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 (21–30)
Such is a woman’s soliloquyMasuiyama Tashirō
Released in 1977 (Showa 52).
During his active career he rose as high as East Ozeki, a distinguished sumo wrestler, but when he sings he looks every inch a born vocalist.
In any case, that sweet voice is extremely appealing, and back then he became a hot topic for how well he sang.
This song, too, tenderly portrays the feelings of a woman taking her first plunge into the nightlife business.
Perhaps he learned plenty about the world of alcohol during his years as a rikishi?
Sōemonchō Bluesheiwa katsuji to daakuhosu
With a husky, cool voice resonating with a nihilistic edge, this song conveys a sense of resolute grace, as if casting off a finished love into the night streets, by belting out its heartrending lyrics with a soulful male vocal power.
The luscious tone of the saxophone also dramatizes the song’s world.
Love You, TokyoKurosawa Akira & Rosu Purimosu
Released in 1966 (Showa 41), this group represents the mood kayō genre in the Japanese pop scene.
The chorus was used in a commercial jingle, so even younger people might know it.
Although this song originally appeared as the B-side of a record, its accessible lyrics and memorable melody aligned perfectly, turning it into a long-running hit.
It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Uchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five
Released in 1969 as the major debut single of Hiroshi Uchiyamada and Cool Five, this song is also one of Kiyoshi Maekawa’s signature numbers from his solo career after leaving the group.
It became a massive hit, selling over 1.5 million copies, won the Best New Artist Award at the 11th Japan Record Awards, and marked their first appearance on the 20th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The song served as the catalyst that propelled Cool Five to nationwide fame.
to youFuranku Nagai
This is a song released by Frank Nagai in 1972.
It is said to have been composed by Masaru Yoshida as an expression of gratitude to his wife, who supported him behind the scenes throughout his life.
Originally, it was included as the B-side of Frank’s 1966 single “Osaka Roman.” It is also regarded as a masterpiece that represents the culmination of Frank Nagai’s career.