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Lovely hit song

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_chartTitlePlaylistReview
1eastLook up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu
Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyuplay_arrow
One of the iconic songs representing the Showa era, and for many people…
2eastMessage of RougeMatsutoya Yumi
Message of RougeMatsutoya Yumiplay_arrow
A classic song about standing up to infidelity and celebrating women's strength
3eastclownNakajima Miyuki
clownNakajima Miyukiplay_arrow
The plaintive strains of a waltz reach deep into the heart...
4eastPlease give me wingsakai tori
Please give me wingsakai toriplay_arrow
Among the classic songs of the Showa era, this one radiates a particularly special presence...
5north_eastStrawberry Statement Once Againbanban
Strawberry Statement Once Againbanbanplay_arrow
A memorable song that sings of the bittersweet feelings of youth
6north_eastUFOpinku redii
UFOpinku rediiplay_arrow
Speaking of classic Showa-era songs, this track is indispensable as well…
7north_eastera; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki
era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyukiplay_arrow
A classic song of the Showa era, a melody guiding us toward hope.
8eastChildren Who Don’t Know WarJirōzu
Children Who Don't Know WarJirōzuplay_arrow
Released in 1971 (Showa 46). In the midst of the Vietnam War...
9north_eastA Hazy Moonlit Nightshouka
A Hazy Moonlit Nightshoukaplay_arrow
An old Japanese song that depicts a spring evening
10north_eastSpring, Summer, Autumn, WinterIzumiya Shigeru
Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterIzumiya Shigeruplay_arrow
A fleeting moment between things that change and things that remain the same...
11north_eastSilhouette RomanceOhashi Junko
Silhouette RomanceOhashi Junkoplay_arrow
A romance novel published by Sanrio in collaboration with Silhouette.
12north_eastKanda RiverMinami Kōsetsu & Kaguyahime
Kanda RiverMinami Kōsetsu & Kaguyahimeplay_arrow
Released in 1973 (Showa 48). As a “four-and-a-half tatami mat” song, it took the world by storm…
13north_eastKanda Riverkaguya hime
Kanda Riverkaguya himeplay_arrow
Even if you didn't know it in real time, around 1973...
14north_eastLapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko
Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seikoplay_arrow
A warm message that finds hope in the darkness...
15north_eastElegy of SpringShōji Shirō
Elegy of SpringShōji Shirōplay_arrow
A celebrated song from early Showa, singing of a lost love
16north_eastMarch of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko
March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyokoplay_arrow
Suizenji Kiyoko’s classic song cheers you on in life.
17north_eastEven though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie
Even though it's springKashiwabara Yoshieplay_arrow
Yoshie Kashiwabara’s graduation song written and composed by Miyuki Nakajima
18north_eastI look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyuplay_arrow
This work, known as one of Kyu Sakamoto’s signature songs. Ligh...
19north_eastA Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoeplay_arrow
As a song that conveys the allure of traveling in Japan, many...
20eastSong of the Greater East Asia Decisive Battlekaigun gungakutai
Song of the Greater East Asia Decisive Battlekaigun gungakutaiplay_arrow
A passionate blow that evokes a wartime national anime...
21north_eastIt was spring, wasn’t it?yoshida takurou
It was spring, wasn’t it?yoshida takurouplay_arrow
Takuro Yoshida’s poignant spring classic
22north_eastFall in LoveKobayashi Akiko
Fall in LoveKobayashi Akikoplay_arrow
Forbidden love, a heart-stirring classic
23eastTokyo Boogie-WoogieKasaogi Shizuko
Tokyo Boogie-WoogieKasaogi Shizukoplay_arrow
Shizuko Kasagi spreading smiles to the rhythm of boogie
24eastYou are more beautiful than a rose.Fuse Akira
You are more beautiful than a rose.Fuse Akiraplay_arrow
Akira Fuse’s classic song expressing feminine beauty and growth
25north_eastoutdatedKawashima Eigo
outdatedKawashima Eigoplay_arrow
I keep seeing other people's flashy lifestyles on social media and then I...
26eastLullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu
Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzuplay_arrow
Showa-era classics are being reappraised on YouTube
27north_eastMeeting at ShuishiyingOkanoteiichi
Meeting at ShuishiyingOkanoteiichiplay_arrow
A classic song that sings of soldiers’ reconciliation and longing for peace
28eastTouchIwasaki Yoshimi
TouchIwasaki Yoshimiplay_arrow
Showa-era classics make a comeback on social media
29eastAmong the seasonsMatsuyama Chiharu
Among the seasonsMatsuyama Chiharuplay_arrow
Chiharu Matsuyama’s first No. 1 song draws attention after being used in a commercial.
30eastBlue MountainsFuji Yama Ichirou, Nara Mitsue
Blue MountainsFuji Yama Ichirou, Nara Mitsueplay_arrow
An anthem of the Showa era gave hope to the people.
31eastMy good friendKamayatsu Hiroshi
My good friendKamayatsu Hiroshiplay_arrow
Released in 1975. Kamaya, famous for Monsieur...
32south_eastBeautiful NameGodaigo
Beautiful NameGodaigoplay_arrow
The song of the International Year of the Child known for “Daisuki”
33eastLove VacationZa Pīnattsu
Love VacationZa Pīnattsuplay_arrow
A classic hit by a cool Showa-era twin duo
34south_eastThe Never-Ending SongTHE BLUE HEARTS
The Never-Ending SongTHE BLUE HEARTSplay_arrow
Being an outcast in society is a sad thing…
35south_eastThe Apple SongNamiki Michiko, Kirishima Noboru
The Apple SongNamiki Michiko, Kirishima Noboruplay_arrow
Encouraging the children in the burnt-out ruins with song
36eastSpring of the AccordionNakano Tadaharu
Spring of the AccordionNakano Tadaharuplay_arrow
A classic that makes your heart dance: Tadaharu Nakano’s Spring Song
37south_eastA snap in yellow-green (moegi)anzenchitai
A snap in yellow-green (moegi)anzenchitaiplay_arrow
It’s a masterpiece that vividly depicts the scenery of the Showa era.
38eastFirst loveMurashita Kōzō
First loveMurashita Kōzōplay_arrow
Kozo Murashita’s relatable hit songs
39south_eastThe Flower Girl of TokyoHaruo Oka
The Flower Girl of Tokyo Haruo Okaplay_arrow
A 1946 classic that portrayed hope in postwar Tokyo
40south_eastTo my distant loverSaijō Hideki
To my distant loverSaijō Hidekiplay_arrow
Hideo Saijo of the city: a classic song about love from his hometown
41eastI’m appearing under my former name.Kobayashi Akira
I'm appearing under my former name.Kobayashi Akiraplay_arrow
Sung with Koabayashi Akira’s expansive vocals, this...
42south_eastwindhashida norihiko to shuuberutsu
windhashida norihiko to shuuberutsuplay_arrow
Released in 1969 (Showa 44). Even among folk songs, it…
43south_eastFairy Tale of Flowersdaakudakkusu
Fairy Tale of Flowersdaakudakkusuplay_arrow
Showa Chorus: The Harmony of Dreams and Reality
44south_eastThe last spring breakMatsutōya Yumi
The last spring breakMatsutōya Yumiplay_arrow
The poignant masterpiece depicting a springtime farewell, “Haru yo, Koi” (Come, Spring)
45south_eastMerry-go-roundMakiha Yumi
Merry-go-roundMakiha Yumiplay_arrow
The secret of Momoe Yamaguchi’s audition song
46eastFestival MamboMisora Hibari
Festival MamboMisora Hibariplay_arrow
Among the classic hits of the Showa era, this one stands out for its exceptional popularity…
47eastultramarineTanimura Shinji
ultramarineTanimura Shinjiplay_arrow
A masterpiece from the Showa era that shines once again in Reiwa, moving and inspiring
48south_eastPurple TownYagami Junko
Purple TownYagami Junkoplay_arrow
Junko Yagami’s classic song depicting loneliness and love
49south_eastapplausechiaki naomi
applausechiaki naomiplay_arrow
A classic of Showa-era kayōkyoku: a song of passion and melancholy
50south_eastBoat SongYashiro Aki
Boat SongYashiro Akiplay_arrow
One of the iconic songs representing the Showa era, and for many people…
51south_eastYou Are the One Who Rings That BellWada Akiko
You Are the One Who Rings That BellWada Akikoplay_arrow
When it comes to classic songs from the Showa era, you just can't leave this one out...
