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
- [Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
- 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 (61–70)
Ruby RingTerao Akira
Starting with its light, funky cutting guitar, this AOR-flavored song became popular as sophisticated, urban music for adults.
For the generation that watched The Best Ten, it’s also unforgettable that it set the show’s longest-running record by staying at No.
1 for 12 consecutive weeks.
North AirportKatsura Ginshuku, Hama Keisuke
It’s a song released in 1987, around the time the Showa era was nearing its end.
The setting is Sapporo, with a man and woman departing from a northern airport, and a monument with the lyrics stands in the terminal building of New Chitose Airport.
It’s not a flashy song, but it’s still often sung as a duet at karaoke in snack bars today.
windhashida norihiko to shuuberutsu
Released in 1969 (Showa 44).
Even within folk music there are different genres—some anti-war, others about everyday life—and among them, Norihiko Hashida’s songs stood out for their wistful quality, using nature as a theme.
His beautiful melodies helped further popularize folk music among the masses.
Afterward, Hashida continued to change members and group names, producing numerous hit songs.
The Apple SongNamiki Michiko, Kirishima Noboru
Set in an era when the scars of the postwar ruins still remained, this song, which brightened Japan with its radiant singing voice, likens itself to an innocent apple and, using wording that those who understand will understand, portrays a desire to stand with the children of the time—children who, unable to say what they wanted to say, silently endured hardship.
High-Teen BoogieGorin Mayumi
This is the seventh single, released in 1982, which also served as the theme song for the film High Teen Boogie.
With lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Tatsuro Yamashita, it’s a number brimming with a sense of speed and youthful energy.
Try singing it while appreciating its high level of quality.
Forever with youKayama Yūzō
It’s a classic song that sings of a straight man’s love for a woman.
Yuzo Kayama’s rich, expansive voice is particularly striking.
There’s a spoken monologue in the middle of the song, and it became so famous that many men imitated it.
It’s also easy to sing at karaoke, with a catchy, easy-to-remember sound.
A snap in yellow-green (moegi)anzenchitai
A masterpiece that vividly portrays the scenery of the Showa era.
Released in February 1982 as Anzen Chitai’s major-label debut single, it features Koji Tamaki’s clear, transparent vocals that seem to herald the arrival of spring.
Meltwater flowing, a song in motion, the sparkle of life, and the anticipation of new encounters—its beautiful imagery is truly captivating.
The song was also performed at Anzen Chitai’s 40th-anniversary concert, surely rekindling the spirit of their debut days.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to with someone special, wrapped in the warmth of spring.
Highly recommended for those looking forward to new encounters or embarking on a new chapter in life.
Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko
Released in 1987, the song gained popularity among younger generations after Kuniko Yamada and Korokke performed impersonations of it, leading to even greater success.
It was performed three times at the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, and even after Chiyoko Shimakura’s passing, it has continued to be beloved as the train arrival chime at Keikyu Aomonoyokocho Station.
Lill Returning from ShanghaiTsumura Ken
Sung in 1951, the early postwar Showa era, this song tells the story of a man and woman buffeted by war, and it was later covered by Jinpachi Nezu.
It has a distinctly different flavor from others, evoking its era and making it captivating.
For some reason, many Showa-era pop songs—whether sung by women or men—are set in a harbor tavern where someone is waiting for or searching for someone.
Merry-go-roundMakiha Yumi
The song itself didn’t become much of a hit, but it’s quite well known as the one Momoe Yamaguchi sang at her audition.
It was released in 1972, and it’s also a cult favorite because Junko Sakurada sang “Mishiranu Sekai” at her audition as well.
Why did the two of them choose this song? At the time, if you sang a senior idol’s song—like Mari Amachi or Saori Minami—it inevitably came off as an imitation, and the judging was strict about that.
Choosing a less well-known artist’s song was likely a strategy.