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.
Playlist
| Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras: a collection of timeless classics loved across generations | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1east | SherryOzaki Yutaka | play_arrow | Sharing our weaknesses through Yutaka Ozaki’s anthems |
| 2east | 240 Million Eyes -Exotic Japan-Gō Hiromi | play_arrow | Hiromi Go's signature song, original and on a grand scale |
| 3north_east | Swim! Taiyaki-kunShimon Masato | play_arrow | A song about a taiyaki escaping to the sea |
| 4south_east | I’ll wait.amin | play_arrow | A classic debut song by Amin |
| 5south_east | Wine Red Heartanzenchitai | play_arrow | A mature romantic love song by Anzen Chitai |
| 6south_east | I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka | play_arrow | A beautiful ballad with Yutaka Ozaki’s restrained piano |
| 7south_east | TouchIwasaki Yoshimi | play_arrow | A nationally beloved theme song from an anime based on an original work by Mitsuru Adachi |
| 8east | Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu | play_arrow | A Showa-era classic song that symbolizes young people's hope and hard work |
| 9east | A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu | play_arrow | Chiharu Matsuyama’s famous ballad, a poignant song of a man |
| 10east | Message of RougeMatsutoya Yumi | play_arrow | A classic song about standing up to infidelity and celebrating women's strength |
| 11east | Please give me wingsakai tori | play_arrow | A classic from the Showa era, cherished for its hope and beauty |
| 12east | The Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE | play_arrow | Heisei-era masterpiece: deep affection cherished across generations |
| 13east | era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki | play_arrow | A classic song of the Showa era, a melody guiding us toward hope. |
| 14east | Island SongTHE BOOM | play_arrow | A gemlike ballad depicting the Battle of Okinawa and peace |
| 15east | UFOpinku redii | play_arrow | A classic Showa-era song depicting a romance with an alien |
| 16east | Silhouette RomanceOhashi Junko | play_arrow | Image song for Sanrio’s romance novel label |
| 17east | Strawberry Statement Once Againbanban | play_arrow | A memorable song that sings of the bittersweet feelings of youth |
| 18east | A Hazy Moonlit Nightshouka | play_arrow | An old Japanese song that depicts a spring evening |
| 19east | Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie | play_arrow | Yoshie Kashiwabara’s graduation song written and composed by Miyuki Nakajima |
| 20east | Kanda Riverkaguya hime | play_arrow | Even if you didn't know it in real time, around 1973... |
| 21east | March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko | play_arrow | Suizenji Kiyoko’s classic song cheers you on in life. |
| 22east | Elegy of SpringShōji Shirō | play_arrow | A celebrated song from early Showa, singing of a lost love |
| 23east | Let there be good weather tomorrow.Nakajima Miyuki | play_arrow | Miyuki Nakajima’s masterpiece that empathizes with a pessimistic heart |
| 24east | Purple TownYagami Junko | play_arrow | Junko Yagami’s classic song depicting loneliness and love |
| 25east | Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterIzumiya Shigeru | play_arrow | Reflecting life's impermanence in the changing of the four seasons |
| 26east | I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu | play_arrow | Kyu Sakamoto’s signature song, an upbeat anthem of hope |
| 27east | A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe | play_arrow | Momoe Yamaguchi’s graduation theme song |
| 28east | You are more beautiful than a rose.Fuse Akira | play_arrow | Akira Fuse’s classic song expressing feminine beauty and growth |
| 29east | I don’t have an umbrella.Inoue Yosui | play_arrow | Yosui’s umbrella song from 1972 is genius. |
| 30east | outdatedKawashima Eigo | play_arrow | Let's live with our feet firmly on the ground |
| 31east | The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP | play_arrow | A signature Heisei-era masterpiece: 'The One and Only Flower in the World' |
| 32east | It might make it in time.yoshida takurou | play_arrow | Let's break free together from an unfulfilling everyday life |
