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 ice cream from the Showa era. From today’s classic staples to old-time favorites.
- The nostalgic world of Showa-era films. Revisiting masterpieces that linger in the heart.
- Heartwarming nostalgia: scenes of Showa-era streets that bring back memories.
- [Nostalgic Showa Fashion] The changing trends that feel both nostalgic and fresh
- Found at a dagashi shop! A roundup of nostalgic and delicious popular snacks
- Nostalgic cars from the Showa era: A special feature on memorable classic cars spotted on street corners
- A roundup of nostalgic Showa-era home appliances, including rare ones you don’t see anymore!
- Have fun with classic Showa-era games! Simple yet profoundly engaging traditional pastimes
- A nostalgic feature on Showa-era magazines: looking back at the popular magazines of the time.
- [For Seniors] Recommended for Brain Training! Nostalgic Showa-Era Quiz
- The Complete Guide to Showa-Era Toys: From Showa retro to toys still loved today
Nostalgic foods of the Showa era. Let’s trace the memorable flavors and the memories they evoke (1–10).
UCC Coffee
Many people probably consider canned coffee—easily bought even from vending machines—indispensable in their daily lives.
Among such canned coffees, UCC Coffee holds a near-foundational status: it debuted in 1969 and has been loved ever since.
It was created from the desire to make coffee beverages easy to drink straight from a can, and that development mindset clearly foreshadowed its strong compatibility with vending machines later on.
Today, many companies offer a variety of canned coffees, but including the feel of its packaging, UCC Coffee still exudes the presence of the original.
Kappa Ebisen (Calbee shrimp chips)
Calbee’s Kappa Ebisen is a classic snack and actually has a longer history than Calbee’s other staple, potato chips.
Kappa Ebisen debuted in 1964, and including its predecessors in the series, it’s a product that has been loved for many years.
It’s said that from the earlier Kappa Arare series, the brand aimed to create a nutritious, health-conscious snack, and that ideal seems to have contributed to achieving great taste as well.
Along with the catchphrase “Can’t stop, won’t stop,” it’s a treat cherished by people of all ages.
Oronamin C Drink
Oronamin C Drink is a carbonated nutritional beverage sold by Otsuka Pharmaceutical, and its appeal lies not only in the taste but also in how easy it is to drink from the small bottle.
The drink debuted in 1965 and has supported consumers’ nutrition since the Showa era.
It’s also well known for the catchphrase “Genki Hatsuratsu!” and commercials using it convey the refreshing flavor clearly.
Since it isn’t a pharmaceutical product, the price is reasonable, and the ability to quickly top up your nutrition with a small bottle is another major draw.
Cup Noodles
Cup Noodles can be called the original cup-type instant noodles—a product whose development story has even been dramatized, securing its place in culinary history.
Debuting in 1971 and continually improved over the years, it has been loved for a long time.
The realization that came when expanding Chicken Ramen overseas is often cited as the inspiration for its development, which helps explain why it became a global hit.
From its flavor variations to its sales methods, it’s a food through which you can clearly feel its rich history.
Kellogg’s Corn Flakes
Corn flakes are strongly associated with overseas breakfasts, and many companies sell them in Japan as well.
The original corn flakes in Japan could be said to be Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, a long‑loved product since their debut in 1963.
The biggest selling point is that they’re made with nutrition in mind, and their simple flavor makes them easy to enjoy in a wide variety of ways.
You can sense the company’s desire for people to include them in their breakfast, as they provide solid, essential nutrition.
Sapporo Ichiban
Sapporo Ichiban by Sanyo Foods is one of the classic instant ramen brands, loved for its wide range of simple, customizable variations.
The soy sauce flavor debuted in 1966, miso ramen in 1968, and shio (salt) ramen in 1971—each flavor has been cherished since the Showa era.
It’s delicious as-is, and it also broadened the possibilities of instant ramen by making it fun to think about toppings and creative twists.
Besides the three classic varieties, it’s also worth exploring its history to see what other versions have been released.
Bireley’s Orange
Orange drinks are classics for every generation, and among them, Bireley’s has been loved for a long time.
Bireley’s originally started as an American brand, was launched in Japan in 1951, and became a long-selling favorite from Asahi Soft Drinks.
The fact that it was sold in Okinawa under American administration and then spread nationwide also speaks to its long history.
And even before laws were established stating that beverages must be 100% to be called “juice,” Bireley’s followed that standard—showing just how strong their commitment was.