Nostalgic yet new! Hit songs from the Showa era you’ll want to use as BGM
In recent years, Japanese city pop has been rediscovered worldwide, and revival hits have been emerging on social media like TikTok.
Classic songs that colored the Showa era are resonating with younger generations.
For those who lived through that era, songs that feel nostalgic might, conversely, feel fresh to listeners today.
This time, we’re introducing recommended tracks from the Showa period that are perfect as background music!
We’ve curated a list that people of all ages can enjoy, so be sure to check it out!
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- So nostalgic it feels new? Showa retro classics that colored Japan’s period of rapid economic growth
- A classic from the good old days! A famous birthday song born in the Showa era.
- Hits that resonate across generations! Popular 1990s songs on TikTok
- A Showa-era song that had a revival hit on YouTube Shorts
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- Showa-era songs that went viral on TikTok / revival hit songs
- Popular Showa-era songs you can use in Instagram Stories
- Including global hits! 80s songs popular on TikTok
- Relive those feelings from back in the day! Youth anthems recommended for the Yutori generation
Nostalgic yet new! Hit songs born in the Showa era that we want you to use as BGM (1–10)
Stranger – Theme of the Silk RoadKUBOTA Saki
A song known for its exotic resonance and mysterious atmosphere.
Released in October 1979 as Saki Kubota’s debut single, it gradually gained popularity.
It was also used in a Sanyo Electric commercial, and in December of the same year it reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
The record became a massive hit, surpassing one million copies sold.
Centered on the theme of heartbreak, the song expresses the feeling of being in a foreign land and the loneliness that comes from having a sensibility different from those around you.
It also carries a hopeful message that time will heal emotional wounds.
The sound of the hammered dulcimer, a traditional folk instrument, is particularly striking, making this a recommended track for those who want to savor a richly exotic mood.
Paradise GalaxyHikaru GENJI
A song that celebrates dreams and imagination is known as one of Hikaru Genji’s signature works.
Its fantastical lyrics and dynamic melody weave a world that seems to free listeners from reality.
Released in March 1988, it enjoyed a 25-week run on the Oricon charts and won the 30th Japan Record Award.
Riding the roller-skate boom of the time, the song captured the hearts of a wide audience, from children to adults.
Balancing nostalgia with freshness, it’s a perfect track for anyone looking to soothe a weary heart or rekindle pure dreams.
Lullaby of the Holy MothersIwasaki Hiromi
A signature song by Hiromi Iwasaki, notable for its refined melody and wistful atmosphere.
Chosen as the first ending theme for the TV drama series “Tuesday Suspense Theater,” this 28th single was released in May 1982 and became a massive hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The lyrics liken the city to a battlefield and sing of profound maternal love for the men who fight there, conveying the nobility of unconditional love.
It’s a famous song that almost everyone has heard at least once, making it a classic Showa-era tune that can get any generation excited at karaoke.
Sailor Suit and Machine GunYakushimaru Hiroko
Hiromi Yakushimaru emerged during the fierce idol era of the 1980s with a pure, innocent image.
Her debut single was used as the theme song for a film of the same name and became a major hit, selling about 1.2 million copies on the Oricon chart.
Centered on the theme of a girl’s growth and transformation, it’s also known as an anthem that celebrates the hidden strength of youth and the determination to set out on one’s journey.
Released in November 1981, it ranked second on the year-end chart in 1982.
The song is distinguished by Yakushimaru’s clear, translucent vocals and its simple arrangement.
It’s a timeless classic loved across generations, making it a great choice when you want to liven things up at karaoke.
A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR
Released in April 1983, Rats & Star’s song depicts a beach thrown into a frenzy when a captivating woman appears against a backdrop of summer scenes.
With its light, upbeat rhythm and distinctive choreography, the track has remained beloved for many years since its release.
Chosen as a Shiseido campaign song, it topped the Oricon Singles Chart and sold over 600,000 copies.
It also won the Gold Award at the 25th Japan Record Awards.
The fact that many artists, including Kumi Koda, have covered it shows how it’s cherished across generations.
It’s a quintessential Showa-era classic that’s guaranteed to liven up any karaoke session.