During the Showa era, countless popular anime series emerged, and many became so beloved that they turned into full-on social phenomena.
Many of these works are still celebrated today as timeless classics, and the charm each one holds hasn’t faded a bit.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of anime born in the Showa era all at once!
From long-running series that have been loved for years to legendary titles, it’s a treasure trove of nostalgic works—so please take your time and enjoy.
- Recommended love songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic love songs that colored the Showa era
- [For Seniors] Recommended spring songs for people in their 90s: A collection of Shōwa-era spring tunes
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 70s: nostalgic theme songs that let you feel the history of anime.
- A must-see for the Showa generation! Nostalgic popular snacks from the old days
- List of popular Showa-era actresses that bring back memories: introducing iconic stars who evoke nostalgia
- The Complete Guide to Showa-Era Toys: From Showa retro to toys still loved today
- [Showa TV Special] Beloved Classic Shows & Heroes of Our Memories
- A nostalgic feature on Showa-era magazines: looking back at the popular magazines of the time.
- The nostalgic world of Showa-era films. Revisiting masterpieces that linger in the heart.
- Nostalgic shōjo manga from the Showa era. A collection of masterpieces representing the times.
- [For Seniors] Nationally Beloved and Popular Anime Quiz: Get excited with famous characters and iconic catchphrases
- [Nostalgic Memories] Popular Menu Items from Showa-Era School Lunches
- Nostalgic cars from the Showa era: A special feature on memorable classic cars spotted on street corners
Showa-era popular anime special. Looking back at the hit anime of the time! (1–10)
Dr. Slump Arale-chan
Dr.
Slump Arale-chan is an anime that became a big hit in the 1980s, known for its distinctive and charming stories.
Many people probably know it as a work by Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball.
Both the opening and ending themes capture Arale’s cuteness and the series’ delightful episodes.
Watching the opening video is sure to fill you with nostalgia as you see Arale and her friends in their lively everyday antics! Take a moment to revisit and enjoy this anime packed with colorful characters, unique lines, and fun music!
Urusei Yatsura
Let me introduce a video from the anime Urusei Yatsura.
The opening theme is MAISONdes’s “AIUE feat.
Minami, SAKURAmoti.” In this video, you can enjoy the anime’s captivating visuals set to the song.
Many of you might know it from the classic series.
Urusei Yatsura is based on the manga of the same name by Rumiko Takahashi.
It’s a slapstick romantic comedy about the alien girl Lum and high schooler Ataru Moroboshi, filled with love and laughs.
It remains beloved by many fans even today.
Its stylish direction and fun music leave a strong impression, so if you’re interested, be sure to check out both the anime and the manga.
Heidi, Girl of the Alps
Let me introduce the opening of the animated series Heidi, Girl of the Alps, depicted alongside beautiful Alpine scenery.
Heidi is a little girl who lives in the mountains of the Alps.
She loves nature and animals, and spends happy days with her grandfather and friends.
The opening theme has a bright and lively melody that expresses Heidi’s innocence and her connection with nature.
The warmth of the story—conveying the importance of friendship and family, as well as the beauty of nature—comes through even from the opening, doesn’t it?
Lupin the Third
Let me introduce the beloved national anime Lupin the Third Part II, which aired in 1977.
This series is based on the manga by Monkey Punch, and its protagonist, Lupin III, is a world-class thief.
Together with his companions, he takes on a variety of adventures.
In this work, Lupin devises ingenious plans, and the stories are full of humor and thrills.
The anime’s style is distinctive, blending action and comedy to great effect.
Many people still love the image of Lupin in his red jacket.
It’s a captivating series featuring the unique escapades of its thief characters, and if you’re interested in a work that continues to be highly regarded even today, be sure to check it out.
Ashita no Joe
Ashita no Joe is a boxing anime based on the original story by Asao Takamori with artwork by Tetsuya Chiba.
TV anime adaptations aired in 1970 and 1980, followed by animated and live-action films.
Not only the protagonist, Joe Yabuki, but also his rival, Toru Rikiishi, gained immense popularity, and it’s said that when Rikiishi died, fans were overcome with grief.
Joe, who was rough around the edges at first, grows to believe in his own punches and challenges the world champion—a journey that moved many people.
Touch
The anime “Touch,” also famous for its theme song sung by Yoshimi Iwasaki, remains beloved by many fans along with the series’ enduring popularity.
Iwasaki’s clear, pure vocals heightened the story’s bittersweet coming-of-age atmosphere.
The song centers on the themes of delicate youthful love and friendship, with melodies and lyrics that resonate deeply.
Even now, it evokes both nostalgia and freshness.
The collaboration with the visuals is also excellent—the characters’ growth and inner conflicts echo with the music, enriching the depth of the story.
Be sure to listen to the song alongside the anime and manga.
Dragon Ball
Introducing the video of Dragon Ball Episode 1, “Bulma and Son Goku.” This work is by the original creator Akira Toriyama.
The story begins with the meeting of Son Goku, a mysterious young martial artist, and Bulma, a girl in search of adventure.
Bulma is the daughter of a scientist looking for the Dragon Balls, and she embarks on a journey with Goku using their power.
Goku is incredibly strong and a master of martial arts, but he’s also somewhat naive about the world.
In this episode, the foundations of their characters and friendship are built, setting up the dramatic developments to come.
Please enjoy revisiting the very first chapter of a long story that follows!