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[Classic Hits] Popular Anime Songs Representing the Showa Era. Also Introducing Recommended Anime Songs!

There are so many masterpieces from the Showa-era anime that have gone down in history, aren’t there?

Even if you don’t remember the plots that well, many people can still sing the theme songs—or the moment they hear a song, the anime comes rushing back.

Here, we’re showcasing a generous selection, including anime songs that were big hits in the Showa period and tracks that are being reappraised today through the lens of city pop’s popularity.

When you get together with friends from the same generation who watched those shows, a karaoke session with a “Showa anime songs only” rule is sure to be a blast.

And of course, even if you don’t know much about anime from that era but are curious, please give these songs a listen!

Classic Hits: Popular Anime Songs Representing the Showa Era. Also Introducing Recommended Anime Songs! (51–60)

Time Bokan

Song of Time BokanYamamoto Masayuki, Sakamoto Jidō Gasshōdan

This piece was born in 1975 as the opening theme for Time Bokan, a beloved anime representing the Showa era.

The lively melody and vocals by Masayuki Yamamoto and the Sakamoto Children’s Choir captured the hearts of audiences across generations, from children to adults.

The lyrics “back and forth between the past and the future, yesterday and today” evoke the spirit of time-traveling adventures.

In 1998, the song was included in Time Bokan Masterpiece Album SINCE 1975–1983, and it remains cherished as a classic anime tune.

It’s a recommended track not only for adults reminiscing about the past, but also for younger listeners who enjoy a retro vibe.

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Come here, Perman.Miwa Katsue

A theme song that captured the hearts of children who love anime based on Fujiko F.

Fujio’s works! Its bright, rhythmic melody and sincere lyrics fill you with a warm feeling, as if you can hear a friend calling from far away.

Katsu’e Miwa’s lively vocals gently convey the importance of friendship and helping one another, making it a wonderful track.

The single, released by Nippon Columbia in March 1983, was also used in the 2003 theatrical film, and since 2011 it has been adopted as the approaching-train melody at Noborito Station in Kawasaki.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when your heart is tired, when you want to help someone, or when you wish to bask in nostalgic memories.

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Maison Ikkoku

Hello, Sadnesssaitou yuki

Maison Ikkoku OP 4K High Quality Yuki Saito 'Hello, Sadness'
Hello, Sadnesssaitou yuki

Here’s the song that was released in 1986 as the first opening theme for the anime Maison Ikkoku.

It was also used in a Shiseido commercial, so some of you might recognize the chorus.

The arrangement features a sound that epitomizes late-’80s pop, giving it a nostalgic feel.

Yuki Saito’s slightly lisping vocal delivery is also very charming.

Incidentally, the composer is none other than Koji Tamaki.

It truly was a golden era, in the best sense.

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)
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In conclusion

Of course, people of that generation, but even those born after the 1990s, have probably heard many Showa-era anime songs somewhere.

As mentioned at the beginning, thanks to the city pop boom, many masterpieces have also drawn attention from overseas music fans.

If you’re interested, definitely dive deeper and explore them!