52south_eastSurely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho
Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Mihoplay_arrow
Miho Nakayama and WANDS’ summer love song, a big hit
53south_east12th graderFunaki Kazuo
12th graderFunaki Kazuoplay_arrow
Sing of graduation memories and hopes for the future
54eastMy teacher is feverishHarada Jun
My teacher is feverishHarada Junplay_arrow
Jun Harada’s signature song “Boku no Sensei” is popular.
55south_eastRuby RingTerao Akira
Ruby RingTerao Akiraplay_arrow
Adult-oriented, AOR-style music is popular.
56south_eastSweet MemoriesMatsuda Seiko
Sweet MemoriesMatsuda Seikoplay_arrow
If you ask about iconic songs that represent the Showa era, Seiko Matsuda...
57eastYakuza ElegyWakayama TomisaburōThis song extols the aesthetic of a hardcore, chivalrous yakuza.
58eastTwilight feels lonely.N.S.P
Twilight feels lonely.N.S.Pplay_arrow
Released in 1974. The three-member group's hometown is Iwa...
59south_eastBlue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi
Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumiplay_arrow
Ayumi Ishida’s million-selling hit song
60eastIn a Tokyo like a desertishida ayumi
In a Tokyo like a desertishida ayumiplay_arrow
A song from Ayumi Ishida’s singer era that marked a makeover/revamp.
61eastSeason of LovePinkī to Kirāzu
Season of LovePinkī to Kirāzuplay_arrow
The classic hit by Pinky and the Killers, with an adult allure
62eastYou’re My Only Shinin’ StarNagayama Miho
You're My Only Shinin' StarNagayama Mihoplay_arrow
A classic hit from the Showa era is making a comeback in popularity in the Reiwa era!
63eastTATTOONakamori Akina
TATTOONakamori Akinaplay_arrow
Akina Nakamori’s classic songs are being reappraised by a new generation.
64south_eastHigh-Teen BoogieGorin Mayumi
High-Teen BoogieGorin Mayumiplay_arrow
Tatsuro Yamashita’s youth number, a movie theme song
65south_eastYou are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi
You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichiplay_arrow
Eiichi Ohtaki’s music—beauty that transcends life.
66eastCotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi
Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromiplay_arrow
Showa-era classic songs are popular on YouTube.
67eastLove on the Yamanote LineKobayashi Akira
Love on the Yamanote LineKobayashi Akiraplay_arrow
Akira Kobayashi’s Versatile Musical Activities and the Yamanote Line Song
68south_eastThe arrival of springKoyanagi Rumiko
The arrival of springKoyanagi Rumikoplay_arrow
It’s a warm classic that heralds the arrival of spring. Walking along the seaside…
69eastPlayback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe
Playback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe
A Showa-era image that’s a bit different from today’s idols…
70south_eastspring hazeIwasaki Hiromi
spring hazeIwasaki Hiromiplay_arrow
In the spring of the Showa era, singing the bittersweetness of love
71south_eastLife is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko
Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyokoplay_arrow
A song released in 1987, and Yamada...
72eastThe Old Man’s SeaMuraki Kenkichi
The Old Man’s SeaMuraki Kenkichiplay_arrow
Riding on the rowing chants, breaking through even the rough waves...
73eastTOKIOsawada kenji
TOKIOsawada kenjiplay_arrow
A classic song by Kenji Sawada that portrays the allure of the city
74eastSake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo
Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigoplay_arrow
The signature song by Eigo Kawashima released in 1976...
