Thrilling to Cool Showa-Era Tunes! Classic Songs from Female Singers and Artists of the Showa Period
Showa-era songs are now loved by the younger generation too.
Many people probably think they’re “cool,” don’t they?
No wonder—there were so many timeless hits by female stars radiating overwhelming charisma, like Momoe Yamaguchi and Akina Nakamori.
Beyond their outstanding vocal ability, you can’t help but be drawn to their astonishing allure.
From Showa kayō and enka to rock and city pop, and more.
This is a playlist featuring cool Showa-era tracks across genres!
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- Nostalgic yet fresh!? Classic masterpieces of Japanese rock from the 1970s and 1980s
- A classic Showa-era kayōkyoku song sung by a female vocalist. A nostalgic tune passed down through the years.
- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- An iconic song by a female artist that Gen Z can get hyped about with their peers
- When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
- Songs by Showa-era idols that you’ll want to listen to now, in the Reiwa era!
Thrilled by cool Showa-era tunes! Classic Showa songs by female singers and artists (21–30)
Forbidden TelepathyKudō Shizuka
Released in 1987, this song effectively marked Shizuka Kudo’s debut as a solo artist.
It was also used as the ending theme for Monday Drama Land and became a hit.
Even today, Kudo is known less as a “cute” idol and more as a cool, stylish one, and songs with a serious tone like this suit her very well.
The pairing of lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and composition by Tsugutoshi Goto continued until 1993.
Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri
Speaking of cool songs from the Showa-era enka scene, surely Sayuri Ishikawa’s “Amagi-goe” comes to mind.
While this song can be considered a regional anthem as it sings of crossing Mount Amagi in Izu, it is even more so a piece that seethes with a woman’s passionate emotions.
Even Sayuri Ishikawa—often seen as the quintessential cool enka singer who could handle such material—reportedly thought at first, “I can’t believe I’m going to sing a song with such intense emotion.” Today, it stands as one of her signature songs.
[Feel the Thrill of Cool Showa-Era Tunes!] Classic Showa Songs by Female Singers/Artists (31–40)
The Fugitive in the WaterSHOW-YA
Here’s the SHOW-YA song that was used as the theme for the crime drama “Metropolis 25 O’Clock.” Speaking of SHOW-YA, they’re a pioneering all-female band known for their lineup of cool, badass older-sister types.
So if SHOW-YA is performing a detective-themed song, that’s coolness squared.
This track aims straight for the mainstream, with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and composition by Kyohei Tsutsumi, and it combines not just swagger but a catchy appeal as well.
SHOW-YA is still going strong today—I hope they’ll keep being awesome forever.
Oneway GenerationHonda Minako
Minako Honda, who made a dazzling transformation from idol singer to musical theater star.
Since her debut in 1985, she shone on the idol scene while also taking on classical music and musicals, showcasing activities that transcended genres.
She successfully held her first concert at the Nippon Budokan and, in 1988, formed the female rock band MINAKO with WILD CATS.
In her debut year, she won the Japan Record Awards’ Best New Artist, earning high acclaim for her talent.
Chosen from 12,000 candidates to play Kim in the musical Miss Saigon, she captivated audiences with her outstanding vocal ability and expressive power.
As a songstress who combines a powerful voice with graceful poise, she is highly recommended for those seeking music of the highest quality.
Summertime BluesSakurada Junko
When you think of Junko Sakurada, isn’t she one of the quintessential idol singers of the Showa era? Along with Masako Mori and Momoe Yamaguchi, she was known as part of the “Flower Junior High Trio,” and her appeal lay in her fresh, cool, boyish charm with a short haircut.
This song is about a young, sorrowful romance that lasted only one summer—evoking the image of a slightly grown-up kind of love.
Although Ms.
Sakurada is no longer active in show business, listening to her songs still brings back the atmosphere of those days.
Lady Xpinku redii
This song was created as the B-side to Pink Lady’s classic “UFO,” released in 1977.
The lyrics were written by Yū Aku, with music by Shunichi Tokura.
It opens with lively 16-beat guitar cutting, then moves from an intense, Latin dance–like A section to a slightly mellower B section, which is a nice touch.
Many people say they prefer this song, which sings of a mature romance, to “UFO.” The duo’s sexy appeal, transcending time, likely still strikes today’s youth as undeniably cool.
Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko
A gem of a love song that portrays the aching feelings of a woman in love.
With moving lyrics by Reiko Yukawa and a beautiful melody composed by Akiko Kobayashi herself, this work harmonizes perfectly to vividly depict the delicate emotions of a woman suffering from a forbidden love.
Released in August 1985, it was also used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Friday Wives.” It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart seven times and became a massive hit, ranking third on the 1985 year-end chart.
Even today, it continues to be beloved by people of all ages as a song that stays close to the hearts of those who harbor secret affections and wavering emotions.