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

Tsugaru Strait Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri

Tsugaru Strait Winter Scene

As one of the most iconic songs of the Showa era, it continues to be loved by many to this day.

Sayuri Ishikawa’s vocals brilliantly capture the emotions of those crossing the Tsugaru Strait.

Released in April 1977, it created a huge buzz, including being performed at that year’s NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

The lyrics weave in images of the snowy scenery at Aomori Station and people quietly returning north, vividly conveying what travel on the Seikan Ferry was like at the time.

It’s a song I especially recommend to those living away from their hometowns or those who love to travel.

If you listen to it during the bone-chilling winter season, it will resonate with you even more.

SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

This song, which evokes the arrival of spring, is a masterpiece ballad that artfully sings of the sweet, heartrending memories of a lost love.

Masaharu Fukuyama’s warm vocals stir the hearts of listeners.

Released in April 2000, it was chosen as the theme song for the TBS variety show “Uunnan no Hontoko! Mirai Nikki V.” In its first week, it sold over 750,000 copies, leading the music scene that year.

With lyrics that deeply move the listener while depicting cherry blossoms scattering, its charm is unmistakable.

The secret to its cross-generational appeal lies in its ability to stay close to the listener’s heart.

Be sure to give it a listen while taking in the scenery of spring.

Everything is alright.RC sakuseshon

Everything Is Alright (Ya Baby)

It’s a song that seems to sense that while anyone can be overcome by anxiety, not everyone has someone to comfort and encourage them, and so it showers words of encouragement indiscriminately upon everyone who is feeling anxious.

Withered Susuki Grass of the Shōwa Erasakura to ichirō

Sakura and Ichiro / Showa Withered Pampas Grass 1974.7 Sakura & Ichiro

Known as an iconic song of the Showa era, this piece features the memorable harmonies of Sakura and Ichiro, offering comfort to those who struggled through hard times.

Released by Polydor Records on July 21, 1974, it became a massive hit, selling 1.5 million copies.

Its popularity surged after being used as an insert song in the TBS drama “Jikan Desu yo: Showa Gannen,” and it topped the 1975 Oricon year-end charts.

The lyrics, depicting two people determined to overcome hardship together despite poverty and the coldness of society, resonated with many.

Weaving themes of love and parting, this work is perfect for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in Showa-era nostalgia.

Journey of the Heartchūrippu

Tulip “Kokoro no Tabi”

This is Tulip’s third single, released in 1973.

It has been covered by a variety of artists, including Eisaku Yoshida and Masaharu Fukuyama, and continues to be covered today.

Even as time passes, the music and lyrics slip effortlessly into the heart—truly a timeless classic.

The Days of Rainbows and Sneakerschūrippu

Tulip - Back When It Was Rainbows and Sneakers

It’s a song with striking opening lyrics that really stick in your head.

After a period without major hits, Tulip apparently wrote this one with an eye toward making a hit again.

Back then, it often played on late-night radio and stayed in the request rankings’ top 10 for quite a while.

My loverGorin Mayumi

Mayumi Itsuwa “Koibito yo” Official Video

In 1980, Mayumi Itsuwa achieved her only No.

1 with both the single and the album, and this deeply moving masterpiece became a long-running hit.

Even just within Japan, it has been covered by a remarkable lineup of singers such as Noriko Awaya, Hibari Misora, and Akira Fuse.

Her vocal ability is simply outstanding.

Not even worth confessingKitahara Mirei

No Worth Even in Confession — Mirei Kitahara

When I listened to this song, released in October 1970, I was still just a child—barely in middle school—and I remember it being a shocking song, interpreted in my own childish way.

What is now called the “phantom fourth verse” seems to exist, and I recall the word “iron bars” sticking in my ears back then, so I believe it was sung at the time.

From the standpoint that it wouldn’t see the light of day in today’s world, I consider it a hidden masterpiece.

Northern SpringSen Masao

Spring in the Northern Country / Masao Sen (with lyrics)

This is one of Masao Sen’s signature songs, filled with feelings for his hometown.

It portrays a protagonist living in the city who, with the arrival of spring, finds himself longing for his northern homeland.

Springtime scenes—blue skies, southern breezes, and cherry blossoms—are depicted with watercolor-like vividness, conveying a poignant yearning to return to a distant home.

Released in April 1977, the song became a massive hit, selling over three million copies, and was performed multiple times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a song to listen to when you step away from the city’s clamor and, in a quiet moment, find yourself missing the warmth of your hometown.

Don’t say anything.Sono Mari

Don’t Say Anything — Mari Sono, 1964

Mari Sono, who was active at the forefront of Showa-era kayōkyoku with songs like “When the Acacia Rain Stops” and “Aitakute Aitakute,” also recorded this piece, which has been overshadowed by her more famous hits.

Released in 1964 (Showa 39), it became a hit and followed the so-called Japanese pop style, a trajectory that later led to Yukari Itō’s “Koyubi no Omoide” becoming a massive success.