You can see that even in the Reiwa era, songs from the Showa period are making a comeback as revival hits, showing how music comes full circle.
So this time, I’d like to introduce some Showa-era songs that are especially popular on Instagram Reels!
Using Showa songs as BGM on Instagram can create a nostalgic vibe and make your posts look wonderful.
We’ll be showcasing a bunch of Showa-era Japanese tracks that are once again attracting attention from young people and overseas audiences, so please read through to the end!
And I’d be thrilled if you used the featured tracks in your Instagram Reels posts.
Alright, let’s get started!
- Popular Showa-era songs you can use in Instagram Stories
- [Revisited] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era songs that are trending now [2026]
- A Showa-era song that had a revival hit on YouTube Shorts
- Hit songs of the Reiwa era I want to recommend on Instagram Stories
- [Heisei Songs] Classic hits from the Heisei era that are popular on Instagram Reels
- Nostalgic yet new! Hit songs from the Showa era you’ll want to use as BGM
- Cute songs to recommend on Instagram Reels
- Showa-era songs that went viral on TikTok / revival hit songs
- A song that makes your Instagram Reels look stylish.
- [Instagram] Recommended emotional songs for Reels
- [Instagram] Songs from the Reiwa era recommended for Reels
- A love song that's very popular on Instagram Reels
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
Top 10 popular Showa-era songs on Instagram Reels (1–10)
Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya
This song portrays the feelings of a woman wounded by a sweet romance.
The image of the protagonist distracting her loneliness by dancing the nights away at the disco is striking.
It was included on Mariya Takeuchi’s sixth album, VARIETY, and released in 1984.
Produced and featuring guitar by Tatsuro Yamashita, it stands as one of the defining tracks of 1980s Japanese city pop.
It gained renewed attention overseas in the late 2010s, and a new music video was created in 2019, showing how it continues to be loved across generations.
It’s a perfect track for nighttime drives or as background music when you’re troubled by love.
Use it in an Instagram Reel to evoke a nostalgic vibe.
Midnight Door / Stay With MeMatsubara Miki
A classic hit from the Showa era is gaining attention again on Instagram.
Miki Matsubara’s debut song is a moving track that portrays lost love and bittersweet feelings.
Released in November 1979, it peaked at No.
28 on the Oricon charts.
As a signature city pop piece, it continues to captivate hearts across generations.
With its jazzy, sultry vocals and groovy rhythm, it has earned high praise from overseas fans as well.
It’s the perfect choice for Instagram posts aiming for a nostalgic vibe—try using it in your Reels.
It’s sure to resonate with your followers.
Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu
The debut single by The Checkers, a band emblematic of the 1980s, is popular on Instagram as well.
Featuring lyrics that capture the feelings of rebellious youth and a rock-inspired sound, this track stands out.
While it didn’t make a big splash at the time of release, it was later reappraised after subsequent hits.
Released in September 1983, it ranked 20th on the Oricon year-end chart the following year.
It was also used in the TV drama “Uchi no Ko ni Kagitte…,” making it beloved by many.
With a distinctly Showa-era vibe, it’s perfect for nostalgic posts.
Try using it in your Instagram Reels.
Into the DreamInoue Yosui
A classic Showa-era song is being given new life on Instagram.
This track by Yosui Inoue is known for its captivating lyrics that invite listeners to escape everyday life and enter a dreamlike world.
Released in March 1973, it ranked within the top 20 on the Oricon charts and sold around 200,000 copies.
It was also the theme song for the Toho film “After School,” capturing the hearts of many.
This song is recommended for those who can relate to the desire for escapism.
It will resonate with working adults facing stressful days and anyone seeking comfort.
Using it in Instagram Reels can create a nostalgic atmosphere.
School HeavenFingā 5
This song, a big hit in the 1970s, is a youth anthem that sings about the bittersweetness of school life.
It expresses the protagonist’s feelings as he gazes at the beautiful classmate sitting next to him during class, set to a lively melody.
Released in March 1974, it has long been loved as one of Finger 5’s signature tracks.
It was also featured in the 2001 film Waterboys, becoming a classic cherished across generations.
Using it in Instagram Reels can create a nostalgic vibe.
It’s a great pick for those who reminisce about their youth and for young people enjoying their school days.
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu
Showa-era classics are hugely popular on Instagram! Kyu Sakamoto’s songs are known for lyrics that capture the resolve to keep moving forward while holding back tears.
Even with loneliness in the background, they convey an attitude that never loses sight of hope, resonating with many people.
Released in 1961, this song became a massive hit not only in Japan but around the world, earning the No.
1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving high international acclaim.
It’s recommended for those who, even in sadness, have the strength to keep going without losing faith in happiness.
Use it as Instagram BGM to create a nostalgic vibe.
Message of RougeMatsutoya Yumi
A Showa-era hit song is drawing attention again on Instagram.
The track is distinguished by a moving melody themed around love and farewell.
Released in February 1975, it stayed on the Oricon charts for 16 weeks.
In 2022, it was featured as an insert song in Makoto Shinkai’s film “Suzume,” winning the hearts of a new generation.
This work captivates with Yumi Matsutoya’s delicate vocals and deeply emotional lyrics.
It’s a song that resonates with anyone feeling the bittersweetness of love or the pain of parting, and it’s perfect for creating a nostalgic atmosphere.