| 33east | It was spring, wasn’t it?yoshida takurou | play_arrow | Takuro Yoshida’s poignant spring classic |
| 34east | The Apple SongNamiki Michiko, Kirishima Noboru | play_arrow | Encouraging the children in the burnt-out ruins with song |
| 35east | Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi | play_arrow | Ayumi Ishida’s million-selling hit song |
| 36east | You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi | play_arrow | Eiichi Ohtaki’s music—beauty that transcends life. |
| 37east | Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten | play_arrow | Many of Teresa Teng’s classic songs have been covered by many artists. |
| 38east | Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko | ![]() | A classic song from the Showa era: a positive track about an adult breakup. |
| 39east | Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko | play_arrow | Seiko Matsuda’s signature song about finding hope in the darkness |
| 40east | Sōemonchō Bluesheiwa katsuji to daakuhosu | play_arrow | A hit song selling over 2 million was born in Sakai City in 1972 (Showa 47) |
| 41east | Imperial Regent Declarationsadamasashi | play_arrow | A classic song that sings the true feelings of a man about to get married |
| 42east | Forever with youKayama Yūzō | play_arrow | A famous love song by Yuzo Kayama |
| 43east | Words of FarewellKaientai | play_arrow | Symbol of youth, a graduation song that resonates in the heart |
| 44east | Blue PhotographMatsuda Seiko | play_arrow | A famous ballad used as a TV drama theme song |
| 45east | applausechiaki naomi | play_arrow | A classic of Showa-era kayōkyoku: a song of passion and melancholy |
| 46east | Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko | play_arrow | Forbidden love, a heart-stirring classic |
| 47east | You Are the One Who Rings That BellWada Akiko | play_arrow | Finding strength in the classic Showa-era songs of Akiko Wada |
| 48east | 12th graderFunaki Kazuo | play_arrow | Sing of graduation memories and hopes for the future |
| 49east | Blue MountainsFuji Yama Ichirou, Nara Mitsue | play_arrow | An anthem of the Showa era gave hope to the people. |
| 50east | Ruby RingTerao Akira | play_arrow | Adult-oriented, AOR-style music is popular. |
| 51east | The Day the Seagulls FlewWatanabe Machiko | play_arrow | A Machiko Watanabe classic depicting heartbreak in a port town |
| 52east | Beautiful NameGodaigo | play_arrow | The song of the International Year of the Child known for “Daisuki” |
| 53east | The Never-Ending SongTHE BLUE HEARTS | play_arrow | A Song Where Misfits Come Out Ahead |
| 54east | High-Teen BoogieGorin Mayumi | play_arrow | Tatsuro Yamashita’s youth number, a movie theme song |
| 55east | Light Blue RainYagami Junko | play_arrow | Moved by Junko Yagami’s overwhelming vocal prowess |
| 56east | Premonition of Loveanzenchitai | play_arrow | A classic hit by Anzen Chitai, popular as an airline commercial song. |
| 57east | A snap in yellow-green (moegi)anzenchitai | play_arrow | Anzen Chitai’s classic spring debut song |
| 58east | youKozaka Akiko | play_arrow | Akiko Kosaka’s debut single becomes a big hit |
| 59east | Love on the Yamanote LineKobayashi Akira | play_arrow | Akira Kobayashi’s Versatile Musical Activities and the Yamanote Line Song |
| 60east | spring hazeIwasaki Hiromi | play_arrow | In the spring of the Showa era, singing the bittersweetness of love |
| 61east | At the end of loveFuse Akira | play_arrow | Akira Fuse: From Tone-Deaf to Great Singer |
| 62east | The last spring breakMatsutōya Yumi | play_arrow | The poignant masterpiece depicting a springtime farewell, “Haru yo, Koi” (Come, Spring) |
| 63east | Among the seasonsMatsuyama Chiharu | play_arrow | Chiharu Matsuyama’s first No. 1 song draws attention after being used in a commercial. |
| 64east | TOKIOsawada kenji | play_arrow | A classic song by Kenji Sawada that portrays the allure of the city |
| 65east | Lill Returning from ShanghaiTsumura Ken | play_arrow | A poignant song set in a postwar port |
| 66east | When the cherry blossoms bloomWatanabe Misato | play_arrow | A nostalgic singing voice like cherry blossoms |
| 67east | Tsugaru Strait Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri | play_arrow | Sayuri Ishikawa, the singer of the classic song 'Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene' |
