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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Heart-stirring Showa-era tearjerker masterpieces (31–40)
A woman born in OsakaBORO
This was the second single by singer-songwriter BORO, born in response to complaints from young listeners that “there aren’t any Osaka songs we can sing.” Widely known as a classic that sings of days with a lover and a breakup, the full-length version—unlike the single version—is actually an epic with lyrics running up to verse 18 and lasting over 30 minutes.
Furthermore, in 2015, “Osaka de Umareta Onna 19” added newly recorded verses 19 through 21, drawing attention to how the story continues.
It’s a Showa-era masterpiece whose narrative still lives on today—one that longtime fans can’t help but hope will see further sequels.
Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten
Among the many masterpieces that sing of deep love, this is a particularly moving song.
It deftly depicts the evolving landscapes of love over time, and through its exquisite melody and exceptional expressiveness, it showcases Teresa Teng at her very best.
The song beautifully portrays unconditional love for someone dear, along with the self-sacrifice that springs from it, gently enveloping the listener’s heart.
Released in February 1986, it was also included on the album “Toki no Nagare ni Mi o Makase” (I Only Care About You).
It achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Grand Prix at the 19th Japan Cable Radio Awards for the third consecutive year, and it also received the Gold Award at the 28th Japan Record Awards.
Even today, it is widely covered by many artists and cherished across generations.
It is a recommended listen when you are thinking of someone special or wish to spend time in a calm, peaceful mood.
Why not immerse yourself in memories with a loved one and enjoy a heartwarming moment?
Elegy of SpringShōji Shirō
A masterpiece that conveys the atmosphere of early Showa to the present day.
Composed in 1934, the song entrusts its plea to flowers that symbolize lost love and the fleeting nature of spring, drifting along with the tides of the era.
The lyrics, which portray the pain of parting, are tenderly supported by Shiro Shoji’s voice, resulting in a performance that truly resonates.
You’ll sense a certain nostalgia and a feeling that grips the heart.
The encounter with Yuji Koseki profoundly changed both of their musical lives.
At the memorial museum in Fukushima City, you can view exhibits such as musical scores and experience the history firsthand.
In the season when spring’s arrival can be felt, it’s especially recommended to listen while strolling beneath rows of cherry blossoms.
That wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu
A gem of a folk song, filled with longing and nostalgia in search of a lost love.
It gently embraces shifting emotional distances and reflections on youth gone by.
The warm sonic world woven by the soothing resonance of the acoustic guitar and a refined arrangement beautifully captures the farewells and hoped-for reunions we all encounter in life.
Since its release in May 1971, it has been beloved as a staple for school events and graduation season, and has been widely used as incidental music in dramas and variety shows.
When you want to linger in memories with someone dear, why not immerse yourself in its soul-stirring vocals and poetic world?
Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko
A gem of a love song that portrays the aching feelings of a woman in love.
With moving lyrics by Reiko Yukawa and a beautiful melody composed by Akiko Kobayashi herself, this work harmonizes perfectly to vividly depict the delicate emotions of a woman suffering from a forbidden love.
Released in August 1985, it was also used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Friday Wives.” It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart seven times and became a massive hit, ranking third on the 1985 year-end chart.
Even today, it continues to be beloved by people of all ages as a song that stays close to the hearts of those who harbor secret affections and wavering emotions.
Soul-stirring Tearjerker Classics from the Showa Era (41–50)
Cape TourYamamoto Kōtarō to Uīkuendo
It’s a classic song that poignantly portrays a bittersweet love journey, marked by striking images of a beautiful sea and cape.
The gentle, refreshing melody harmonizes beautifully with lyrical verses that circle around memories of a cherished person who has been lost.
The delicate depiction of traveling alone on a trip once promised to a loved one conveys a quiet resilience—a resolve to move forward while carrying sorrow.
Yamamoto Kotaro and The Weekend debuted with this song in June 1974, and it became a major hit, reaching No.
5 on the Oricon charts.
It has long been beloved as the station melody on the Keikyu Kurihama Line and was also used as the ending theme for the anime Heaven’s Lost Property.
For those who have experienced parting from someone dear or who carry deep feelings in their hearts, this song will gently keep them company.
Listening to OliviaAnri
A melody that gently envelops the lingering ache of a bittersweet romance, paired with refined musicianship, resonates deeply in the heart.
The lyrics, which carefully depict a woman healing her delicate emotions after a breakup while listening to Olivia Newton-John’s songs, have struck a chord with many.
With Anri’s clear, translucent vocals giving the piece a sophisticated, urban feel, it was released in November 1978 and included on the album “Anri.” In 2008, it was also featured as an insert song in the Nippon TV drama “Saito-san,” cementing its status as a timeless classic loved across generations.
This warm ballad offers comfort to those trying to recover from the pain of heartbreak and to anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.