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

Imperial Regent Declarationsadamasashi

Imperial Regent Declaration

This is a classic song that humorously captures a man’s true feelings on the eve of marriage.

When it was released in July 1979, it sparked debate over gender roles, yet also won support from listeners who didn’t usually buy pop songs, becoming a major talking point.

It reached as high as No.

2 on TBS’s “The Best Ten.” At concerts, it’s customary for the audience to sing along to the ending section.

The charm lies in how, beneath the clumsy words, you can sense his single-minded desire to protect his family and his deep affection.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants to convey feelings that are usually too embarrassing to say out loud—through this song.

Across this wide fieldMoriyama Ryoko

This Wide, Open Field – Ryoko Moriyama

It’s a beautiful folk song that sings of the great outdoors as far as the eye can see.

It conveys a pure desire to offer fields full of flowers, a night sky full of stars, and a sea full of boats to a cherished person.

Released in January 1967 as Ryoko Moriyama’s debut single, it was followed by an album of the same name in February of that year.

With its clear, transparent vocals and poetic lyrics, the song captured many hearts and became such a classic that it was even included in elementary school music textbooks.

In 2000, it was used as the ending theme for the PlayStation game “Boku no Natsuyasumi,” and it has continued to be loved across generations.

It’s a song that resonates deeply when you want to quietly reflect on feelings for someone important.

Words of FarewellKaientai

Mr. Kinpachi in Class 3-B, Season 1 (1979–1980) Theme song: Kaientai - Okuru Kotoba

This is the 16th single by Kaientai.

Known as the theme song for the TV drama “Kinpachi-sensei, Class 3B,” it was covered by FLOW in 2003 and became a hit again.

Even today, it remains a staple song for graduation season.

foreignerKUBOTA Saki

Saki Kubota "Ihōjin" Animated Music Video

With its strikingly exotic vibe, the song captures listeners’ hearts, enhanced by Saki Kubota’s sultry vocals.

Released in October 1979, it was also featured in a Sanyo Electric commercial and reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart in December of the same year.

It became a massive hit, selling over one million records.

The song’s allure lies in its foreign, evocative melody and lyrics that resonate deeply.

It may be the perfect track for those looking to heal the pain of heartbreak or feeling the loneliness of a new environment.

Boat SongYashiro Aki

Aki Yashiro / Funauta (Boat Song)

One of the quintessential masterpieces of the Showa era, this gem of a ballad resonates in the hearts of many.

Sung by Aki Yashiro, whose unique phrasing and emotionally rich voice are its allure, the song was released in May 1979.

Its lyrics vividly depict the atmosphere of an izakaya, delicately expressing a lingering longing for a former lover.

The piece became even more widely remembered when a scene featuring Yashiro herself singing it was included in the 1981 film “Station.” It’s the perfect song for savoring a quiet drink or immersing yourself in nostalgic memories.

It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Uchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five

Nagasaki Was Rainy Again Today (High Quality) — Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the 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.

The Scent of CyclamenFuse Akira

The Scent of Cyclamen

It is one of the signature masterpieces of the Showa-era pop scene.

Written and composed by Kei Ogura, it was released by Akira Fuse in April 1975.

The song was a major hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts and ranking second on the year-end chart.

Fuse’s expansive, powerful vocals beautifully convey the changing phases of love as depicted through cyclamen flowers.

The lyrics, which mirror the emotional shifts from the beginning of love to parting with the changing colors of the flowers, are sure to resonate with many listeners.

Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda “Red Sweet Pea” (from Seikoland: Budokan Live ’83)

A classic song depicting love in full spring bloom was released as a single by Seiko Matsuda in 1982.

Composed by Yumi Matsutoya with lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto, this track marked a turning point in Matsuda’s career.

To accommodate her strained voice from a grueling schedule, a slow ballad style was adopted.

The lyrics delicately portray springtime scenes and the bittersweetness of love, resonating with many listeners.

This work has long been cherished as one of Seiko Matsuda’s signature songs.

It’s especially recommended for listening during the season when you can feel spring’s arrival.

12th graderFunaki Kazuo

Kazuo Funaki / High School Senior

This song, which gained popularity for its vibrant, free-spirited vocals that conveyed the spirited heart of youth, became a pioneering graduation anthem.

It depicts students at the end of their high school days fondly looking back on those times and finding hope as they set out toward a new chapter of life.

Blue MountainsFuji Yama Ichirou, Nara Mitsue

Blue Mountain Range — original song by Mr. Ichiro Fujiyama and Ms. Mitsue Nara

This song, which has repeatedly ranked first as a representative tune of the Showa era in music program requests, resonated with people dreaming of postwar recovery and gave them the strength to live.

The fact that those involved with the song have received the People’s Honor Award also speaks to its significance.