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.
- Must-see for men: Songs that look cool if you can sing them at karaoke—numbers that women can’t help but be captivated by.
- 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
[Showa Kayō] Hit songs by male singers, classic masterpieces of kayōkyoku. (1–10)
The Scent of CyclamenFuse Akira
Akira Fuse, the singer known for hits like “You’re More Beautiful Than a Rose” and “Love’s Survival.” His song “The Scent of Cyclamen,” released in 1975, is a beautiful ballad with a wistful melody.
The contrast between Fuse’s whisper-like vocals and his powerful, soaring tones is striking, and the song still feels remarkably fresh today.
The gentle arpeggios on the acoustic guitar are another highlight—the timbre of his voice and the guitar blend exquisitely!
Ruby RingTerao Akira
This was the sixth single overall by Japanese singer and actor Akira Terao, released in February 1981 (Showa 56).
The lyrics were written by Takashi Matsumoto, and the music was composed by Terao himself.
It became a major Showa-era hit, winning numerous music awards, including the top prize and the Gold Prize at the 23rd Japan Record Awards that same year.
On the popular music program The Best Ten, it topped the chart for 12 consecutive weeks, becoming a long-selling hit.
Although the melody remains relatively even throughout, Terao delivers it in a calm yet dramatic manner.
Even listening again today, this Showa-era classic powerfully conveys Terao’s profound expressive vocal artistry.
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?
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!
A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu
Chiharu Matsuyama, who gained popularity as a folk singer from the 1970s through the 1980s.
His 1981 release “Nagai Yoru” is a song that blends in an unusual rock flavor for a folk singer.
The guitar on this track features Masaki Matsubara, who was active as a studio musician for artists like Yumi Matsutoya and Masashi Sada.
Matsubara’s guitar weaves a soulful, tear-tinged melody that resonates just as deeply as Matsuyama’s vocals.