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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Cool songs from the Showa era: Classic hits from Showa where sensuality, passion, and rugged charm shine (21–30)
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!
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.
Cool songs from the Showa era. Classic Showa masterpieces that shine with allure, passion, and rugged charm (31–40)
Solid SliderYamashita Tatsuro
When it comes to artists who represent Japanese city pop that’s drawing worldwide attention, Tatsuro Yamashita is indispensable.
“SOLID SLIDER” is a track featured at the end of his 1977 masterpiece “SPACY.” The drum pattern, which slips the accent forward from where it should land on the fourth beat, is striking and meshes perfectly with the gritty, buzzing bass line.
The electric guitar solo in the interlude also hits all the right spots—an outstanding performance.
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.
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.
Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko
A gem of a love song that portrays the aching feelings of a woman in love.
With moving lyrics by Reiko Yukawa and a beautiful melody composed by Akiko Kobayashi herself, this work harmonizes perfectly to vividly depict the delicate emotions of a woman suffering from a forbidden love.
Released in August 1985, it was also used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Friday Wives.” It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart seven times and became a massive hit, ranking third on the 1985 year-end chart.
Even today, it continues to be beloved by people of all ages as a song that stays close to the hearts of those who harbor secret affections and wavering emotions.
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.