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


play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow