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

Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai

Kanashimini Sayonara

Released in 1985 as Anzen Chitai’s ninth single, it became a big hit thanks to Koji Tamaki’s gentle, translucent voice.

The song also marked their first appearance on the Kohaku Uta Gassen.

It continues to be passed down through covers, including by EXILE’s ATSUSHI and various female artists.

Beyond the GoodbyeYamaguchi Momoe

Beyond Goodbye [Momoe Yamaguchi]

Released two months before her retirement, this song—fitting for a final farewell—begins with a whisper-like delivery over a gentle tempo, as if summing up a person’s entire life, and then unfolds dramatically.

Even after retiring, she never appeared on television again—an admirable resolve befitting a charismatic, Showa-era megastar.

Red spider lilyYamaguchi Momoe

Momoe Yamaguchi – Legendary Performance: Manjushage (Red Spider Lily)

This is a song included on the B-side of the 1979 record “Bi・Silent.” With lyrics by Yoko Aki and music by the married duo Ryudo Uzaki and Yoko Aki, it’s a majestic masterpiece worthy of its title.

The album of the same name also includes “Ii Hi Tabidachi,” and it became the biggest hit on the album.

At this time, she was, as the spoken line says, just 20 years old, yet she had an astonishing presence.

Graduationsaitou yuki

Yuki Saito “Graduation” MV

This song begins with a scene where the singer receives a button from a boy she likes at the graduation ceremony.

It also features other moments that symbolize school life, evoking a page of youth that everyone experiences.

The singer’s debut performance, with a touch of innocence still in her beautiful voice, matches the mood of the song perfectly.

The wind is autumn-colored.Matsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda “The Wind Is Autumn-Colored” (High-Quality Version)

This is a song that was featured in a cosmetics company’s TV commercial in 1981 and became a million seller.

Back then, it’s no exaggeration to say that practically every girl had the “Seiko-chan cut,” at least in hairstyle if nothing else.

I feel there was a trend at the time that idols didn’t even need to be able to sing, but Seiko Matsuda had real vocal ability, a naturally perfect idol voice, and needless to say, stunning looks—her very presence was in a class of its own.

Strings of TearsTonosama Kingusu

Strings of Tears

Known as one of Tonomama Kings’ signature songs, this piece was released in 1973 and had a major impact on the Japanese music scene.

Its lyrics, which portray a woman’s poignant feelings toward straightforward love and a lost romance, resonated deeply with many people.

With an impactful melody right from the opening and the unmistakable flavor of classic Japanese music, it is a superb masterpiece that has been covered by a variety of singers, including Mina Aoe, Yoshi Tendo, and Kiyoshi Hikawa.

It’s a song we highly recommend to those standing at a crossroads in life or carrying unspoken feelings in their hearts.

Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari

Like the flow of a river

Released in 1989 in its original version, this is one of Hibari Misora’s best-known signature songs.

The lyrics were written by Yasushi Akimoto, also known for his work with AKB48.

Hibari Misora’s all-encompassing singing voice continues to live on even today.

YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki

Hideki Saijo – Young Man (Y.M.C.A.)

It’s a smash hit released in 1979 that held the No.

1 spot on the Oricon chart for five consecutive weeks.

It’s a cover of the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.,” which was a hit in the U.S.

at the time.

If everyone dances together to the chorus, it’s sure to create a strong sense of unity.

kayōkyoku (Japanese popular music)Tonneruzu

kayōkyoku (Japanese popular music)

As its straightforward title suggests, this song—called simply “Kayōkyoku”—was crafted under the direction of lyricist-composer Yasushi Akimoto to sample the very essence of classic kayōkyoku in both its lyrical worldview and its melodies.

I’m fully aware of how calculated that is, yet as someone who loves kayōkyoku, I can’t help but feel it strike a chord.

Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko

“Falling in Love ~Fall in love~” Akiko Kobayashi (VINYL)

A gem of a love song that portrays the aching feelings of a woman in love.

With moving lyrics by Reiko Yukawa and a beautiful melody composed by Akiko Kobayashi herself, this work harmonizes perfectly to vividly depict the delicate emotions of a woman suffering from a forbidden love.

Released in August 1985, it was also used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Friday Wives.” It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart seven times and became a massive hit, ranking third on the 1985 year-end chart.

Even today, it continues to be beloved by people of all ages as a song that stays close to the hearts of those who harbor secret affections and wavering emotions.