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!
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
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- [Nostalgic Hits] Smash Hits with the Showa Generation! Classic and Popular Songs Sung by Female Vocalists
- [Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
- [Revisited] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era songs that are trending now [2026]
- 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)
RASPBERRY DREAMRebekka
This song is one of REBECCA’s signature hits from the 1980s.
It’s pop, yet it had a fresh, cool edge that set it apart from the idol-style kayōkyoku of the time.
NOKKO’s vocals—husky yet glossy in the high register—together with the solid band sound, brought a new breeze to the Japanese music scene.
Although they broke up once, they reunited in 2015.
I hope they’ll continue to bring us wonderful songs.
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.
telephone numberOhashi Junko
Speaking of Junko Ohashi, she’s one of the stylish and cool singers of the Showa era, isn’t she? While Ohashi is strongly associated with “Silhouette Romance,” here’s a song she released in 1981.
The opening where the phone number is repeated and her refreshing high-tone voice are really cool.
After this song came out, the first mobile phone was released in 1985—one of those very large, shoulder-carried types.
Thinking about that, this song also brings to mind the historical background of telephones.
Lullaby of the Holy MothersIwasaki Hiromi
Hiromi Iwasaki, who showed a youthful, fresh idol image with “Romance” and “Cinderella Honeymoon,” has somehow become a stunningly beautiful mature woman.
I always think I want to grow older gracefully like her.
“Seibo-tachi no Lullaby” (Lullaby of the Holy Mothers) was released in 1982 as Iwasaki’s 28th single.
As you know, it was the ending theme for Nippon TV’s Tuesday Suspense Theater, but it was originally created strictly as an ending theme and only had one chorus.
From there, its popularity took off, and it grew into a song that can be called one of Iwasaki’s signature numbers.
The commanding presence with which she performs this song, combined with lyrics that foreground motherhood, is truly cool.
It’s a classic from the Showa era that I can listen to over and over again.
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.