Showa-era friendship songs: A roundup of classic oldies about friends

Even in the Reiwa era, classic Showa-era songs remain highly popular among younger generations.

With the resurgence of vinyl, many people are scouring record shops for beloved Showa hits—both famous and obscure—spanning city pop, Showa kayo, and more.

This article compiles timeless Showa masterpieces that celebrate an unchanging theme across eras: friendship in all its forms.

From well-known songs often sung in school choir competitions to hidden gems, enjoy these “friendship songs” performed by Showa-era singers and bands!

Playlist

Showa-era friendship songs: A roundup of classic oldies about friends
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	19 GROWING UP -ode to my buddy-PRINCESS PRINCESS		Princess青春賛歌の名曲
2	My good friendKamayatsu Hiroshi		Masterpiece friendship song from the Showa era
3	12th graderFunaki Kazuo		A masterpiece of youth pop, a graduation song
4	Friendanzenchitai		A masterpiece of a friendship song, a classic by Anzen Chitai
5	Words of FarewellKaientai		A classic hit by Kaientai. A staple graduation song themed around friendship and kindness.
6	Runnerbakufū suranpu		A Bakufu Slump youth cheer song
7	The season the sun gave usaoi sankakujougi		A nostalgic classic themed around youth and friendship
8	friendSakamoto Kyu		A Showa-era classic themed around friendship and compassion
9	CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi		A signature song by Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi. It sings of friendship and encouragement, a classic often performed at life’s milestones.
10	FriendsREBECCA		Rebecca's classic youth songs are engraved in many hearts
11	My friend, don’t cry.Morita Kensaku		Kensaku Morita’s friendship song, a Showa-era classic
12	FriendOkabayashi Nobuyasu		A song by Nobuyasu Okabayashi that sings of friendship and hope for peace
13	Goodbye, my friend.Morita Doji		A masterpiece by Doji Morita that pierces the heart with a sense of lost youth
14	Good FriendKikuchi Momoko		Kikuchi Momoko’s representative song on the theme of friendship
15	female friendTakada Mizue		Mizue Takada’s 1978 Showa 53 single song
16	I wanted to see you.Haruo Oka		Haruo Oka’s sailor-themed kayō songs colored the postwar era.
17	HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAYDREAMS COME TRUE		A warm classic that sings of friendship and gratitude