Nostalgic foods of the Showa era. Let’s trace the memorable flavors and the memories they evoke.
Back then, the dinner table overflowed with special flavors you can hardly find today.
The foods beloved throughout the Showa era were more than mere nourishment; they were a cherished part of family bonds and conversations with friends.
From the instant noodles we often ate at home to the nostalgic snacks loved by everyone, we’ll introduce their unique charms and the stories behind them.
Why not take your time and savor these heartwarming memories that come back to life along with their tastes?
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Nostalgic foods of the Showa era. Let’s trace the memorable flavors and the memories they evoke (1–10).
Nissin Chicken Ramen
Chicken Ramen is one of Nissin’s signature instant ramen brands and is etched in history as the first commercially successful instant noodle.
It was born in 1958 and has long been loved as a noodle that’s easy to prepare.
The development process was even dramatized, clearly passing down the efforts that went into achieving this convenience.
Its simplicity allows for a wide range of variations, letting everyone enjoy it in their own way—perhaps that’s one of the reasons it continues to be so beloved.
Nissin Yakisoba
Nissin Yakisoba is an instant noodle product from Nissin, known for its unique preparation method that you don’t often see elsewhere and for its versatility in customization.
It was first released in 1963 and has been beloved since the Showa era.
The special powdered sauce, famed for its spicy kick and even nicknamed the “divine powder,” is especially memorable and a key reason for its lasting popularity.
While the package suggests example ingredients to add, many people seem to prefer a purist approach—making it without adding any toppings at all.
Nagatanien Ochazuke Nori
When you want a quick meal, ochazuke is perfect—and many people reach for Nagatanien’s Ochazuke Nori at those times.
Nagatanien’s Ochazuke Nori was born in 1952, and it’s a long-loved product because it lets you enjoy delicious ochazuke with ease.
It contains seaweed, toasted rice crackers, and matcha salt, and this combination creates a simple yet tasty ochazuke.
Other companies offer various ochazuke mixes too, but Nagatanien can be considered the original that established this foundational combination.
Nostalgic foods of the Showa era: Let's trace the memorable flavors and recollections (11–20)
CalorieMate
Calorie Mate, sold by Otsuka Pharmaceutical, is loved by a wide range of generations as an easy way to get nutrition.
It first appeared in 1983, and since the Showa era it has helped people supplement their diets.
Many people may be more familiar with the block type, but the first product sold was actually a canned drink.
From there, inspired by British shortbread, the block type was created.
It’s a food whose long history is also evident in its advertising—shifting from something you eat only when you’re too busy to something you actively choose for its nutrition and satiety.
Häagen-Dazs
Haagen-Dazs, which has the image of being a slightly more upscale ice cream, has long been loved, partly because you can buy it at convenience stores and supermarkets.
It first arrived in Japan in 1984, when the Japanese subsidiary was established and the first shop opened in Aoyama—an ice cream cherished since the Showa era.
Noticing that in Japan up to that point ice cream was largely seen as something for children, the brand’s shift toward a premium line aimed at adults may have been a key to its success.
The variety of flavors is another reason for its popularity, and it feels like the packaging is even more beloved than the storefronts.
Pocari Sweat
Pocari Sweat is strongly associated with hydration, and many people feel they’ve been helped by its effects.
It first appeared in 1980, making it a drink that has been loved since the Showa era.
Created under the concept of a “drinkable IV drip,” it not only replenishes lost water but also the ions lost along with it—offering excellent benefits.
While many other companies have released various sports drinks, Pocari Sweat’s long history may make it a beverage that inspires greater confidence.
potato chips
Potato chips are a classic snack, and while many companies offer numerous brands, I think many people immediately picture Calbee’s potato chips.
Calbee’s potato chips debuted in 1975, and with their long history, they can be considered one of Japan’s representative snack foods.
Although they weren’t Japan’s first potato chips and were a later entrant, you can see the company’s effort in how they rose to become a national staple.
The variety is also part of the appeal, so why not trace their history—along with the different flavors and editions that have come out over the years?