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.
Playlist
| Showa-era nostalgic songs: Popular ranking | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | Seiko-chan’s hit song, a summer classic known for its distinctive high notes |
| 2 | Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji |  | Kenji Sawada's classic song that sings of the sorrow of a broken heart. |
| 3 | Tears aren’t just for show.Nakamori Akina |  play_arrow | Known as an idol who symbolizes the 1980s… |
| 4 | First loveMurashita Kōzō |  play_arrow | Kozo Murashita’s classic “Hatsukoi,” a masterpiece brimming with the beauty of Japan. |
| 5 | Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi |  play_arrow | A smash hit song by Takashi Matsumoto and Kyohei Tsutsumi |
| 6 | youKozaka Akiko |  play_arrow | Still beloved today as an iconic song representing the Showa era… |
| 7 | Graduationsaitou yuki |  play_arrow | Yuki Saito’s debut song, a youth anthem |
| 8 | Midnight Door ~ Stay With MeMatsubara Miki |  play_arrow | A classic 80s love song by Miki Matsubara |
| 9 | Friday ChinatownYasuha |  play_arrow | A classic gem of exotic charm from the Showa-era Chinatown |
| 10 | Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu |  play_arrow | A beautiful ballad that prays to the stars, a song of love and hope |
| 11 | Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko |  play_arrow | Forbidden love, a heart-stirring classic |
| 12 | Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai |  play_arrow | Introduce easy-to-sing songs by Anzen Chitai |
| 13 | Love is overŌyō Fifi |  play_arrow | "Love Is Over" is a classic song about parting |
| 14 | applausechiaki naomi |  play_arrow | A classic of Showa-era kayōkyoku: a song of passion and melancholy |
| 15 | era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki |  play_arrow | Released in December 1975, this work... |
| 16 | Roppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisu |  play_arrow | Ann Lewis's wistful love song about romance |
| 17 | Lingering Snowiruka |  play_arrow | Spring partings, bittersweet memories of youth |
| 18 | foreignerKUBOTA Saki |  play_arrow | Vocal technique for the Showa-era kayōkyoku mega-hit “Ihōjin” (Stranger) |
| 19 | Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko |  play_arrow | Kiyohiko Ozaki’s classic from 1971—his deep voice and its charm. |
| 20 | GraduationOzaki Yutaka |  play_arrow | Yutaka Ozaki's graduation song speaks for students' feelings. |
| 21 | Lullaby of the Holy MothersIwasaki Hiromi |  play_arrow | The refined melody and the bittersweet, wistful atmosphere leave a strong impression… |
| 22 | Playback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe |  | The successor to Momoe Yamaguchi, the songstress who epitomized the Showa era... |
| 23 | Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | Seiko Matsuda’s classic songs add a touch of color to weddings. |
| 24 | Ruby RingTerao Akira |  play_arrow | Atsushi Terao’s signature song, with a depiction of heartbreak that resonates deeply |
| 25 | TouchIwasaki Yoshimi |  play_arrow | The king of Showa-era anime songs: fast tempo and easy to sing |
| 26 | Mi AmoreNakamori Akina |  play_arrow | Akina Nakamori’s carnival song becomes a big hit |
| 27 | There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of the clumsiness of youth and the hope it holds |
| 28 | Ruby RingTerao Akira |  play_arrow | Atsushi Terao’s heartbreak song, a masterpiece of the Showa era |
| 29 | Sonnet of the Clownsadamasashi |  play_arrow | A heartwarming song, one of Masashi Sada’s signature works |
| 30 | Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu |  play_arrow | The Checkers’ debut song is popular right now. |
| 31 | Journey of the Heartchūrippu |  play_arrow | Song of Departure, a Melancholy Melody of Love |
| 32 | MissingKubota Toshinobu |  play_arrow | Toshinobu Kubota’s heartrending ballad that sings of deep love. |
| 33 | Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Oginome Yōko |  play_arrow | The TV show I appeared on when I was in fourth grade, 'Chibi…' |
