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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- Thrilling to Cool Showa-Era Tunes! Classic Songs from Female Singers and Artists of the Showa Period
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- [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 sensuality, passion, and rugged charm (1–10)
Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji
Speaking of Kenji Sawada’s smash hits with a memorable piano intro phrase, “Katte ni Shiyagare” comes to mind.
Released in 1977 as his 19th single, it topped the Oricon singles chart and is a classic that won top honors at numerous awards, including the Japan Record Awards and the Japan Kayō Awards.
The title is taken from the 1959 film “Breathless” (original Japanese title: “Katte ni Shiyagare”), and the lyrics also pay homage to the movie.
It’s a song that perfectly embodies Sawada’s style—dapper yet shy, always with a slightly aloof stance.
Mi AmoreNakamori Akina
A song by Akina Nakamori that portrays love and adventure set against a passionate night carnival.
Released in March 1985 as her 11th single, it reached No.
1 on “The Best Ten,” became a major hit with over 630,000 copies sold, and won the 27th Japan Record Award.
The arrangement incorporates Latin and fusion elements, beautifully matched by Nakamori’s delicate vocals.
Highly recommended for those who want to savor the exhilaration of falling in love and the magic of a one-night experience.
The contrast between the carnival’s splendor and the stillness of the night highlights the transience and beauty of love.
Ruby RingTerao Akira
A song that can truly be called a monument of Showa-era pop, released in 1981.
On the hugely popular TV show “The Best Ten,” it held the No.
1 spot for 12 consecutive weeks, and they even made a commemorative sofa just for the singer, Satoshi Terao.
On the other hit countdown show, “The Top Ten,” it also accumulated a total of 12 weeks at No.
1, and it swept practically every award that year, including the Japan Record Award and the All Japan Wired Broadcasting Award.
The lyrics—about how even after taking off the ruby ring filled with memories of his girlfriend, he still can’t forget her—evoked a sense of sophisticated urban cool.
Friday ChinatownYasuha
A quintessential classic when discussing 1980s city pop, “Friday Chinatown.” It was her debut single—she’s also known as a TV personality—and it was released in 1981.
The track features a danceable beat reminiscent of disco and pop music.
Many listeners will be captivated by her coquettish vocals etched against deep synthesizers.
The performance is cool and stylish, offering a sound world that’s uniquely its own.
It’s also a staple of the Showa era in karaoke—be sure to give it a try.
Midnight Door ~ Stay With MeMatsubara Miki
Known as a timeless classic brimming with allure and wistfulness, this song was the debut single of Miki Matsubara, released in 1979.
It reached No.
28 on the Oricon chart and sold approximately 104,000 copies.
The aching feelings of a woman waiting through the midnight hours for a lover who won’t return are conveyed through jazzy, sultry vocals and a groovy rhythm.
You can almost picture her listening to records as she recalls a past romance, and the heartfelt lyrics sink deep into the soul.
It’s the perfect track for soothing the pain of heartbreak or savoring a mature mood.
As a hallmark of city pop, it continues to be loved by many to this day.
Roppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisu
When I was thinking that Ann Lewis’s outfits from the time she sang “Roppongi Shinju” looked like someone else’s, I realized it was Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.
Fashion really does get passed down.
If you don’t believe me, check out videos of Ann Lewis from back then uploaded on various video sites! Of course, the song itself is great, and in the world of dads’ karaoke it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser thanks to the call-and-response interjections.
Those callouts make it feel even more Showa-era.
The synthesizer intro and the distinctive guitar riff are excellent too—an undeniably cool track that lets you feel the Showa vibe from start to finish.
Sexual Violet No. 1Kuwana Masahiro
It’s a song brimming with passionate, sexy allure.
You’ll be drawn into the world woven by Masahiro Kuwana’s husky voice and the captivating melody.
The lyrics use vivid, colorful expressions to brilliantly portray the complexities of love and desire.
Released in July 1979, the track was also featured in a Kanebo Cosmetics campaign commercial.
It generated major buzz at the time, even taking the No.
1 spot on The Best Ten, beating out a song that had held the top position for eight consecutive weeks.
It’s a must-listen for adults wrestling with matters of the heart.
Why not let yourself be intoxicated by Masahiro Kuwana’s mesmerizing vocals?