| 68east | Everything is alright.RC sakuseshon | play_arrow | A song that gives courage to everyone who feels anxious |
| 69east | Withered Susuki Grass of the Shōwa Erasakura to ichirō | play_arrow | A classic song from the Showa era, a massive hit with 1.5 million copies sold |
| 70east | Journey of the Heartchūrippu | play_arrow | A timeless classic that resonates with the heart: a single by Tulip |
| 71east | The Days of Rainbows and Sneakerschūrippu | play_arrow | Striking from the start, a hit song by Tulip |
| 72east | Not even worth confessingKitahara Mirei | ![]() | A shocking song—the song of iron bars—was etched into my heart. |
| 73east | Northern SpringSen Masao | play_arrow | Masao Sen’s classic song that expresses his feelings for his hometown. |
| 74east | Don’t say anything.Sono Mari | play_arrow | Mari Sono, a singer who represents the Showa-era Japanese pop music scene |
| 75east | Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai | play_arrow | The timeless songs of Anzen Chitai are still being sung today. |
| 76east | Beyond the GoodbyeYamaguchi Momoe | play_arrow | A Shōwa-era mega star who sums up their life in the final song before retirement |
| 77east | Red spider lilyYamaguchi Momoe | play_arrow | A famous song by the Ryudo Uzaki couple, included on their smash-hit album. |
| 78east | Graduationsaitou yuki | play_arrow | A singer’s debut song depicting graduation ceremonies and youth |
| 79east | The wind is autumn-colored.Matsuda Seiko | play_arrow | The charm and influence of idol Seiko were immense. |
| 80east | Strings of TearsTonosama Kingusu | play_arrow | A signature song by Tonomachi Kings released in 1973 |
| 81east | Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari | play_arrow | A classic song by Hibari Misora, lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto |
| 82east | YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki | play_arrow | The famous hit song by Y.M.C.A. became a big hit. |
| 83east | Meeting at ShuishiyingOkanoteiichi | play_arrow | A classic song that sings of soldiers’ reconciliation and longing for peace |
| 84east | The Flower Girl of TokyoHaruo Oka | play_arrow | A 1946 classic that portrayed hope in postwar Tokyo |
| 85east | To my distant loverSaijō Hideki | play_arrow | Hideo Saijo of the city: a classic song about love from his hometown |
| 86east | It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Uchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five | play_arrow | Kiyoshi Maekawa’s local-themed song becomes a hit |
| 87east | Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko | play_arrow | Chiyoko Shimakura’s 1987 smash hit song |
| 88east | The Scent of CyclamenFuse Akira | play_arrow | A classic Showa-era song made a hit by Akira Fuse |
| 89east | Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko | play_arrow | Seiko Matsuda’s signature spring love ballad |
| 90east | Dramatic RainInagaki Junichi | play_arrow | A long-running hit that reached No. 8 on the Oricon chart. This song became Yasushi Akimoto’s first hit work. |
| 91east | Your NameOrii Shigeko | play_arrow | A memorable masterpiece of a movie theme song |
| 92east | Yearning for youFuranku Nagai | play_arrow | An old song was rearranged in 1961 and became a hit. |
| 93east | The two were young.Ozaki Kiyohiko | Kiyohiko Ozaki’s tragic love melody resonates in the heart. | |
| 94east | draft (cold air seeping through gaps)Sugi Ryōtarō | play_arrow | Warmth and kindness for living like a human being |
| 95east | Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji | ![]() | Kenji Sawada's classic song that sings of the sorrow of a broken heart. |
| 96east | HERO (The time to become a hero is now)Kai Band | play_arrow | The signature songs of Kai Band and the uniqueness of their TV appearances |
| 97east | foreignerKUBOTA Saki | play_arrow | A blockbuster hit whose exotic melody resonates with the heart |
| 98east | Boat SongYashiro Aki | play_arrow | Aki Yashiro's classic Showa-era ballads |
| 99east | Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho | play_arrow | Miho Nakayama and WANDS’ summer love song, a big hit |
| 100east | Mischief of the spring breezeYamaguchi Momoe | play_arrow | Momoe Yamaguchi’s classic: the bittersweet feelings of a springtime love |


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