| 34 | TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS |  play_arrow | A cheering song depicting the conflict between dreams and reality |
| 35 | DESIRE -Passion-Nakamori Akina |  play_arrow | Akina’s bold track showcased with a traditional-style bob |
| 36 | Two People’s Love IslandIshikawa Yuko & Chage |  play_arrow | A summer youth duet song that resonates with the heart |
| 37 | Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya |  play_arrow | A classic of 80s city pop, the bittersweet emotions of love |
| 38 | atonementTeresa Ten |  play_arrow | Teresa Teng’s classic song “Tsugunai” |
| 39 | Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako |  play_arrow | Takako Okamura’s masterpiece gives courage and hope. |
| 40 | loveMatsuyama Chiharu |  play_arrow | Chiharu Matsuyama’s love ballad becomes heart-wrenching when sung gently. |
| 41 | I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu |  play_arrow | With a fleeting, translucent singing voice, many listeners... |
| 42 | Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten |  play_arrow | Teresa Teng’s classic that portrays deep love |
| 43 | Beyond the GoodbyeYamaguchi Momoe |  play_arrow | Momoe’s final song: farewell and a resolve for the future |
| 44 | Love Song of LumMatsutani Yūko |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of the bittersweet feelings of first love |
| 45 | I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu |  play_arrow | Kyu Sakamoto’s classic song “Ue o Muite Arukou” |
| 46 | Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo |  play_arrow | Eigo Kawashima’s classic song that depicts the pathos of life |
| 47 | The Day Love Was BornFujitani Miwako, Ouchi Yoshiaki |  play_arrow | A masterpiece that portrays vows of love and moving emotions |
| 48 | Wine Red Heartanzenchitai |  | Known as a classic that depicts mature love, Anzen Chitai… |
| 49 | GLORIAZIGGY |  play_arrow | ZIGGY’s signature song, which became a huge hit as a TV drama theme song |
| 50 | Second LoveNakamori Akina |  play_arrow | Known as a classic song from the Showa era, this work was released in 1982… |
| 51 | ambushIshikawa Hitomi |  play_arrow | A signature work by Hitomi Ishikawa that portrays the poignancy of unrequited love |
| 52 | See you.o nyanko kurabu |  | A positive graduation song that turns farewells into smiles |
| 53 | Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii |  play_arrow | In the late 1970s, Japan’s disco boom… |
| 54 | ShipwreckNakamori Akina |  play_arrow | A classic song that poignantly portrays the sorrowful feelings of a woman who has lost her loved one |
| 55 | My loverGorin Mayumi |  play_arrow | Beloved by many as a quintessential ballad of the Showa era… |
| 56 | SWEET MEMORIESMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | Seiko Matsuda’s classic love ballads |
| 57 | Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | Seiko Matsuda’s classic song, imbued with pure love and a hint of spring. |
| 58 | Graduation -GRADUATION-Kikuchi Momoko |  play_arrow | Momoko Kikuchi’s “Sotsugyo” is still cherished today as a classic spring song. |
| 59 | Close your eyes and come here.BARBEE BOYS |  play_arrow | BANDOLI... released in 1989 |
| 60 | Asakusa KidBīto Takeshi |  play_arrow | Set in a downtown neighborhood of the Showa era, it portrays youthful dreams and friendship... |
| 61 | Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie |  play_arrow | Looking back on youthful memories with “Harunononi” |
| 62 | CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi |  play_arrow | A representative Japanese song that cheers on new beginnings in spring |
| 63 | Full of memoriesH₂O |  play_arrow | H2O 1983 hit song |
| 64 | FriendsREBECCA |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of REBECCA’s youth, resonating in the heart |
| 65 | My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu |  play_arrow | A classic, emotion-filled love ballad |
| 66 | To Marie on Fifth AvenuePedoro & Kapurishasu |  play_arrow | To Marie on Fifth Avenue: The Allure of a Masterpiece |
