Enthralling mood kayō: A collection of classic Showa-era songs
Suddenly, but what kind of image do you all have of “mood kayō” (mood ballads)?
If you’re from a younger generation, you may not have even heard of the genre “mood kayō” in the first place.
Born in the postwar era, mood kayō is, as the name suggests, a form of kayōkyoku (Japanese popular song), but its definition is actually quite ambiguous.
You could say it’s a genre that values sentiment—indeed, the very “mood”—more than strictly musical elements.
This time, we’re focusing on this uniquely alluring, adult music born of the Shōwa era—mood kayō—and have gathered some representative classics.
Whether you’re a young music fan curious about Shōwa-era kayōkyoku or someone who lived through those times, please enjoy!
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- [2026] A Collection of Masterpieces of Enka and Mood Kayō
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that really move you. Beloved classic Japanese hits of the past.
- [Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
- Showa-era nostalgic songs: Popular ranking
- A roundup of classic Showa-era kayō songs: a comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations.
- Just listening to it purifies the heart... A healing song born in the Showa era.
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- Recommended love songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic love songs that colored the Showa era
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 60s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- So nostalgic it feels new? Showa retro classics that colored Japan’s period of rapid economic growth
- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
Enchanting mood kayō: A collection of Showa-era masterpieces (61–70)
Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko
It was released in 1970 as Keiko Fuji’s third single.
The song topped the Oricon chart for 10 consecutive weeks, won the inaugural Japan Kayō Award, and earned her first appearance on NHK’s 21st Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It has been covered by many artists and remains a beloved classic that continues to be sung even after Fuji’s passing.
Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi
It was released in 1968 as Ayumi Ishida’s 26th single.
As a representative local song of Yokohama, it became a million-selling hit with over 1.5 million copies sold.
It’s also famous for having been covered by many artists.
With this song, Ayumi Ishida made her first appearance at the 20th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1969.
Let’s meet in Yurakucho.Furanku Nagai
Released in 1957 (Showa 32).
During Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, Ginza was the stylish, urban district that symbolized the nation.
It’s surprising how many mood-kayo songs include “Ginza” in the title, and while many of them have a melancholy tone, this song conveys the buoyant excitement of going on a date.
Frank Nagai’s beautiful, resonant low voice is also a major draw.
When I turn around, it’s YokohamaMarushia
It was released in 1989 as Marcia’s debut single.
The song is a local tune themed around the port and ships of Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture, and it won the Best New Artist Award at the 31st Japan Record Awards.
The following year, at the end of 1990, Marcia made her first appearance on the 41st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen thanks to the song’s long-running popularity.
It remains Marcia’s biggest hit.
A Million RosesKatō Tokiko
This is a song released by Tokiko Kato in 1987.
It is originally a Russian pop song based on the Latvian popular song “Dāvāja Māriņa.” Although it was included on Tokiko Kato’s original album “MYSTORY/Toki ni wa Mukashi no Hanashi o,” repeated inquiries led to its single release in 1987.
It has become one of Tokiko Kato’s signature songs.