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
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko		A summer love song with captivating 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	First loveMurashita Kōzō		Kozo Murashita’s classic “Hatsukoi,” a masterpiece brimming with the beauty of Japan.
4	Tears aren’t just for show.Nakamori Akina		Known as an idol who symbolizes the 1980s…
5	Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi		A classic Showa-era song that poignantly depicts the sorrow of a long-distance romance
6	youKozaka Akiko		Still beloved today as an iconic song representing the Showa era…
7	Graduationsaitou yuki		Yuki Saito’s debut song, a youth anthem
8	Midnight Door ~ Stay With MeMatsubara Miki		A classic 80s love song by Miki Matsubara
9	Friday ChinatownYasuha		A classic gem of exotic charm from the Showa-era Chinatown
10	Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu		A beautiful ballad that prays to the stars, a song of love and hope
11	Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko		Forbidden love, a heart-stirring classic
12	Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai		A massive hit song featuring Koji Tamaki’s warm, captivating vocals
13	era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki		Miyuki Nakajima’s masterpiece, loved across time
14	Love is overŌyō Fifi		"Love Is Over" is a classic song about parting
15	applausechiaki naomi		A classic of Showa-era kayōkyoku: a song of passion and melancholy
16	foreignerKUBOTA Saki		Vocal technique for the Showa-era kayōkyoku mega-hit “Ihōjin” (Stranger)
17	Roppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisu		Ann Lewis's wistful love song about romance
18	Lingering Snowiruka		A classic folk song portraying a springtime parting
19	Lullaby of the Holy MothersIwasaki Hiromi		The refined melody and the bittersweet, wistful atmosphere leave a strong impression…
20	Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko		Kiyohiko Ozaki’s classic from 1971—his deep voice and its charm.
21	GraduationOzaki Yutaka		Yutaka Ozaki's graduation song speaks for students' feelings.
22	Playback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe		The successor to Momoe Yamaguchi, the songstress who epitomized the Showa era...
23	Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko		Seiko Matsuda’s classic songs add a touch of color to weddings.
24	Wine Red Heartanzenchitai		A mature romantic love song by Anzen Chitai
25	Ruby RingTerao Akira		Introduction to Akira Terao’s farewell song
26	Ruby RingTerao Akira		Atsushi Terao’s signature song, with a depiction of heartbreak that resonates deeply
27	Mi AmoreNakamori Akina		Akina Nakamori’s carnival song becomes a big hit
28	TouchIwasaki Yoshimi		A nationally beloved theme song from an anime based on an original work by Mitsuru Adachi
29	Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Oginome Yōko		The Nostalgia and Newness of Yoko Oginome’s Disco Songs
30	There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu		A classic song that sings of the clumsiness of youth and the hope it holds
31	Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu		The Checkers’ debut single. Later became a big hit.
32	Two People’s Love IslandIshikawa Yuko & Chage		A summer youth duet song that resonates with the heart
33	Sonnet of the Clownsadamasashi		A heartwarming song, one of Masashi Sada’s signature works
34	Journey of the Heartchūrippu		Song of Departure, a Melancholy Melody of Love
35	MissingKubota Toshinobu		Toshinobu Kubota’s heartrending ballad that sings of deep love.
36	Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya		A classic of 80s city pop, the bittersweet emotions of love
37	FriendsREBECCA		Rebecca's classic youth songs are engraved in many hearts
38	TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS		A cheering song depicting the conflict between dreams and reality
39	atonementTeresa Ten		Teresa Teng’s classic song “Tsugunai”
40	DESIRE -Passion-Nakamori Akina		Akina Nakamori’s low-pitched melody song released in 1986
41	I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu		With a fleeting, translucent singing voice, many listeners...
42	Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako		Takako Okamura’s masterpiece gives courage and hope.
43	loveMatsuyama Chiharu		Chiharu Matsuyama’s love ballad becomes heart-wrenching when sung gently.
