Can't Stop the Sentimentality! Emo Songs Released in the Showa Era
“Emoi,” a youth slang term that describes a state of tender, bittersweet, or nostalgic feeling.
The word itself is modern, but songs that could be called emoi have surely existed in every era.
So this time, we’re introducing emoi songs released in the Showa period.
We’ve selected tracks from various angles—songs with emotional lyrics distinct from today’s style, and arrangements that reflect the era—so we hope you enjoy them.
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- The nostalgic atmosphere tugs at your heartstrings. Tear-jerker songs from the Showa era.
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
- Guaranteed to move your emotions! Emo songs released in the Reiwa era
- Now’s the time to listen! Uplifting Showa-era songs that brightened Japan
- A heart-wrenching story that tightens the chest! A Showa-era unrequited love song
- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
- Just listening to it purifies the heart... A healing song born in the Showa era.
- Showa-era masterpieces roundup: A must-listen collection of nostalgic oldies and hit songs
- [Showa-Era Graduation Songs] Nostalgic? Emotive? A curated selection of timeless classics loved across generations
- Showa-era love songs: A roundup of timeless love songs cherished across generations
Can't stop the sentimentality! Emo songs released in the Showa era (1–10)
Under the big onionbakufū suranpu
Known as one of Bakufu Slump’s signature songs, this track is a heartfelt ballad that poignantly portrays a bittersweet love.
It features Sunplaza Nakano’s memorable vocals and lyrics so vivid they paint scenes before your eyes.
Included on the album “Shiawase,” released in November 1985, it was later remade and released as a single, becoming a major hit.
The song was also used as the theme for the film “Battle Heater” and in a commercial for Cosmo Oil.
It’s a recommended listen for those who want to empathize with pure feelings of love and the emotions of young people standing at a crossroads in life.
The lyric that describes the iconic roof of the Budokan as a “big onion” is especially striking and has captured the hearts of many listeners.
Give Up on SummerNaoko Ken
It’s a ballad that depicts the bittersweet scenes of summer’s end, delicately expressing the emotions of lovers.
Released in September 1982, the song achieved high acclaim, reaching No.
5 on the Oricon weekly chart and winning the Gold Prize at the Japan Record Awards.
Naoko Ken’s uniquely languid vocals beautifully convey the loneliness and frustration of late summer.
Closely associated with the imagery of Shonan and Enoshima, this piece is perfect to listen to as the season turns toward summer’s close.
Why not listen to it thoughtfully while recalling that last day you spent on the beach?
Goodbyeofukōsu
A signature work by Off Course, whose emotive lyrics and translucent melody resonate deeply.
Released in December 1979, this song weaves a poignant tale of parting with a lover.
Kazumasa Oda’s delicate vocals beautifully capture the pain of heartbreak and the fragility of love, striking a chord with many listeners.
The track reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and ranked No.
9 on the 1980 year-end chart.
It was later used in a Daihatsu commercial and continues to be loved across generations.
It’s a comforting song to listen to when you want to heal the pain of a breakup or after experiencing a farewell with someone dear.
Can't stop the sentimentality! Emo songs released in the Showa era (11–20)
Graduation PhotoArai Yumi
A song filled with memories of youth.
It’s an eternal masterpiece created by Yumi Arai.
Released in June 1975 on her third album, COBALT HOUR, this track continues to move people’s hearts across generations.
The lyrics, which seem to revive the precious memories of the protagonist’s high school days lying deep within, are sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners.
It’s a poignant youth anthem to play when you feel nostalgic and want to take a fresh look at yourself.
Beyond the GoodbyeYamaguchi Momoe
This work is the retirement single of Momoe Yamaguchi, who left a profound mark on the Japanese music scene.
Its lyrics are striking, symbolizing both transience and eternity: even when a beautifully bloomed flower withers, it continues to blossom forever in the hearts of those who saw it.
Released in August 1980, the song became a major hit, peaking at No.
4 on the Oricon charts.
Also serving as a message to her fans, it has continued to be covered by various artists even after Yamaguchi’s retirement.
It is a classic of the Showa era that resonates with those standing at life’s crossroads or who have experienced parting from someone dear.
Strawberry Statement, Once Againbanban
Filled with the bittersweetness of youth and pure first love, this work is a classic that symbolizes the folk-song boom of the 1970s.
Set against the lingering aftereffects of the student protest era, it delicately portrays the feelings of young people.
Released in August 1975, the song became Banban’s only Oricon No.
1 hit and was a major success, ranking 13th in annual sales.
It’s the perfect track for when you want to bask in the nostalgia of love and youth, or when you’re in the mood to look back on the past.
Its heartfelt melody and lyrics will gently wrap themselves around the listener’s heart.
boyhoodTakeda Tetsuya
Takeda Tetsuya’s singing voice soaks into the heart in this timeless song.
Set to a nostalgic melody, it delicately portrays the complex emotions of the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Feelings of sadness, loneliness, and anxiety are sure to resonate with listeners.
Released in March 1985, it was also used as the ending theme for the animated film Doraemon: Nobita’s Little Star Wars.
The lyrics, which express the pure sensibilities of childhood and the resistance to growing up, are bound to strike a chord with many.
It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to look back on fond memories or sort through the complex emotions that come with growing up.