The Showa era was a time when Japan underwent major changes, having experienced war and then rapid economic growth.
From the late Showa period into the Heisei era, the bubble economy collapsed, and perhaps it was precisely because those times were so unstable that many people drew energy from music.
So this time, we’re introducing some uplifting songs that represent the Showa era.
Each one is a classic that brightened the hearts of the nation, so they’re tracks we hope people of all generations will give a listen to!
- [Showa-Era Classics] A carefully selected collection of uplifting anthems that empower people across generations
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- Just listening to it purifies the heart... A healing song born in the Showa era.
- Just listening will lift your spirits! Energetic and cheer-up songs that defined the Heisei era.
- So nostalgic it feels new? Showa retro classics that colored Japan’s period of rapid economic growth
- 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
- [Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
- Songs from the Heisei retro era that will get any generation excited! Timeless tracks you’ll want to listen to now.
- Uplifting! Heisei-Era Cheer Songs: The Best Hits
- Songs by Showa-era idols that you’ll want to listen to now, in the Reiwa era!
- Showa-era masterpieces roundup: A must-listen collection of nostalgic oldies and hit songs
- Old songs from the Showa to Heisei eras: a collection of timeless classics loved across generations
Listen now! Energetic Showa-era songs that brightened Japan (1–10)
There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu
A song by Kyu Sakamoto, known as an upbeat anthem representing the Showa era.
While depicting the heartbreak of an awkward young man, it conveys hope for a bright future.
Released by Toshiba Records in 1963, it was later used in a commercial for Japan Coca-Cola’s canned coffee, GEORGIA.
In 2000, it was even selected among the Top Ten of the New Words and Buzzwords Awards, earning support across a wide audience.
This bright, easygoing tune that gives you a gentle push forward remains an unfading, timeless classic despite the changing times.
YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki
When it comes to upbeat songs that defined the Showa era, you can’t leave out this track by Hideki Saijo.
A cover of a song by the American band Village People, it was released in February 1979 and became a massive hit, topping the Oricon charts for five consecutive weeks.
The lyrics and choreography, filled with a message of encouragement for young people, are distinctive, and it’s a song that lets the audience join in and have fun at concerts.
He also performed it at the 30th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, solidifying his status as a beloved national singer across all ages.
If you’re feeling down or heading to karaoke with friends, why not sing it with the choreography?
March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko
This is the signature work of Kiyoko Suizenji, known as a classic that energized Japan during the Showa era.
Released in November 1968, it was chosen as the entrance march for the high school baseball tournament the following year and has been loved across generations.
The lyrics, which convey the message “Let’s cherish each and every day,” resonate deeply with the Japanese spirit, overlapping with Buddhist teachings and the ethos of the tea ceremony.
More than just a popular song, it established itself as a cultural icon, even being used in social contribution activities.
It truly stands as a quintessential Showa-era feel-good anthem that has continued to encourage people striving to overcome difficult times.
strollInoue Azumi
A song that captured children’s hearts from the Showa into the Heisei era.
Released in 1988 as the opening theme for a Studio Ghibli animated film, this number features lyrics that depict children strolling through nature, brimming with curiosity and a sense of adventure.
It presents lush natural scenery and teaches the joy of seeing the world through a child’s eyes.
In 1997, it was voted No.
1 by about 1,400 preschoolers, and it remains a beloved classic across generations.
It’s a tune the whole family can enjoy, appealing to listeners from children to adults.
Startled! GoodTahara Toshihiko
This was Toshihiko Tahara’s second single, released when he was one of the most popular idols of the 1980s.
The song was written specifically for a Glico chocolate commercial and drew attention for his co-starring appearance with Seiko Matsuda.
Its lyrics, depicting the moment of love at first sight, evoke the sweet-and-sour memories of youth.
It debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon chart and sold over 620,000 copies.
It also helped lay the foundation for Tahara’s music career, winning the Best New Artist award at the 22nd Japan Record Awards in 1980.
A quintessential Showa-era pop tune, perfect for rekindling the flutter of falling in love.
Cheer up!Yakushimaru Hiroko
A song written and composed by Mariya Takeuchi for Hiroko Yakushimaru.
It’s known for its lyrics that encourage a friend hurt by a broken heart.
Classified as pop/city pop, it has been loved by many across generations.
The track was included on Yakushimaru’s first album, “Kokinshū,” released in February 1984.
It was also used in 1988 as a commercial song for SEIKO Dolce & Exceline.
It’s a tune you’ll want to hear when you want to overcome heartbreak or setbacks and make a fresh start.
It’s an uplifting, quintessentially Showa-era “genki” song that can truly put you in a positive mood.
Summer MissSakakibara Ikue
This is a number loved by many as a refreshing pop tune that represents summer.
The lyrics depicting youthful days at the beach and the light, lively melody resonate so pleasantly.
Released in July 1978 as Ikue Sakakibara’s seventh single, it became a hit, peaking at No.
5 on TBS’s “The Best Ten.” It’s a song that makes you feel the fresh summer breeze and brings back the thrills of the season of love.
Great for karaoke and perfect as background music for a drive.
Why not make it your summer companion and give it a listen?
See, spring has come.ushirogami hikaretai
The Ushirogami Hikare Tai song, which expresses the arrival of spring in a bright and refreshing way, portrays the joy and anticipation of a new season.
It depicts scenes unique to spring, symbolizing fresh beginnings and vitality at the turn of the seasons.
Released in February 1988, the track was also used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime “Tsuide ni Tonchinkan,” and its tie-in with the anime further boosted its popularity.
It’s a pop tune that makes you want to listen in spring when the new school term and new lifestyles begin, lifting your spirits with its positive vibe.
Sūdara-bushiUeki Hitoshi
When it comes to upbeat songs that define the Showa era, you can’t leave out this classic by Hitoshi Ueki.
Its lyrics humorously portray everyday failures and setbacks.
Released in August 1961, it became a huge hit, reaching 16th on the year-end chart.
It’s been used in films and commercials, and Ueki himself remade it in 1990, proving its timeless appeal.
It’s the perfect song for laughing off your mishaps—whether you’ve had too much to drink or lost at the races.
Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS
This is the major debut single by THE BLUE HEARTS, a four-piece punk rock band that captivated junior and senior high school students nationwide from the 1980s to the 1990s.
Their high-velocity punk sound and electrifying, impactful performances were rare in the music scene at the time, and their uniquely poetic, incisive lyrics—seemingly at odds with that sound—enchanted many listeners.
Released in May 1987, the song has continued to be widely used in commercials, TV dramas, and films, and remains beloved by many to this day.
It is an immortal classic to play when you want to get pumped up or need the courage to protect what matters most.