44	Love Song of LumMatsutani Yūko		A classic song that sings of the bittersweet feelings of first love
45	Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten		Teresa Teng’s classic that portrays deep love
46	Beyond the GoodbyeYamaguchi Momoe		Momoe’s final song: farewell and a resolve for the future
47	Light Blue RainYagami Junko		Introducing classic songs by Junko Yagami, known for her translucent/clear singing voice
48	I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu		Kyu Sakamoto’s classic song is loved around the world
49	Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo		Eigo Kawashima’s classic song that depicts the pathos of life
50	The Day Love Was BornFujitani Miwako, Ouchi Yoshiaki		The duet song by Miwako Fujitani and Yoshiaki Ouchi
51	GLORIAZIGGY		ZIGGY’s signature song, which became a huge hit as a TV drama theme song
52	Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii		In the late 1970s, Japan’s disco boom…
53	Second LoveNakamori Akina		Akina Nakamori’s Shōwa classic wins her first Oricon No. 1
54	A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu		Chiharu Matsuyama’s famous ballad, a poignant song of a man
55	ambushIshikawa Hitomi		A signature work by Hitomi Ishikawa that portrays the poignancy of unrequited love
56	See you.o nyanko kurabu		A positive graduation song that turns farewells into smiles
57	ShipwreckNakamori Akina		A classic song that poignantly portrays the sorrowful feelings of a woman who has lost her loved one
58	My loverGorin Mayumi		Beloved by many as a quintessential ballad of the Showa era…
59	Message of RougeMatsutoya Yumi		A classic song about standing up to infidelity and celebrating women's strength
60	SWEET MEMORIESMatsuda Seiko		Seiko Matsuda’s classic love ballads
61	Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko		Seiko Matsuda’s classic song, imbued with pure love and a hint of spring.
62	Graduation -GRADUATION-Kikuchi Momoko		Momoko Kikuchi’s “Sotsugyo” is still cherished today as a classic spring song.
63	Close your eyes and come here.BARBEE BOYS		BANDOLI... released in 1989
64	My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu		Signature ballads of Southern All Stars, expressing the subtleties of romance
65	Asakusa KidBīto Takeshi		A moving anthem of support that portrays the dreams and friendships of a downtown neighborhood
66	Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie		Looking back on youthful memories with “Harunononi”
67	CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi		A representative Japanese song that cheers on new beginnings in spring
68	Full of memoriesH₂O		H2O 1983 hit song
69	Get WildTM NETWORK		A national song with urban speed and a powerful message
70	To Marie on Fifth AvenuePedoro & Kapurishasu		To Marie on Fifth Avenue: The Allure of a Masterpiece
71	You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi		Eiichi Ohtaki’s classic: a bittersweet yearning for love
72	The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko		Seiko Matsuda’s classic summer love song
73	As time goes bysawada kenji		Beginner-friendly masterpieces by Kenji Sawada
74	Sailor Suit and Machine GunYakushimaru Hiroko		A pure image and an ’80s idol battl…
75	Please give me wingsakai tori		The appeal of the hopeful classic song “Tsubasa wo Kudasai” (“Please Give Me Wings”)
76	ChampionArisu		A moving song that sings of a boxer's glory and challenges
77	younger boykyandīzu		The pure emotions and allure of an age-gap romance
78	UFOpinku redii		Pink Lady's signature disco hit
79	School HeavenFingā 5		School song, popular songs by Finger 5
80	Stranger – Theme of the Silk RoadKUBOTA Saki		Known for its exotic resonance and mysterious atmosphere…
81	Boat SongYashiro Aki		Aki Yashiro's classic Showa-era ballads
82	A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe		It was released as a campaign song for Japanese National Railways…
83	bullseyeYamamoto Rinda		Yamamoto Linda’s signature song is in the spotlight again.
84	You are more beautiful than a rose.Fuse Akira		A classic by Akira Fuse that praises the beauty of women
85	Listening to OliviaAnri		Anri’s classic ballad that heals the pain of heartbreak
86	uniformMatsuda Seiko		A classic that sings of the bittersweetness and hope of youth
87	Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi		A classic of the port city Yokohama: wistfulness and the glitter of the metropolis
88	The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi		Yasushi Nakanishi’s classic rain song
89	SOMEDAYSano Motoharu		A classic song that sings of the brilliance and hope of youth, Motoharu Sano
90	Let’s get married.yoshida takurou		Takuro Yoshida’s classic song brightly expresses young people’s views on love.
91	The Flower Girl of TokyoHaruo Oka		A 1946 classic that portrayed hope in postwar Tokyo
92	Our FailureMorita Doji		Morita Doji’s masterpiece, a sound that resonates in the heart
93	Azusa No. 2karyūdō		Harmony Singing Techniques of Azusa No. 2
94	for you…Takahashi Mariko		Mariko Takahashi’s signature ballad
95	EnchantedJudi Ongu		Showa-era classic song with an Aegean Sea backdrop
96	Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS		A soul-stirring masterpiece by THE BLUE HEARTS
97	Kanda Riverkaguya hime		Depicting the days of a poor yet happy youth and a heartrending farewell…
98	Take back the love!!kurisutaru kingu		Fist of the North Star theme song, a passionately sung track by Crystal King
99	SPARKLEYamashita Tatsuro		Tatsuro Yamashita’s classic summer anthem
100	stationTakeuchi Mariya		Received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Art Encouragement Prize in 2019…