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 (11–20)
If I Could Play the PianoNishida Toshiyuki
A signature song by Toshiyuki Nishida that beautifully conveys delicate sensibilities and a yearning for the piano.
Released in 1981, the track was used in the NTV drama “Ikenaka Genta 80 kg” and was also performed as Nishida’s debut number on that year’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Its lyrics, which sing of aching desire, resonate with many.
Written as an anthem for clumsy, awkward men, the song seems to speak for those who want to express their love but can’t.
With Nishida’s warm voice and heartfelt words, it’s a timeless classic that anyone can relate to.
Seychelles sunsetMatsuda Seiko
A summer ballad included on the classic album Utopia, released in June 1983.
Many listeners were surely captivated by its bittersweet yet romantic scene: at dusk in a far-off land, entrusting a letter—written in sunset-colored ink while thinking of a loved one—to the sea.
Masao Ōmura’s luxurious, delicate production blends beautifully with Seiko’s crystal-clear vocals.
The album featuring this song won the Best Album Award at the Japan Record Awards that same year.
And the fact that it continues to be selected for many best-of compilations despite not being a single shows just how beloved it is.
It’s the perfect track for twilight on a journey, or for a quiet night spent thinking of someone dear.
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?
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?
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
This time we introduced some emo songs from the Showa era—what did you think? Many of these tracks evoke a different historical backdrop and portrayals of romance from today, making them quite memorable.
There are still countless masterpieces hidden in the history of Japanese music, so if this piqued your interest, we recommend exploring further.