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!
- A collection of iconic, cool Showa-era kayōkyoku classics sung by male vocalists
- [Revisited] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era songs that are trending now [2026]
- Thrilling to Cool Showa-Era Tunes! Classic Songs from Female Singers and Artists of the Showa Period
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- [Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke.
- Showa-era nostalgic songs: Popular ranking
- Showa-era kayōkyoku: hit songs by male singers, classic masterpieces of Japanese popular music.
- [Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
- [Nostalgic Hits] Smash Hits with the Showa Generation! Classic and Popular Songs Sung by Female Vocalists
- A collection of cool songs that sound great when sung by women, originally male songs
- A Showa-era duet song. A timeless karaoke/snack-bar classic!
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
- Showa-era classic songs that brightened the 1990s
Cool songs from the Showa era. Classic Showa masterpieces that shine with allure, passion, and rugged charm (31–40)
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.
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?
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.
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!