Showa-era nostalgic songs: Popular ranking
When people hear the word “nostalgic songs,” many probably think of the timeless hits from the Showa era.
That blend of easy-to-listen-to melodies and lyrics that resonate with the heart still moves us today, even after the era name has changed.
In this article, we’ll introduce nostalgic Showa songs in a ranked list, focusing especially on tracks from the 1960s through the 1980s.
The rankings include everything from universally known tunes to hidden nostalgic gems known to true enthusiasts.
Take this opportunity to sit back and rediscover Japan’s classic masterpieces.
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Showa-era nostalgic hits. Popular rankings (71–80)
You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi71rank/position
It’s a classic that blends nostalgia with freshness.
Showcasing Eiichi Ohtaki’s delicate musicality, this work was released in March 1981 and included on the album “A LONG VACATION.” It paints the ache of a lost love with vividly colorful expressions.
The unusual twist of lowering the key only in the chorus is also captivating.
After 40 years, a music video was produced for the first time in March 2021, and it has garnered over 6 million views.
While evoking the Showa era, the piece has a timeless appeal that resonates today.
It’s perfect for when you want to bask in nostalgia or reflect on someone dear.
Use it as BGM for your Instagram Reels, and your post will have a wonderful atmosphere.
The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko72rank/position
It’s a classic that carries the sparkle of summer’s arrival and the thrill of a budding romance.
Just listening to it makes your heart skip and gives you the urge to dash off somewhere, doesn’t it? Released in April 1981 as Seiko Matsuda’s fifth single, this track is also included on the acclaimed album “Silhouette.” Its hope-filled lyrics and Seiko’s endlessly soaring high notes blend perfectly, as if gently giving listeners a push forward.
It was also featured at the time in a Shiseido “Ekubo” commercial, enchanting many with her voice.
Isn’t it just perfect for opening the door to a new season or when you want to refresh your mood?
As time goes bysawada kenji73rank/position
Kenji Sawada, an idol who represents the Showa era.
He’s an artist for whom the word “charisma” fits perfectly.
Among his many famous songs, the one I especially recommend is “As Time Goes By.” It’s a track that exudes Showa-era allure and conveys a passionate, romantic feel, yet it has a narrow vocal range and the pitch is easy to catch, so even women in their 50s who struggle with pitch should find it easy to sing.
Since the original key may be hard to project in, make sure to figure out your own key before you sing.
Sailor Suit and Machine GunYakushimaru Hiroko74rank/position
Hiromi Yakushimaru emerged during the fierce idol era of the 1980s with a pure, innocent image.
Her debut single was used as the theme song for a film of the same name and became a major hit, selling about 1.2 million copies on the Oricon chart.
Centered on the theme of a girl’s growth and transformation, it’s also known as an anthem that celebrates the hidden strength of youth and the determination to set out on one’s journey.
Released in November 1981, it ranked second on the year-end chart in 1982.
The song is distinguished by Yakushimaru’s clear, translucent vocals and its simple arrangement.
It’s a timeless classic loved across generations, making it a great choice when you want to liven things up at karaoke.
Please give me wingsakai tori75rank/position
A beloved national classic that has been included in textbooks and that almost everyone has hummed at least once, “Tsubasa o Kudasai” (“Please Give Me Wings”).
Its melody, brimming with hope as if soaring into the sky, and its lyrics filled with a heartfelt wish for the future deliver a moving experience perfect for a graduation day—the start of a new journey.
The song first appeared as the B-side to the folk group Akai Tori’s 1971 single “Takeda no Komoriuta.” It was originally written for the 1970 music contest “Gonen Popular Festival” (Nemu Popular Festival), and later became established as a cheer song for Japan’s national soccer team.
As a standard number passed down across generations, it’s a wonderful choice to listen to when expressing gratitude to mentors and friends, or when you need the courage to take a new step forward.
ChampionArisu76rank/position
A truly overwhelming track featuring Shinji Tanimura’s powerful vocals that make you feel as if you’re challenging a champion.
I’ve heard it’s a song themed around the glory and anguish of a genius boxer and his battle with a young challenger, and it overflows with a sweaty yet passionate aesthetic of sports.
The mid-song line, something like “You are the true champion,” sends chills with its coolness.
It’s a motivational song I’d love not only those involved in sports but also anyone trying to take on a challenge to listen to carefully once again.
younger boykyandīzu77rank/position
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.