75south_eastLill Returning from ShanghaiTsumura Ken
Lill Returning from ShanghaiTsumura Kenplay_arrow
A poignant song set in a postwar port
76south_eastWords of FarewellKaientai
Words of FarewellKaientaiplay_arrow
Symbol of youth, a graduation song that resonates in the heart
77south_eastWithered Susuki Grass of the Shōwa Erasakura to ichirō
Withered Susuki Grass of the Shōwa Erasakura to ichirōplay_arrow
This work, known as an iconic song that symbolizes the Showa era…
78eastSpirit Boat (Shoro Nagashi)gureepu
Spirit Boat (Shoro Nagashi)gureepu
Released in 1974 (Showa 49). Featuring numerous hit songs and arti…
79south_eastJourney of the Heartchūrippu
Journey of the Heartchūrippuplay_arrow
A timeless classic that resonates with the heart: a single by Tulip
80south_eastThe Days of Rainbows and Sneakerschūrippu
The Days of Rainbows and Sneakerschūrippuplay_arrow
Striking from the start, a hit song by Tulip
81south_eastYearning for youFuranku Nagai
Yearning for youFuranku Nagaiplay_arrow
The original song dates back to 1922 (Taisho 11)...
82south_eastNot even worth confessingKitahara Mirei
Not even worth confessingKitahara Mirei
A shocking song—the song of iron bars—was etched into my heart.
83south_eastNorthern SpringSen Masao
Northern SpringSen Masaoplay_arrow
Masao Sen sang about his longing for his hometown after leaving the city...
84south_eastDon’t say anything.Sono Mari
Don't say anything.Sono Mariplay_arrow
Mari Sono, a singer who represents the Showa-era Japanese pop music scene
85south_eastGoodbye to sorrowanzenchitai
Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitaiplay_arrow
The ni… released in 1985, the ninth albu… by Anzen Chitai…
86south_eastBeyond the GoodbyeYamaguchi Momoe
Beyond the GoodbyeYamaguchi Momoeplay_arrow
The last song that was released two months before retirement…
87eastTokyo girlsakura tamako
Tokyo girlsakura tamako
The Appeal of Mari Watanabe’s “Tokyo Dodonpa-bushi”
88south_eastStrings of TearsTonosama Kingusu
Strings of TearsTonosama Kingusuplay_arrow
This work, known as a signature song of Tono-sama Kings, is…
89south_eastLike the flow of a riverMisora Hibari
Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibariplay_arrow
A classic song by Hibari Misora, lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto
90south_eastYOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki
YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hidekiplay_arrow
The famous hit song by Y.M.C.A. became a big hit.
91south_eastkayōkyoku (Japanese popular music)Tonneruzu
kayōkyoku (Japanese popular music)Tonneruzuplay_arrow
Its very name, bluntly, is a song titled “Kayōkyoku,” and the co…
92south_eastIt was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Uchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five
It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Uchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Fiveplay_arrow
There really are a lot of local-themed songs from the Showa era...
93eastbullseyeYamamoto Rinda
bullseyeYamamoto Rindaplay_arrow
Yamamoto Linda’s classic hit is drawing attention again
94south_eastSōemonchō Bluesheiwa katsuji to daakuhosu
Sōemonchō Bluesheiwa katsuji to daakuhosuplay_arrow
Released in 1972. From the entertainment district of Sakai in Osaka, it...
95south_eastYour NameOrii Shigeko
Your NameOrii Shigekoplay_arrow
A memorable masterpiece of a movie theme song
96south_eastHometown of TsugaruMisora Hibari
Hometown of TsugaruMisora Hibariplay_arrow
Hibari Misora's 'Ringo Oiwake' is a masterpiece.
97south_eastThe two were young.Ozaki Kiyohiko
The two were young.Ozaki Kiyohikoplay_arrow
Kiyohiko Ozaki’s tragic love melody resonates in the heart.
98south_eastUntil we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko
Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko
It is one of the iconic songs of the Showa era and is often sung as a farewell...
99south_eastdraft (cold air seeping through gaps)Sugi Ryōtarō
draft (cold air seeping through gaps)Sugi Ryōtarōplay_arrow
A nihilistic singing voice suffused with mature allure and wistful melancholy co...
100south_eastDo whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji
Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji
Kenji Sawada's classic song that sings of the sorrow of a broken heart.
101eastHERO (The time to become a hero is now)Kai Band
HERO (The time to become a hero is now)Kai Bandplay_arrow
The signature songs of Kai Band and the uniqueness of their TV appearances
102south_eastMischief of the spring breezeYamaguchi Momoe
Mischief of the spring breezeYamaguchi Momoeplay_arrow
Momoe Yamaguchi’s classic: the bittersweet feelings of a springtime love