on the Oricon chart at the time, it stayed on the charts for half a year as a long-running hit.

Because the second single sold so poorly, the record company asked Kyohei Tsutsumi to provide a song; the lyrics were won in a competition by Yasushi Akimoto—who now seems practically exclusive to the AKB group—and it became Akimoto’s first hit as well.

Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko

In memory of Kiyohiko Ozaki — “Until the Day We Meet Again” (Mata Au Hi Made) HD

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.

YAH YAH YAHCHAGE and ASKA

[MV] YAH YAH YAH / CHAGE and ASKA

In the early Heisei era, the Chage and Aska craze was in full swing.

Their classic hit “YAH YAH YAH” sold 750,000 copies in its first week and went on to become a million seller.

Even today, it remains a beloved karaoke staple—a song that gets people of all ages excited!

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Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi

Blue Light Yokohama

This is Ayumi Ishida’s 26th single.

Released in 1968, it became a million-seller with 1.5 million copies sold.

It also ranked first as a local song of Yokohama City, and it continues to be covered by many artists and notable figures.