Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
The Showa era gave birth to a wide range of timeless hits.
With the global city pop boom and more, classic songs from the Showa era continue to attract attention today.
This time, we’ve handpicked especially cool tracks from among those Showa classics!
From the intense coolness of rock to the smooth coolness of city pop, we’ve selected standout songs from a variety of angles.
We’ve highlighted both male and female artists, so feel free to use this as a go-to list for karaoke as well!
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- [Nostalgic Hits] Smash Hits with the Showa Generation! Classic and Popular Songs Sung by Female Vocalists
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Cool songs from the Showa era. Classic Showa masterpieces that shine with allure, passion, and rugged charm (31–40)
I just can’t stopYamamoto Rinda
A signature song by Linda Yamamoto that colored the music scene of the Showa era.
Released in June 1972, it peaked at No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
Its lyrics, depicting a woman’s uncontrollable emotions after falling in love, match perfectly with the catchy melody.
The song title was even used as a buzzword, appearing in newspaper headlines to convey the economic climate under Kakuei Tanaka’s “Remodeling the Japanese Archipelago” policy.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to savor the exhilaration of love or reminisce about their youthful days.
Tokyo ExpressUeda Masaki
Tokyo Express is a track released in 1981 by Masaki Ueda, a pioneer of Japan’s soul and R&B scene.
It came out as his seventh single after he went solo in 1976 following the breakup of his band, South to South.
The one-drop drum beat gives it a subtle reggae vibe, and the single-note guitar cutting and organ are incredibly groovy.
It’s such a cool tune that makes you want to start dancing—definitely give it a listen!
JUST BECAUSETHE JAYWALK
“JUST BECAUSE” is the debut single of J-WALK, a rock band formed in 1980, released in 1981.
It was also included as the title track on their 1987 self-cover album “JUST BECAUSE.” The lyrics, which portray a breakup between a man and a woman, and the poignant vocals of Koichi Nakamura, who served as J-WALK’s lead singer, are especially memorable.
The hard-edged piano tone also carries a profound sense of loneliness, evoking feelings of emptiness and transience.
Azure NocturneOzaki Ami
Amii Ozaki, who is active as a singer-songwriter, is also well known for her work as a lyricist and composer, including providing the song “Listening to Olivia” for Anri.
Centered on the timbre of the piano, the song and vocals leave a strong impression, conveying both heartrending emotion and burning passion, and it is sometimes performed live as a piano-and-vocal piece.
The lyrics depict the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment to someone who is leaving, conveying a sense of momentum as if unleashing pent-up anguish.
It is a sorrowful song whose resonant vocals communicate the intensity of its emotions.
MoonlightKuwana Masahiro
Musician Masahiro Kuwana, who gained popularity with his one-of-a-kind dandy looks, is also known for appearing in numerous films and TV dramas.
Among his songs, the one that brims with nostalgic charm is Tsuki no Akari, released in 1978.
It is recognized as one of his signature tracks and continues to be loved by many across generations.
The melancholic tones of the acoustic guitar will resonate in your heart.
Take a moment to listen to his voice, which feels as if he’s speaking directly to you.
frustrating; irritating; impatientanzenchitai
The single Jirettai, released in 1987 by Koji Tamaki’s band Anzen Chitai, was used in a commercial for Taiyo Yuden’s “That’s” cassette tapes and reached No.
2 on the Oricon singles chart.
Its beat—built from drum sounds that incorporate programming and a bass with a synth-bass-like tone—is danceable and cool.
It was a track that made quite an impact during the heyday of kayōkyoku (Japanese pop).
In 2021, JUJU included a cover version on her single Kotaeawase.
FUTARIYamashita Tatsuro
Singer-songwriter Tatsuro Yamashita delivers a distinctive sound that blends fusion and city pop to his listeners.
He’s also known for playing virtually every instrument himself.
“FUTARI,” featured on his 1982 album FOR YOU, is a track packed with the charm that has earned him fans around the world.
Its airy synths resonate with a dramatic flair, and the warm choral work that brings a sense of comfort is also a must-hear.
Why not lend an ear to this Showa-era classic by a musician beloved across generations?
Unstoppable ha~haYazawa Eikichi
Just hearing the intro guitar riff makes you want to throw your fist in the air—Eikichi Yazawa’s powerful rock anthem! It’s a track from the classic album “Tokyo Night,” released in July 1986.
The song has become familiar as the opening theme for Fuji TV’s “IPPON Grand Prix,” and has also been used in Daiichikosho commercials as well as entrance music for many top athletes, including Ichiro.
The lyrics blast away logic and pretense, urging you to “let the feeling take over and get fired up!” Yazawa’s shouts and the exhilarating, fast-paced sound seem to tell you to unleash your instincts, filling you with energy for tomorrow.
In conclusion
This time, I selected songs under the theme of cool tracks from the Showa era, and personally, I felt that many of them have a much more powerful punch compared to today’s J-pop. Is that the unique energy of the Showa period? At Rug Music, besides this article, we introduce classic Showa-era hits under various themes. Be sure to check those out too!