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 (1–10)
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu
As a quintessential song of the Showa era, this piece has continued to be loved across generations.
Its lyrics, imbued with a strong resolve to keep walking forward even while holding back tears, carry a message that resonates with many.
Released in 1961, it made a major impact both in Japan and abroad.
In the United States in particular, it became known under the title “SUKIYAKI” and achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
With Kyu Sakamoto’s warm vocals perfectly matched to its melodious tune, this work is an ideal pick-me-up when you’re feeling down or need a boost.
It’s a masterpiece Japan can proudly share with the world, and one that listeners of any generation should hear.
High School LullabyImokin Torio
This was the debut single by Imo Kin Trio, who took Japan by storm in 1981.
With lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and composition/arrangement by Haruomi Hosono, the track features distinctive programmed sounds influenced by YMO’s musical style.
It captured the hearts of young people at the time, topping The Best Ten for eight consecutive weeks as a quintessential youth anthem.
The lyrics, depicting snapshots of high school life—like unrequited love and after-school moments—offer a charm that blends nostalgia with freshness.
As background music, it would be a perfect number to open a school or cultural festival.
metropoliskurisutaru kingu
Released in 1979, this song is known as Crystal King’s signature work.
It features powerful, soaring twin vocals and passionately conveys a strong will and hope in the pursuit of boundless dreams.
It became a million seller and sparked a huge reaction, dominating the charts at No.
1 for six consecutive weeks.
The piece delicately portrays the harshness of urban life and the emotions of those who chase their dreams, and its universal themes resonate with many.
Frequently used in commercials and covered by numerous artists, it has continued to be loved across generations; notably, since March 2018 it has been featured in Kirin Beer’s “Nodogoshi ZERO” commercial.
Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari
Known as one of Hibari Misora’s signature songs representing the Showa-era pop scene, this piece is an impressive number featuring beautiful lyrics that liken life to the flow of a river.
The words penned by Yasushi Akimoto convey a powerful sense of overcoming life’s hardships and challenges.
Released in January 1989, the song became Misora’s final work and a massive hit, selling over 1.5 million copies.
It’s a track that gives you courage when you’re at a crossroads in life or when your heart feels weary.
Carried by gentle instrumentation, Misora’s vocals feel as if they’re softly nudging you forward, resonating deeply within the heart.
I’ll wait.amin
The duo Aming, who brought a fresh breeze to the Showa-era folk-pop scene, still capture the hearts of many listeners today.
Their debut single, released in July 1982, was a massive hit—topping the Oricon weekly chart for six consecutive weeks and becoming the best-selling single of the year.
Known for its bittersweet lyrics about unrequited love and refreshingly clear harmonies, it’s a song almost everyone in Japan has heard at least once.
The track has also been featured in numerous commercials, including those for Toyota and NTT Docomo.
This timeless classic beloved across generations is also a great choice to sing at karaoke.