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.
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- A heart-wrenching story that tightens the chest! A Showa-era unrequited love song
The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at the heartstrings. Showa-era tearjerker songs (1–10)
I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu
Off Course has captivated many fans with lyrics that resonate with the heart and delicate melodies.
Released in February 1982, this work is a quiet ballad that conveys emotions beyond words.
Also included on the album “over,” it’s a song where Kazumasa Oda’s tender vocals and the string arrangement truly sink in.
Cherished as a wedding standard, its universal message resonates with many people.
It’s the perfect song for expressing your feelings to someone special or for quietly reflecting on yourself.
Sonnet of the Clownsadamasashi
A signature work by Masashi Sada, born as the theme song for the film “Fly, Wings of Icarus.” The sorrow hidden behind a clown’s smile and the belief that bringing smiles to others can also save oneself are expressed through gentle yet aching vocals and melody.
Released in February 1980, the song reached No.
2 on the Oricon chart and was later used in commercials for Japan Post Bank and U-Can correspondence courses.
It has become an indispensable part of Sada’s concert repertoire and continues to resonate with many people.
It’s a heartwarming song to listen to when you’re struggling in life or want to encourage someone.
Strawberry Statement, Once Againbanban
A signature work by BanBan, known as a classic from the Showa era.
The song’s memorable title is inspired by the film “The Strawberry Statement,” which portrays student activism and young love, and its lyrics resonate by reflecting the feelings of youth and the atmosphere of the times.
Released as a single in August 1975, it topped the Oricon charts and became a major hit, ranking 13th in annual sales.
Its gentle melodic line and simple arrangement centered on acoustic guitar offer a comforting intimacy to listeners.
This gem of a folk song, steeped in nostalgia, is recommended for those who want to relive memories of student days and the bittersweetness of first love.
Love is overŌyō Fifi
This is one of Fifi Ouyang’s signature songs, with a heartrending voice that tightens the chest as it announces the end of a romance.
The lyrics are striking in how they frame the breakup as being for the other person’s sake, expressing selfless love.
Originally released in 1979 as a B-side, the song didn’t make a notable impact at first, but word of mouth spread, and it was re-released as an A-side in July 1980.
Since then, it has remained beloved and has become a classic covered by many artists.
Its lyrics, tinged with sorrow yet filled with resolve, will surely resonate with anyone striving to overcome the pain of heartbreak.
Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki
This is the major debut single by singer-songwriter Hideaki Tokunaga, who has earned enduring popularity with his distinctive high-tone voice and lyrical singing.
Given how many prominent musicians have covered it, chances are everyone has heard it at least once.
The lingering feelings for an unforgettable, precious person intertwine with the rainy scenery, and Tokunaga’s androgynous, translucent vocals double the sense of poignancy.
Its fragile, beautiful melody soothes a wounded man’s heart, making it a quintessential unrequited-love song.
era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki
This is Miyuki Nakajima’s second single, released in December 1975.
Within its calm, narrative delivery, layers of life’s many scenes—parting, loss, and new encounters—overlap, giving it a warmth like a vessel into which listeners can easily pour their own memories and emotions.
Winning the Grand Prix at the 6th World Popular Song Festival held the same year, the song quickly boosted her recognition, and it has continued to be loved across media—for example, it was chosen as the theme song for the film “Memories: You Will Not Be Forgotten,” released in January 2020.
On days when your spirits sink for no particular reason, why not surrender yourself to its gentle melody that feels like a soft push on your back? It’s a song that will stay close when your heart is tired—like a protective charm.
The Refrain Is ScreamingMatsutōya Yumi
A signature song by singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya that sings of the pain of heartbreak and lingering regret.
Included on the album “Delight Sight Light KISS,” released in November 1988, it became widely loved beyond Yuming’s core fans, even topping the cable broadcasting charts.
The lyrics, with their memorable, repeated questions, vividly capture the emptiness and remorse that follow a breakup.
Emotions depicted from both male and female perspectives give the song a universal theme that resonates with many.
It’s a moving classic recommended for anyone who has experienced a parting or is struggling with a relationship with someone important.