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)
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.
Ah, in Muntinlupa the night deepensWatanabe Hamako
Released in 1952, this song actually has a deep connection to World War II.
“Muntinlupa” in the title is the name of a place in the Philippines where former Japanese soldiers were being held as war criminals at the time.
After learning about this, singer Hamako Watanabe began corresponding with the soldiers, and one day she received lyrics and a musical score in a letter from a soldier in Muntinlupa.
She turned it into a recording, which became this song.
The lyrics convey the soldiers’ feelings for their families back in Japan and their determination to survive no matter what until they could return home.
Thinking about the harsh reality of that time brings one to tears.
Incidentally, records show that the former Japanese soldiers held in Muntinlupa were released the year after the song was released and were able to return to Japan.
Heart-stirring Showa-era tearjerker masterpieces (31–40)
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.
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.
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.
Withered Susuki Grass of the Shōwa Erasakura to ichirō
Sakura and Ichiro is a musical duo by Ichiro Tokugawa and Sakura Yamaoka.
Their best-known song is “Shōwa Kare Susuki.” Its lyrics depict a husband and wife struggling to survive in harsh circumstances, with one of them broaching the subject of parting while thinking of the other.
It also offers a glimpse into the social climate of the time.
It’s classic enka, so if you like the genre, be sure to check it out.
Their harmonies and powerful vocals are highlights—you’ll be amazed by their expressive performance.
spring thunderfuki no tō
A classic that evokes the arrival of spring in the Showa era.
As white petals scatter with a sudden clap of thunder, the lyrics tenderly reflect the longing that overlays the memory of someone once parted.
With words that speak to the preciousness of life, Fukinotou’s gentle vocals nestle close and softly enfold the listener’s heart.
Released in May 1979, this song was born from the members’ feelings for a mother.
It was also included on the album “Jinsei・Haru・Oudan” and has continued to resonate with many people.
Listen to it on a spring night as you walk beneath rows of cherry trees, and the precious memories sleeping within you may quietly awaken.