[Showa-Era Classics] A carefully selected collection of uplifting anthems that empower people across generations
Even after all this time, the classic songs of the Showa era still resonate with many people and give us strength, don’t they?
In this article, we’ll introduce uplifting songs from among the many beloved Showa hits!
We’ve gathered a variety of anthems: songs with powerful messages that fire you up, gentle tunes that give you a soft “you can do it” push, and tracks that fill you with energy and smiles.
Whether you lived through the Showa era or belong to a generation that didn’t, you’re sure to find at least one song that speaks to you!
Be sure to add one of these to your personal collection of motivational songs.
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[Showa Era Classics] A carefully selected collection of uplifting anthems that empower all generations (1–10)
Galaxy Express 999Godaigo
Some of you might briefly wonder why “Galaxy Express 999” was chosen as a fight song, but the piece I’m introducing here is the classic by Godiego used as the theme song for the film version, Galaxy Express 999 (The Galaxy Express 999).
With Yukihide Takakawa’s polished melody and vocals and Mickey Yoshino’s exhilarating, hope-filled arrangement, this song is guaranteed to make your heart leap—even if it’s your first listen! Leiji Matsumoto, the original creator of Galaxy Express 999, was a classical music aficionado and apparently felt a disconnect with music like Godiego’s, but there’s a great anecdote that even he was convinced when he actually saw how the song played in the film.
While the lyrics were initially themed for boys, listening again now as an adult, it gives you a push to try again as many times as it takes and to look forward and keep moving.
Hero HOLDING OUT FOR A HEROAsakura Miki
If you spent your youth in the 1980s, you likely know the iconic song “Holding Out for a Hero.” Sung by popular Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler and released in 1984 as the theme song for the film Footloose, it was also released that same year as a Japanese-language cover—but in fact, there are three different versions by three different singers.
The most famous is probably the version by Miki Asakura, which became a hit as the theme song for the popular TV drama School Wars.
Beyond being covered by many singers, it’s also a favorite entrance theme for combat sports athletes.
More recently, Asakura’s re-recorded “Hero” was memorably used as an insert song in the 2022 film Bullet Train, set in Japan.
Even if you haven’t seen the drama, listening to this track will stir a curious sense of exhilaration and passion.
If you’ve got a match you can’t afford to lose, or you’re on the eve of a crucial exam or a big company presentation, listen to this song, take courage from it, and step forward with confidence!
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu
In the history of popular music, do you know which song is the only one by a Japanese artist to have reached No.
1 on the U.S.
Billboard charts? In 1961, “Ue o Muite Arukō,” sung by Kyu Sakamoto, who was then a promising young singer, was released.
Under the title “SUKIYAKI,” it was released in the United States in 1963 and, as mentioned above, became an eternal classic by reaching No.
1 on the Billboard charts—the only Japanese artist to do so.
The fact that a song with Japanese lyrics—not English—sold over 13 million copies worldwide is truly nothing short of an astonishing achievement.
As for “Ue o Muite Arukō,” its universal melody and words that slip easily into anyone’s heart possess a value untouched by passing trends.
It’s a song filled with a kind of awkward gentleness, like someone quietly whistling by your side when you’re going through sadness or hardship—perhaps that’s why it’s loved by people all over the world.
As an aside, many have pointed out an important feature of the song: it omits first-person pronouns such as “watashi” or “ore.” This allows anyone to project themselves onto it.
Why not listen again to this timeless classic that never loses its color?
Say Yes!NEW!Kikuchi Momoko
Say Yes! was released in September 1986 as Momoko Kikuchi’s ninth single, representing the quintessential ’80s idol sound.
This refreshing up-tempo track is also known for its creators: lyrics by Masao Urino and music by Tetsuji Hayashi.
As the title suggests, it carries a positive message that affirms everything, blowing away listeners’ anxieties.
It topped the Oricon charts and The Best Ten, and was later included on the album ESCAPE FROM DIMENSION.
It’s also famous for having been performed on 24-Hour Television prior to its release.
As the season of new school admissions brings a major turning point filled with both anticipation and nerves, her gentle voice and sparkling melody will give you the courage to take that first step!
There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu
Kyu Sakamoto’s “Ashita ga Aru Sa” (There’s Always Tomorrow) is a classic that humorously captures the feelings of a young man in his youth who fears heartbreak and failure.
Its melody, which offers courage and hope to keep looking forward, is sure to lift your spirits.
Since its release in 1963, it has remained beloved by a wide audience, and even in the 2000s it drew attention as a commercial jingle, the entrance march for high school baseball, and a song included in school textbooks.
This song, which teaches the importance of continuing to believe that “there’s always tomorrow” even in times of hardship or sorrow, is a cheering anthem we hope you’ll listen to again now.