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!
- Nothing but masterpieces! Hit songs from the Reiwa era that are perfect for background music
- Resonates across generations! Hit songs that colored the Heisei era, perfect as BGM
- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
- [Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
- 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 (11–20)
Get WildTM NETWORK
Released in 1987 and also known as the ending theme of the anime City Hunter, this song has remained a beloved TM NETWORK classic across generations.
Its lyrics suggest adventure, thrills, and challenges into the unknown, resonating deeply with listeners.
In August 1999, it was reissued on a 12 cm CD, demonstrating how the track continues to evolve beyond its time.
My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu
This is the Southern All Stars’ third single, released in March 1979.
Chosen as the theme song for TBS’s Friday drama “Fuzoroi no Ringo-tachi,” it reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts and became a massive hit, ranking 11th on the year-end chart for 1979.
Marking a departure from their previously cheerful image, this emotional ballad that portrays a bittersweet romance served as a turning point, showcasing the band’s talent and musical breadth to the public.
Keisuke Kuwata’s distinctive vocals and the lyrics that deftly express complex feelings toward a lover resonate deeply.
Beloved across generations, this classic is sure to get everyone going when sung at karaoke.
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe
A classic Showa-era pop masterpiece born as a campaign song for Japan National Railways.
With a gemlike melody crafted by Shinji Tanimura layered with Momoe Yamaguchi’s clear, soaring vocals, it captured hearts across Japan.
Released in November 1978, the song has remained beloved ever since, and in 2006 it was also used as the theme song for the film “Tabi no Okurimono 0:00 Hatsu” (A Gift of Travel: Departing at Midnight).
It’s a track you’ll want to hear at life’s turning points—departures, farewells, and fresh beginnings.
A song with universal appeal that resonates with listeners across generations.
TouchIwasaki Yoshimi
A signature song by Yoshimi Iwasaki that depicts the bittersweet feelings of youthful love.
Known as the theme song for the 1985 anime Touch, it features striking lyrics by Jinsei Kan and a melody by Hiroaki Serizawa that resonates deeply.
Yoshimi Iwasaki’s clear, translucent vocals beautifully convey both the pain of heartbreak and the hope for new love.
CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
Known as a song often performed at life’s milestones such as weddings and graduation ceremonies, this work was released as the title track of the third album and became a hit with its re-recorded single version in 1988.
Its lyrics, filled with encouragement and congratulations for those embarking on a new stage in life, truly resonate with listeners.
With its relaxed tempo and simple melody, it’s an easy choice for karaoke as well.
It also holds the unusual distinction of topping The Best Ten for three consecutive weeks in 1988 without a single appearance, and can be considered one of Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s signature songs.