Showa Era Popular Artist Rankings [2026]

Shake Hip!kome kome CLUB85rank/position

Kome Kome Club “Shake Hip!” (1986)

This is a Kome Kome Club track distinguished by an energetic sound that blows away the summer heat.

It was also used in a sports drink commercial, in which the members appeared; the closing line, “Shinchintaisha ja!” (“It’s metabolism!”), became a major talking point at the time.

The lyrics include the French phrase “Mon amour” and depict the feelings of a man drawn to a woman.

With the signature performances of their large ensemble and a unique worldview that continues to captivate many fans, this song always feels fresh no matter when you listen to it.

Sailor Suit and Machine GunYakushimaru Hiroko86rank/position

Hiroko Yakushimaru Sailor Suit and Machine Gun

This work, which marked Hiroko Yakushimaru’s debut single, was released in November 1981 as a movie theme song and became a major hit.

With its pure image and clear vocals, it offered a fresh impression amid the idol boom of the time.

The lyrics, themed around a girl’s growth and a new departure, were also embraced as an anthem that draws out the hidden strength of youth.

Thanks in part to the movie tie-in, it became a blockbuster on the Oricon charts, selling about 1.2 million copies.

It is a landmark 1980s idol song—one to be listened to alongside memories of one’s youth.

CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi87rank/position

Cheers

In spring, when new chapters begin, it’s reassuring to have music that gently gives a push to backs filled with both hope and anxiety.

This song, one of Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s signature works, is one you should listen to especially when starting school or a new life.

It was originally included on the album “Kampai,” released in September 1980, but a re-recorded version released as a single in February 1988 became a massive hit, selling over a million copies.

With a warm backstory—said to have been written to celebrate a friend’s wedding—it has been loved across generations, even being featured as the song for a Kirin Lager Beer commercial in 2010.

The blessings and encouragement woven into the lyrics are sure to be a powerful cheer for those embarking on the journey of life.

It’s truly a Japanese anthem of support, the kind you’ll want to sing arm in arm with friends during cherry blossom season.

heavy rainTHE MODS88rank/position

THE MODS “Heavy Rain” (taken from “Live EPIC 25”) One-night-only screening on Monday, August 21!

A song that expresses passionate feelings hidden in the heart while being battered by heavy rain.

Known as one of THE MODS’ signature tracks, it was released as a single in September 1983.

Its exhilarating, fast-paced melody and powerful vocals are deeply moving.

Chosen for a Maxell commercial, it became a memorable tune for many.

The lyrics convey a desire to escape everyday life and a yearning for change.

Perfect for anyone wanting to feel the exhilaration of racing through the rain.

It might even give you a cleansing sensation when you listen to it while driving.

huge nuisanceUNICORN89rank/position

Unicorn - “Great Nuisance”

This is the debut single by UNICORN, a five-member rock band that disbanded in 1993 and reunited in 2009.

Although the lyrics lament the woes of the office worker, the song’s upbeat, driving feel keeps the melancholy at bay, making it one of UNICORN’s signature numbers both before their breakup and after their reunion.

The guitar solo features very fast phrases; in the band score supervised by UNICORN, while the first half is notated, the latter half is cheekily labeled only as “Demon Right Hand,” showcasing UNICORN’s playful spirit even in their official band scores.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Asakusa KidBīto Takeshi90rank/position

Beat Takeshi Asakusa Kid 090320

A classic song set in the downtown neighborhoods of the Showa era, portraying youthful dreams and friendship.

Beat Takeshi’s distinctive storytelling style and the simple yet deeply moving melody are truly captivating.

Included on the August 1986 album Asakusa Kid, this piece is said to have been born on the location set of the film Yasha.

Covers by various artists—such as Masaharu Fukuyama and Masaki Suda—also drew attention.

It’s a warm, inspiring anthem that I hope reaches those chasing their dreams or standing at a crossroads in life.

My loverGorin Mayumi91rank/position

Mayumi Itsuwa “Koibito yo” Official Video

This is Mayumi Itsuwa’s signature song, cherished by many as one of the defining ballads of the Showa era.

Released in August 1980, it achieved the remarkable feat of reaching number one on the Oricon weekly chart.

Beloved in countries such as South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, this work is a poignant love song centered on lost love and parting.

Itsuwa’s clear, pure vocals and the lyrically vivid imagery leave a lasting impression.

The lyrics skillfully portray expressions that evoke the changing seasons and the inability to accept a breakup with a lover.

It’s a highly recommended track for anyone who has lost someone important or seeks to heal the pain of a broken heart.