| 67 | Light Blue RainYagami Junko |  play_arrow | Introducing classic songs by Junko Yagami, known for her translucent/clear singing voice |
| 68 | Message of RougeMatsutoya Yumi |  play_arrow | A classic song about standing up to infidelity and celebrating women's strength |
| 69 | A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu |  play_arrow | Chiharu Matsuyama’s famous ballad, a poignant song of a man |
| 70 | The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | Seiko Matsuda’s classic summer love song |
| 71 | As time goes bysawada kenji |  play_arrow | Beginner-friendly masterpieces by Kenji Sawada |
| 72 | Please give me wingsakai tori |  play_arrow | The appeal of the hopeful classic song “Tsubasa wo Kudasai” (“Please Give Me Wings”) |
| 73 | Get WildTM NETWORK |  play_arrow | A sound that runs through the night, a song of adventure and challenge |
| 74 | ChampionArisu |  play_arrow | A moving song that sings of a boxer's glory and challenges |
| 75 | younger boykyandīzu |  play_arrow | The pure emotions and allure of an age-gap romance |
| 76 | UFOpinku redii |  play_arrow | Pink Lady's smash hit song |
| 77 | School HeavenFingā 5 |  play_arrow | A youth song expressing the bittersweetness of school life. |
| 78 | Stranger – Theme of the Silk RoadKUBOTA Saki |  play_arrow | Known for its exotic resonance and mysterious atmosphere… |
| 79 | Boat SongYashiro Aki |  play_arrow | Aki Yashiro's classic Showa-era ballads |
| 80 | A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe |  play_arrow | It was released as a campaign song for Japanese National Railways… |
| 81 | bullseyeYamamoto Rinda |  play_arrow | Yamamoto Linda’s signature song is in the spotlight again. |
| 82 | You are more beautiful than a rose.Fuse Akira |  play_arrow | A classic by Akira Fuse that praises the beauty of women |
| 83 | Listening to OliviaAnri |  play_arrow | Anri’s classic ballad that heals the pain of heartbreak |
| 84 | uniformMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | A classic that sings of the bittersweetness and hope of youth |
| 85 | Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi |  play_arrow | A classic of the port city Yokohama: wistfulness and the glitter of the metropolis |
| 86 | EnchantedJudi Ongu |  play_arrow | As a piece that evokes the winds of the Aegean Sea, in 19… |
| 87 | The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi |  play_arrow | Yasushi Nakanishi’s classic rain song |
| 88 | SOMEDAYSano Motoharu |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of the brilliance and hope of youth, Motoharu Sano |
| 89 | The Flower Girl of TokyoHaruo Oka |  play_arrow | A 1946 classic that portrayed hope in postwar Tokyo |
| 90 | Dancing HeroOginome Yōko |  play_arrow | A classic of 80s disco-pop is back in the spotlight |
| 91 | Sailor Suit and Machine GunYakushimaru Hiroko |  play_arrow | A pure image and an ’80s idol battl… |
| 92 | YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki |  play_arrow | Hideki Saijo’s passionate singing gives young people the courage to pursue their dreams. |
| 93 | Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS |  play_arrow | A soul-stirring masterpiece by THE BLUE HEARTS |
| 94 | Kanda Riverkaguya hime |  play_arrow | Depicting the days of a poor yet happy youth and a heartrending farewell… |
| 95 | Take back the love!!kurisutaru kingu |  play_arrow | Fist of the North Star theme song, a passionately sung track by Crystal King |
| 96 | You can do it!Nakajima Miyuki |  play_arrow | A powerful anthem cheering you on as you take a new step |
| 97 | You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi |  play_arrow | Eiichi Ohtaki’s classic: a bittersweet yearning for love |
| 98 | SPARKLEYamashita Tatsuro |  play_arrow | Tatsuro Yamashita’s classic summer anthem |
| 99 | stationTakeuchi Mariya |  play_arrow | Received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Art Encouragement Prize in 2019… |
| 100 | Wandering Love SongNagabuchi Tsuyoshi |  play_arrow | A piece widely known as one of the iconic songs representing the Showa era... |