Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
When you think of tear-jerking songs from the Showa era, timeless classics come to mind, don’t they?
In this article, we’ve gathered moving masterpieces from the Showa period, including Showa kayō (pop), New Music, folk songs, and more.
Many of these songs have a relaxed tempo, letting you really listen to the lyrics—one of the charms of Showa music.
Each genre and artist has its own distinct flavor, yet they all have a gentle, lingering impact.
We’ll spotlight not only the standard classics and farewell songs, but also some uniquely moving tracks with a different edge.
Now, let’s listen to the tear-jerking masterpieces of the Showa era.
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Tear-Jerking Classic Songs of the Showa Era That Touch the Heart (1–10)
Lingering Snowiruka
This is the third single by Iruka, a female singer who debuted as a member of the folk group Shrieks and has been active not only as a solo artist but also as a picture book author.
Although it’s a cover of the folk band Kaguyahime, it became a smash hit that is synonymous with Iruka herself.
The wistful melody that follows the storyline of the lyrics evokes a universal theme that conjures the same scenes no matter the era in which it’s heard.
As a quintessential spring song passed down across generations, it’s a folk tune that reflects the backdrop of the Showa era.
Beyond the GoodbyeYamaguchi Momoe
This is the 31st single by singer Momoe Yamaguchi, who became a top idol with her overwhelming vocal and expressive power, yet announced her retirement at the height of her popularity.
Created as a message song to her fans, it effectively became her final song—a ballad.
The arrangement, combining a calm atmosphere with a passionate melody, conveys overflowing love, gratitude, and the deep bond she shared with her fans.
It truly stands as an ideal, graceful finale for an idol singer and a classic that represents the Showa era.
I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu
A timeless masterpiece that gives voice to emotions too deep for words was released in February 1982.
Known as one of Off Course’s signature songs, it resonates with Kazumasa Oda’s delicate vocals and memorable scat singing.
Born during the band’s transition toward a fuller band sound, the song’s charm lies in how it touches listeners differently—evoking the pain of heartbreak, gratitude for new encounters, and more.
In 1999, Oda’s self-cover was used in a commercial, and the song has continued to be loved across generations.
When you’re feeling down or want to savor thoughts of someone special, listening to it is sure to speak to your heart.
Heart-Touching, Tear-Jerking Showa-Era Classics (11–20)
MissingKubota Toshinobu
Among the standout Showa-era ballads of the 1980s, this piece shines with a special brilliance.
Portraying the pain of heartbreak and inner turmoil, the ballad—imbued with Toshinobu Kubota’s distinctive musicality and deep emotional expression—resonates with many listeners.
Released in September 1986 on his debut album “SHAKE IT PARADISE,” it wasn’t actually a single, yet it gained such popularity that it has been covered by numerous artists.
It was also chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s “Uwasa-teki Tatsujin” and TV Asahi’s “World Pro Wrestling,” earning love across generations.
For anyone who has experienced heartbreak or harbors unspoken feelings, this is a song that will surely be by your side.
Azusa No. 2karyūdō
With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, this song remains beloved by many as a timeless classic from the Showa era.
It skillfully portrays the complex emotions of a woman setting out on a new life, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in March 1977 as the debut single by Kariudo, it became a major hit, peaking at No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It also won the New Artist Award at the 19th Japan Record Awards.
This is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced heartbreak, parting, or a fresh start.
When you want to sort through the feelings you hold in your heart or find yourself at a crossroads in life, this song will be there to support you.
contrailMatsutōya Yumi
A song by singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya—affectionately known as Yuming—who drew attention in 2013 when she received the Medal with Purple Ribbon.
Released under her maiden name, Yumi Arai, the piece was created with the death of an elementary school classmate as its motif.
Years after its release, it was chosen as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s film The Wind Rises, so many younger listeners have likely heard it at least once.
With a melody that carries a sense of wistfulness within a floating, title-evoking atmosphere, it is a true Showa-era classic that has been loved across generations.
And then I’m at a lossŌsawa Yoshiyuki
A signature work by Yoshiyuki Ohsawa, known as one of the iconic songs of the Showa era.
Its lyrics, which depict a heartrending farewell, and its deeply moving melody have resonated with many people and kept the song beloved for years.
Released in September 1984, it reached No.
6 on the Oricon charts and became a major hit with sales of 282,000 copies.
It is included on the album “CONFUSION,” and there is also a version with an arrangement slightly different from the single.
If you’re feeling the loneliness of parting or anxiety about the future, listening to this song may soothe your heart.
It’s also highly recommended for anyone who has experienced a goodbye with someone dear.