Showa-era kayōkyoku: hit songs by male singers, classic masterpieces of Japanese popular music.
Showa-era kayōkyoku have seen revival hits and renewed booms, becoming beloved across generations.
What songs do you like?
In this article, we’re spotlighting songs by male artists from the Showa kayōkyoku scene!
Through our research this time, we discovered a variety of hit songs.
From masterpieces that bring back memories the moment you hear them, to kayōkyoku that feel fresh and comfortably familiar even to younger listeners—there are so many captivating Showa-era songs.
Please use this as a reference when you’re looking for men’s kayōkyoku tracks.
- A collection of iconic, cool Showa-era kayōkyoku classics sung by male vocalists
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- A roundup of classic Showa-era kayō songs: a comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations.
- Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing for men in their 70s: Enka and nostalgic Showa-era pop
- Karaoke songs that are sure to get a 60-something man fired up
- [Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
- Hit songs in Japan in the late 1960s
- Showa-era nostalgic songs: Popular ranking
- Karaoke songs for men in their 40s: a curated selection of hit tracks women want to hear!
- [Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke.
- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
[Showa Kayō] Hit songs by male singers, classic masterpieces of kayōkyoku. (1–10)
ChampionArisu
Alice may feel like every song was a huge hit, but records show that only this song, “Champion,” reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
Incidentally, it also held the top spot on TBS’s “The Best Ten” for four consecutive weeks.
A song that portrays the life of a “lonely boxer” likely struck a chord with the passionate hearts of young people at the time.
In any case, seeing the remarkable success of Alice’s members after the band’s breakup—Tanimura, Yazawa, and Horiuchi—proves they truly deserve their legendary status.
It’s a timeless Showa-era masterpiece I’d recommend even to younger listeners who haven’t heard it yet!
interaction; friendly contact; bondingNakamura Masatoshi
Masatoshi Nakamura, known for his beautifully masculine low voice.
His 1974 major debut single “Fureai” is a lovely track with a calm atmosphere, as he sings tenderly from start to finish.
The song was also used as an insert song in the Nippon TV drama “Warera Seishun!” Its beautiful lyrics poetically capture the nostalgia for days gone by, which is very appealing.
There may not be a catchy chorus, but this kind of kayōkyoku has a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible, doesn’t it?
Stardust StageChekkāzu
Among Showa-era idol band songs, this is a standout classic where “the bittersweetness of youth × the drive of rock” shines at its best.
“Hoshikuzu no Stage” was the theme song for the first season of the TBS drama “Uchi no Ko ni Kagitte…” and, remarkably, was The Checkers’ first-ever drama tie-in track.
Unlike their other songs, it has a relaxed tempo, making it easier to sing calmly.
You can take your time and sing carefully while looking at the lyrics, but the key suddenly changes in the final chorus and the pitch goes up, so after the modulation, try raising your energy level by one notch when you sing!
[Showa-era Kayōkyoku] Hit songs by male singers, classic kayōkyoku masterpieces. (11–20)
A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR
Rats & Star is the chorus group featuring Masayuki Suzuki, known for hit songs like “Chigau, Sou Janai” and “Mou Namida wa Iranai.” Their debut single, “Megumi no Hito,” released in 1983 (Showa 58), is a funky number that makes you want to start dancing.
It’s irresistible how it blends the stylish vibe of Western music with the distinctive feel of Japanese kayōkyoku.
There’s also a cool solo version by Masayuki Suzuki, so it might be fun to compare the two and enjoy the differences!
Blue ChateauJakkī Yoshikawa to Burū Komettsu
Blue Chateau, released in 1957 (Showa 32) by Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets.
The song’s appeal lies in its darker melody that gives off a quintessential kayōkyoku vibe.
But the B section shifts to a slightly brighter mood, adding contrast so it never gets boring.
Multiple members handle the vocals, so there are harmony parts that are just irresistible! The more you listen, the more this wistful melody reveals its depth.
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu
In August 1985, a beloved household figure affectionately known as Kyu-chan passed away in a sudden plane crash.
While everyone grieved the news, it was his own song that gently told us, “When you’re sad, look up.” Many artists have covered this monument of Showa-era pop music: in earlier years, Hitoshi Ueki and RC Succession, and more recently luminaries like Hikaru Utada and Keisuke Kuwata.
The song’s timeless message—“Happiness isn’t down below; always look up”—continues to draw artists from every generation.
I doubt there’s anyone who hasn’t heard it.
It’s a masterpiece worth revisiting, along with all the feelings it brings.
Heartbroken over JuliaChekkāzu
The Checkers, fronted by Fumiya Fujii—who’s also well known for his solo work—released the pop hit “Juliet ni Hishō” in 1984 (Showa 59).
The intro’s melody, which makes highly effective use of the horn section, is especially cool! I still occasionally hear younger generations singing this song at karaoke.
Its melody is easy to pick up, so even if you’ve never sung a kayōkyoku (Japanese pop song) at karaoke before, give it a try!