Showa Era Popular Artist Rankings [2026]

Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo50rank/position

EXILE ATSUSHI – Sake, Tears, Men and Women (EXILE ATSUSHI SPECIAL SOLO LIVE in HAWAII)

This is a socially conscious masterpiece that portrays the subtle miscommunications between men and women and the nuances of emotional expression with deep insight.

It warmly observes how men open up through drinking and women through tears, each revealing their inner feelings.

Born from impressions Eigo Kawashima had at age 18 during a family memorial gathering, the song was included on the November 1975 album “Jinrui” (Humanity) and released as a single in June 1976.

Also known as the jingle for the sake brand Kizakura, it became a major hit, reaching No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It is a gem I recommend to anyone who wants to face their heart honestly when confronted with life’s sorrow and poignancy.

younger boykyandīzu51rank/position

Candies 05 Younger Boy 1975

This song portrays the bittersweet feelings of love and the gentle gaze of someone watching over a slightly stubborn and self-willed younger man.

The perspective—a woman observing a man’s awkwardness—is striking, and it deftly captures a relationship with a subtle age gap where the feelings of love can’t be accepted straightforwardly.

Released in February 1975 as Candies’ fifth single, the track broke into the top 10 on the Oricon charts and served as a springboard for their first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It was also featured in the 2007 film “Little DJ: A Small Love Story,” reaffirming its charm.

The song has been covered by various artists and idols and remains beloved across generations.

It’s recommended for those who want to feel the nuances of an age-gap romance, the purity of being in love, or to bask in nostalgic memories of youthful days.

era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki52rank/position

era; age; time; period

Released in December 1975, this song—Miyuki Nakajima’s second single—garnered high acclaim from the very start of her career, including winning the Grand Prix at the Yamaha Popular Song Contest.

Its lyrics, themed around hope and courage in the face of sorrow and hardship, have resonated deeply with many listeners.

In 2007, it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and in 2010 it was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s 50th anniversary drama “Our Family’s History,” remaining a beloved piece across generations.

It’s a highly recommended song for anyone looking to overcome difficult times or seeking emotional support.

The Last Holy NightSugiyama Kiyotaka53rank/position

Kiyotaka Sugiyama – Saigono Holy Night［OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO］

The year after Kiyotaka Sugiyama disbanded Kiyotaka Sugiyama & Omega Tribe, he released this song as a solo single in 1986, and it was used as a JAL campaign song.

This popular track was later featured in a Minolta commercial the following year and a Tsuburaya Productions commercial the year after that, so many of you have probably heard it.

The intro evokes Wham!’s 1984 smash hit “Last Christmas,” but once the song begins, you’re drawn straight into Sugiyama’s world.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

loveMatsuyama Chiharu54rank/position

Love

Known as one of Chiharu Matsuyama’s signature songs, this piece portrays the pain of heartbreak and the emotions of a woman.

It delicately expresses the complex feelings of a woman who continues to love despite being weary from romance.

Released in 1980 as his eighth single, it has since been included on various albums.

It appears on albums such as “Kishōtenketsu II” and “Tabidachi,” holding an important place throughout Matsuyama’s musical career.

Resonating with those who have experienced heartbreak or struggle with love, it’s a perfect choice for karaoke or acoustic guitar performances.

Love Song of LumMatsutani Yūko55rank/position

Love Song of Lum (Urusei Yatsura)

This is a pop tune that sings of the thrill and heartache of first love.

Released as a debut single in October 1981, it was performed by Yuko Matsutani as the opening theme for the anime Urusei Yatsura.

The heroine’s single-minded passion for love and her complex feelings over her partner’s fickleness are conveyed through a breezy melody and striking syncopation.

Although it served as an image song for the anime, it adopted an innovative approach during production by omitting character names from the lyrics, capturing the hearts of many as a universal love song.

Its catchy rhythm and sweet, wistful vocals sound as if they’ve turned a lovestruck woman’s emotions directly into music.

It’s a track that still resonates with today’s youth.

FriendsREBECCA56rank/position

REBECCA “Friends” (Shibuya Public Hall, Dec 25, 1985)

A massive hit by REBECCA, a band that’s always near the top of “bands we want to see reunite” rankings.

Even though it was released in 1985, it felt like you were always hearing it somewhere—on the radio or in TV commercials.

The lyrics, about “feeling a bit lonely as friends change with time,” speak directly to youth celebrating their coming of age.

Above all, everyone was instantly captivated by vocalist NOKKO’s voice—so uniquely powerful and evocative that it makes you think, “This is what a true singer sounds like!” I also loved the double A-side ‘Girls, Bravo!,’ with its rallying cry of “Girls, stand up!” If you haven’t heard it yet, definitely give it a listen!