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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Moving, Tear-Jerking Masterpieces from the Showa Era (21–30)
youKozaka Akiko
This is the debut single by Akiko Kosaka, a singer-songwriter who showcases her multifaceted talents as a pianist, composer, lyricist, and music director, and who also runs a voice training school.
The song won the Grand Prix at the Yamaha Popular Song Contest when she was 16, and it became her signature number as her debut single.
The lyrics imagine a future with a precious person she has lost in love; paired with her delicate yet powerful vocals, they make your heart ache.
It is also known as the first million-seller by a female composer in the J-pop scene, and stands as a classic representing the Showa era.
Twilight, My LoveOhashi Junko
Released in 1978, this song was written by Yū Aku with music by Kyōhei Tsutsumi—the golden duo of the Shōwa era—and is counted among Junko Ohashi’s signature tracks.
The fact that it has been covered by numerous singers since its release shows just how beloved it is.
In the lyrics, after depicting the happiness of a summer spent together, the couple suddenly can no longer be together and must bear their fate; by the time winter comes, they are separated.
The lyrics end by describing an exchange of letters, suggesting a poignant human drama in which, despite their mutual feelings, they were forced to part.
Sonnet of the Clownsadamasashi
This is the 17th single by singer-songwriter Masashi Sada, whose sentimental vocals have earned him wide popularity and whose light, witty banter at live shows is also a key to his appeal.
The song was used as the theme for the film “Fly, Icarus’ Wings,” which is based on the true story of Toru Kurihara, a performer who tried to bring joy to children as a clown but tragically passed away during a show.
It has become a staple at his concerts and is one of his signature tracks.
Carried by a heartrending melody that conveys the conviction of an entertainer, the song still has the power to move many listeners to tears even today.
It’s a masterpiece that epitomizes Sada’s hallmark blend of wistfulness and catchiness.
Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai
This is the ninth single by Anzen Chitai, a five-member rock band formed in Hokkaido centered on vocalist Koji Tamaki, whose overwhelming vocal prowess is recognized even by professional musicians.
Lauded as the culmination of the band’s pursuit of genreless, universal melody, the song pairs an emotional band sound with bittersweet, poignant lyrics that truly resonate.
The arrangement showcases a perfect fusion of lyrics and melody, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that could only arise in a Japanese-language song.
It’s a refreshing yet sentimental rock tune that remains unfaded even as the times change.
Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko
A song by Seiko Matsuda, a singer-songwriter known as the very embodiment of a top idol in J-POP history, who continues to be highly active today.
Included on her 13th album “SUPREME,” this track was never released as a single, yet it is counted among her signature songs.
Its lyrics depict the beauty of the world we live in, reminding us—especially in our era, where issues like war and environmental destruction persist—to think about the future.
With its majestic arrangement and her crystalline vocals evoking the Earth’s beauty, this number carries a universal theme and a heartfelt wish.
Love is overŌyō Fifi
This is the 18th single by Taiwanese singer Fifi Ouyang, whose Japanese debut song “Ame no Midosuji,” released as a cover of The Ventures, suddenly became a million seller.
Originally issued as the B-side to her 17th single “Uwasa no Disco Queen,” it was later released as a single in its own right and became one of her signature numbers.
The lyrics, which depict the complex emotions of a woman, and her soulful vocals, together with the heartrending melody, truly move the heart.
It remains a timeless classic, beloved as a karaoke standard even today.
Asakusa KidBīto Takeshi
A song by singer Beat Takeshi, who proved his skill and presence during the early-1980s manzai comedy boom and now also showcases his talent as a film director and actor.
The song portrays memories with the partner he worked with before forming the manzai duo Two Beat, and the bittersweet episode behind the comedian’s public face really hits home.
The contrast between lyrics that convey big dreams and harsh reality and his husky vocals will likely resonate with anyone chasing their dreams in any era.
It’s a classic unique to the Showa period that feels like it brings us closer to the true Beat Takeshi, who continues to excel across many fields even today.
atonementTeresa Ten
This is the 14th single by Teresa Teng, the Taiwan-born singer widely known as the “Diva of Asia” both during her lifetime and after her passing.
The song won the Grand Prix at both the Japan Cable Awards and the All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards in 1984—the premier awards of east and west—marking her first-ever double crown and cementing its status as one of her signature songs.
Her voice, at once cute and alluring, meshes with the wistfulness of the lyrics to stir the heart.
From the Showa era to today, countless artists have covered this song, and it is sure to be passed down and sung for years to come.
Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo
The songs of singer-songwriter Eigo Kawashima—who passed away at the young age of 48—depict a strength, sorrow, and kindness that many men can’t help but relate to.
This piece has been covered by numerous musicians across genre boundaries and is also known as the signature song he first released under his solo name.
The message, which vividly evokes scenes for both men and women, likely resonates with many listeners alongside its memorable, repeating phrases.
Its wistful melody lingers in the ear—a timeless classic that brings back the Showa era.
stationTakeuchi Mariya
This is the 16th single by Mariya Takeuchi—an iconic singer-songwriter in the city pop genre, which has seen a global revival.
It’s a self-cover of a song she originally wrote for the legendary idol singer Akina Nakamori, released as a double A-side with “AFTER YEARS.” The bittersweet lyrics set to a wistful melody evoke the complex emotions of a breakup you thought you’d moved past but still lingers somewhere in your heart.
Also used as the theme song for the film “Goodbye Mama,” it is one of Mariya Takeuchi’s signature tracks.