Showa Era Popular Artist Rankings [2026]

heavy rainTHE MODS86rank/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 nuisanceUNICORN87rank/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 Takeshi88rank/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 Mayumi89rank/position

Mayumi Itsuwa “My Lover” / Mayumi Itsuwa “My Only Love”

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.

Tsubpari High School Rock ’n’ Roll (Going-to-School Edition)Yokohama Ginbae90rank/position

Tsubpari High School Rock ’n’ Roll (Going-to-School Edition)

This is a single released in January 1981 that portrays the relationship between a headstrong high schooler and their parent with lively rock ’n’ roll.

The lyrics follow a 7-7-7-5 meter, creating a pleasing sense of rhythm and comically expressing the inner world of a rebellious youth.

While it vividly depicts the style and behavior of a delinquent, it’s also a nuanced work that reveals glimpses of care for the mother and a search for one’s own way of life.

It has remained beloved across generations, appearing in a 2008 commercial for Suntory’s canned chuhai “Calori.” and covered in a 2011 Asahi Soft Drinks “Jurokucha” ad featuring Yui Aragaki.

Today, it’s a trending track for posting dance videos on social media with simple, modern choreography.