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!
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Enthralling mood kayō: A collection of Showa-era classics (71–80)
I loved you, loved you, I ended up falling so in love.Wada Hiroshi to Mahina Sutāzu, Tashiro Miyoko
With a moody, Hawaiian-like tone in the background, the cute lyrics that convey the happiness of a woman head over heels in love create an atmosphere that makes both the singer and the listener smile, brightening the mood of the moment.
I fell in love with Yuko like that.Masuiyama Tashirō
While demonstrating the talent to rise as high as ōzeki as a sumo wrestler, Masuiyama Daishirō also pursued an unusual career as a singer from his active days.
This song of his captivates with a sweet voice that pairs exquisitely with mood kayō.
It’s a classic from the Shōwa era, likely dedicated to Yūko-san everywhere across the country.
Woman’s PathMiya Shirō to Pinkara Torio
This song, which became a massive hit selling over three million copies in total, hides a subtle mastery in its wild, husky-sounding yet delicately controlled vocals and the artful way the words are delivered—but forget the critic-speak; just sit back and be captivated.
When the rain stopsAsaoka Yukiji
This is a single released by Yukiji Asaoka in 1970 that became a hit the following year, 1971.
It won the Composer’s Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards.
Thanks to the song’s success, she made her 10th overall appearance—and her first in five years—at the 22nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It has become one of Asaoka’s signature songs and has been covered by many artists.
North AirportKatsura Ginshuku, Hama Keisuke
Released in 1987 as the first duet by the mentor–student duo of composer Keisuke Hama and Gin Lee Katsura, the song portrays a couple’s love as they depart from a northern airport, set against the backdrop of a night in Sapporo.
It has become a classic duet standard and still ranks high on karaoke charts today—especially a favorite in snack bars.