The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
The Showa era produced countless timeless masterpieces and legendary artists loved across generations.
In recent years, with the rise of streaming services, it’s become increasingly common to see songs from the Showa period enjoy revival hits.
This time, we’re introducing tear-jerker songs that were born in that Showa era.
While the times and social backdrop differ from today, we’ve compiled a wide-ranging list—from moving tracks to heartrending ones—so you’re sure to find something that resonates with you.
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- Can't Stop the Sentimentality! Emo Songs Released in the Showa Era
- When you want to immerse yourself in music alone! Tear-jerker songs released in the Reiwa era
- Tear ducts guaranteed to burst! Heart-wrenching masterpiece songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
- Showa-era love songs: A roundup of timeless love songs cherished across generations
- Tears won’t stop with these sentimental lyrics! Heisei-era tearjerker songs
- A roundup of classic Showa-era kayō songs: a comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations.
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
- [Women Artists Only] Tear-Jerking Masterpieces Recommended for Gen Z
- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
- Showa-era nostalgic songs: Popular ranking
- A heart-wrenching story that tightens the chest! A Showa-era unrequited love song
The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at the heartstrings. Shōwa-era tearjerker songs (11–20)
I’ll wait.amin
Released in July 1982 as their debut single, the song is known as the signature work of the female duo Amin.
Its lyrics, depicting a bittersweet love, and its clear, transparent harmonies make it a classic that resonates with many.
The song topped the Oricon annual sales chart and became a massive hit with total sales exceeding 1.2 million copies.
It was also featured in numerous commercials, including Toyota’s “Duet” and SoftBank Mobile’s “ULTRA Wi-Fi,” making it a familiar tune to many.
Delicately expressing the complex feelings of a woman in love, this piece offers solace to those who have experienced heartbreak or harbor unrequited feelings.
ShipwreckNakamori Akina
An emotionally rich ballad depicting a woman’s heart adrift in deep loneliness after losing the one she loves.
Originally released by Tokiko Kato in 1984, the song was covered by Akina Nakamori in 1987 and performed at the 38th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
While her mind tells her to “give up,” her emotions overflow and drive her to want to chase after her beloved—feelings that Nakamori’s sultry vocals express to perfection.
The song won the Gold Prize at the 29th Japan Record Awards and topped the Oricon charts, achieving an astonishing 410,000 copies sold.
It has also inspired numerous covers by renowned artists such as Kaori Momoi and Tomomi Kahala.
A gem of a masterpiece to listen to alone, quietly, when heartbreak leaves you on the verge of breaking.
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.
In conclusion
How was it? This time, we introduced tear-jerker songs born in the Showa era.
Even if you’re not from that generation, these are all famous tracks you’ve probably heard at least once.
I hope you can feel a different atmosphere from the Heisei and Reiwa eras.