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

Hello, SadnessYuki Saito

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

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.

Osomatsu-kun SongSextuplets (Midori Kato, Keiko Yamamoto, Haruko Kitahama, Yoshie Azuma), Iyami (Kyoji Kobayashi), Chibita (Kazue Tanoue)

Osomatsu-kun [OP-1/OP-2/ED]

Released in 1966, this song became a big hit as the theme for the TV anime Osomatsu-kun.

The six brothers’ lively singing captivated children at the time.

With its distinctive “Sheh!” shout, it’s a fun tune that makes you want to sing along together.

The lyrics reflect the six brothers’ unity and Chibita’s determined spirit, clearly expressing the anime’s world.

Fujio Akatsuka’s unique humor comes through vividly via the characters’ personalities.

This song, steeped in the Showa era vibe, is perfect for livening up a karaoke session, and it’s also recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy nostalgic anime songs.

Come here, Perman.Katsue Miwa

Come here, Perman.

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.

Defeat Galactor!Columbia Cradle Society

Defeat Galactor!

Set to a powerful, fast-paced melody, this work portrays the heroic exploits of the Science Ninja Team protecting the peace of Earth.

The clear voices of the Columbia Yurikago-kai further enhance the energetic feel of the piece.

Celebrating the brave figures who fight using the power of science and ninja techniques, the song brings dreams and hope to children.

Used as the ending theme for Science Ninja Team Gatchaman, which began airing in 1972, it captured the hearts of many viewers throughout its 105-episode run.

The lyrics were written by the Tatsunoko Production Literary Department, and the music was composed by Asei Kobayashi.

Evoking empathy for protagonists with a pure sense of justice, this is a perfect track for anyone seeking an inspiring anthem that resonates.

It’s recommended listening when you want to feel uplifted.

Let’s do it with a bang! The Way of BaseballYumi Chiba, Young Fresh, Korogi '73

Let's do it in one go! The Way of Baseball

A heartwarming classic, brimming with humor and capturing the feelings of those devoted to baseball, was born in September 1977.

The lively back-and-forth by Yumi Chiba, Young Fresh, and Korogi ’73 creates a bright, powerful harmony that brilliantly conveys a burning passion for the sport.

Broadcast as the opening theme for the anime “Ippatsu Kanta-kun,” it was also included on the album “Tatsunoko Pro Daizenshū” in October of the same year.

The protagonist—struggling with the gap between ideals and reality yet refusing to give up on his dreams—leaves a lasting impression.

It’s recommended not only for baseball enthusiasts but also as a motivational song that gently encourages anyone striving toward their goals.

Song of Time BokanMasayuki Yamamoto, Sakamoto Children's Choir

Time Bokan

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.

Teleportation -Unidentified in Love-Ushio Hashimoto

Teleportation -Unidentified in Love-

This song was a major hit as the first opening theme for the anime Esper Mami, based on the original work by Fujiko F.

Fujio, released in 1987.

Created by the duo of lyricist Ikki Matsumoto and composer Keiichi Oku, both leading figures of the time, it’s a brisk pop tune that represents the quintessential 80s anime song.

The lyrics vividly capture the delicate feelings of a teenage girl’s first love, and Ushio Hashimoto’s clear, translucent vocals beautifully express the uncertainty of budding romance.

It remains a beloved track among anime fans and is still frequently sung at karaoke today.

As a youth anthem infused with the charm of the Showa era, it’s highly recommended for fans of nostalgic anime.