[Nostalgic Hits] Smash Hits with the Showa Generation! Classic and Popular Songs Sung by Female Vocalists
Saying “Those were the good old days” might make you feel a bit old—but honestly, there are times when remembering the past really does make you happy, right?
The TV shows you watched when you were young, the streets you walked, and the music you listened to…
In this article, I’ve put together a list of nostalgic Showa-era hit songs sung by female artists.
Feel free to reminisce about the past, find fresh motivation—and of course, use it as a reference for your next karaoke selection!
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[Nostalgic Hits] Big with the Showa Generation! Classic and Popular Songs Sung by Female Vocalists (31–40)
The Flower Girl of TokyoHaruo Oka
A classic from 1946 that paints a single flower of hope blooming at a Tokyo crossroads where blue willows are budding.
Sung with the warmth of Haruo Oka’s voice, the melody gently embraced people’s hearts during the turmoil of the postwar era.
Through the figure of a young flower seller with a gentle demeanor, the image of Tokyo rising from the ashes comes into view.
The lyrics by Sasa Shio and the composition by Gento Uehara blend beautifully, creating a gem of a song in which a definite hope can be felt even amid loneliness.
This work gracefully depicts the feelings of those seeking to take a new step with the arrival of spring.
It is a moving masterpiece recommended for anyone who wishes to spend a heartwarming moment in the spring sunshine.
Broken-winged angelNakamura Ayumi
Ayumi Nakamura’s third single, released on May 21, 1988.
It had been selected as the song for Nissin Cup Noodles’ TV commercial in 1985 and became a massive hit, selling over 500,000 copies at the time.
I first heard this song—and Nakamura’s voice—on Best Sound, a program for amateur musicians that aired on NHK Educational TV back then, and I remember being a bit surprised by her slightly husky tone.
Perhaps because it was released at the height of the so-called bubble economy, even listening to it again now after a long time, it gives off an impressively bright atmosphere.
It makes me feel I can truly grasp the saying, “Songs reflect the times, and the times reflect the songs.”
The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko
It’s a classic that carries the sparkle of summer’s arrival and the thrill of a budding romance.
Just listening to it makes your heart skip and gives you the urge to dash off somewhere, doesn’t it? Released in April 1981 as Seiko Matsuda’s fifth single, this track is also included on the acclaimed album “Silhouette.” Its hope-filled lyrics and Seiko’s endlessly soaring high notes blend perfectly, as if gently giving listeners a push forward.
It was also featured at the time in a Shiseido “Ekubo” commercial, enchanting many with her voice.
Isn’t it just perfect for opening the door to a new season or when you want to refresh your mood?
the first strong spring windkyandīzu
Are you on the side of the cute Candies, or the sultry Pink Lady? The Candies were so popular they practically split the men of the nation into two camps with their smash hit.
Each member—Ran, Sue, and Miki—had her own natural charm, and they were a big hit on variety shows like The Drifters’.
Released in 1976, this song features an outstandingly crafted pre-chorus, and the choreography—just a simple wave of the right hand—is beautiful.
It’s a nostalgic number that celebrates youth, with new love as its motif.
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?
Nostalgic Songs: Hits with the Showa Generation! Masterpieces and Popular Songs Sung by Female Vocalists (41–50)
Orphan Hachishimazaki yuri
Feelings for a mother and hope are woven through a voice that balances gentleness and strength.
With her clear, translucent vocals, Yuri Shimazaki paints scenes that tenderly envelop the story of a small protagonist’s adventure and growth.
You can’t help but empathize with the figure who continues their journey with love and courage in their heart, making this a heartwarming work that gives you the strength to move forward step by step.
Released as a single by Nippon Columbia in May 1970, it captured the hearts of many viewers as the opening theme for the anime “Mitsubachi Māya no Bōken” (Insect Story: Orphan Hacchi).
In 1974, she also performed the theme for the sequel, successfully enriching the world of the series.
It’s the perfect song for when you need encouragement or want to lift someone’s spirits.
I want to go back to that dayMatsutōya Yumi
This is the sixth single released during the Arai Yumi era by Yumi Matsutoya—known affectionately as Yuming, the queen of pop.
The song was widely tied up with media, serving as the theme for the TBS drama “Family Secrets” and appearing in various commercials.
It has also been covered by many famous artists.
Her signature gentle vocals are truly soothing, and the lyrics, which look back on youth, are heart-wrenching.
A classic masterpiece recommended for anyone who wants to bask in their memories.
