Songs by Showa-era idols that you’ll want to listen to now, in the Reiwa era!
In the Showa era, many hit songs were released by singers known as “idols.” At the time, music genres weren’t categorized as finely as they are today.
From quintessential “Showa kayō” numbers to rock-influenced tracks and techno-tinged sounds, the scene was a bit of a genre melting pot—but that eclecticism is part of what makes Showa pop music so appealing to listen to.
Many artists who are now respected, full-fledged singers also came from this scene.
We hope you’ll enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Showa period through footage and vocals from their youthful, fresh days.
It can also be fun to pay attention to their fashion and hairstyles as seen in the videos!
- Thrilling to Cool Showa-Era Tunes! Classic Songs from Female Singers and Artists of the Showa Period
- [Revisited] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era songs that are trending now [2026]
- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese idols from the 1970s
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
- Showa-era love songs: A roundup of timeless love songs cherished across generations
- Popular 80s hits for karaoke. Sing kayōkyoku and pop songs!
- A Showa-era song that had a revival hit on YouTube Shorts
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- Songs of Summer from the Showa Era: A comprehensive introduction, from nostalgic Japanese hits to timeless favorites still popular today
- A collection of iconic, cool Showa-era kayōkyoku classics sung by male vocalists
Women (11–20)
Between the Sky and YouNakajima Miyuki
Singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima holds the remarkable record of topping the singles chart across four decades, from the 1970s through the 2000s.
Her 31st single, Between the Sky and You, released as a double A-side with Fight!, became a million-selling hit as the theme song for the TV drama A Homeless Kid, which sparked a major social phenomenon.
The sentimental lyrics, woven through her trademark powerful vocals, instantly bring scenes from the drama to mind as you listen.
It’s an emotional number that’s sure to draw attention at karaoke, especially with people from that generation.
Spring sceneryMinamino Yoko
This gem of a love song by Yoko Minamino portrays the bittersweet feelings of a young woman entering university and her boyfriend who has become a ronin student after failing his entrance exams, set in the spring of graduation.
Initially included on the April 1986 album “Gelato” and later featured as the B-side of “Kanashimi Monument” in July of the same year, the song delicately captures the subtleties of youth against the backdrop of Kobe.
Amid warm sunlight and fluttering cherry blossoms, the couple’s confusion about their changing circumstances resonates with a nostalgic melody.
Celebrated as a classic idol song, it continues to be loved as a piece that stays close to the heart at life’s milestones—love, parting, and setting out on new journeys.
youKozaka Akiko
Akiko Kosaka’s debut single, released in December 1973.
Notably, both the lyrics and music were written by Kosaka herself.
Despite being her debut, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts one month after release and held the top spot for seven consecutive weeks thereafter.
It also won the Grand Prix (Top Prize) at the 4th World Popular Song Festival.
From its release to the present, it has recorded cumulative sales exceeding two million copies.
The song and its performance are simple yet highly polished—and it’s astonishing that Kosaka was just 16 years old when she wrote it.
The contrast and structure between the ballad-like sections and the slightly more rhythmic chorus are superb.
The high notes on the chorus where the title is sung are especially pleasing to the ear—truly a classic!
After all, I’m an idolKoizumi Kyoko
This is the 17th single by Kyoko Koizumi, a.k.a.
Kyon Kyon, released in 1985.
When you think of Kyon Kyon, this is THE song—truly her signature hit.
The “Nantettatte” part of the title was named by Kazuhiro Onishi, who is also well-known as a writer, reportedly selected from 170,000 ideas submitted in a public contest.
The call-and-response near the end is great fun too—a song that lifts your spirits just by listening.
In these somewhat gloomy Reiwa times, I really hope people give it a listen! It’s also perfect for everyone to sing together at karaoke!
Male (1–10)
blue appleNoguchi Goro
Did you know that Goro Noguchi, famous as one of the “New Big Three,” debuted with an enka song? Apparently, because that debut single didn’t sell well, he shifted toward being an idol.
After that turn of events came this 1971 release, Aoi Ringo (Blue Apple).
The lyrics, which use a green apple as a metaphor for a love that has ended, are superb! The trumpet in the intro overflows with the nostalgic feel of Showa-era pop.
It’s also interesting that later on, Hiromi Go—another member of the New Big Three—covered this song.
Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu
In the 1980s—the heyday of classic idols like Johnny’s groups, Seiko Matsuda, and Akina Nakamori—The Checkers suddenly descended from Kurume in Kyushu, bringing a fresh, rock-infused breeze.
“Gizagiza Heart no Komoriuta” was their debut single, and their rock ’n’ roll sound—featuring sax, bass, and doo-wop—paired with their head-to-toe checkered suits delivered a thrilling shock to young people across Japan.
With lyrics capturing the bittersweet, unstable feelings unique to adolescence and a danceable rhythm, it’s the epitome of youth—a timeless classic still loved by a wide range of generations today.
Startled! GoodTahara Toshihiko
At the time, the idol group Tanokin Trio was a huge sensation.
Among them, Toshihiko Tahara—known as Toshichan—was the classic princely type, compared to Yocchan, who had a soothing vibe, and Matchy, who was a bit edgy.
This song is a quintessential idol number packed with that cool-and-cute charm, released in 1980 as Tahara’s second single.
With a light, old-jazz-style rhythm, poppy piano, and lyrics depicting a fateful encounter on a sparkling plateau, it has an irresistible breeziness that feels like a gentle wind blowing through.
As time goes bysawada kenji
Kenji Sawada, an idol who represents the Showa era.
He’s an artist for whom the word “charisma” fits perfectly.
Among his many famous songs, the one I especially recommend is “As Time Goes By.” It’s a track that exudes Showa-era allure and conveys a passionate, romantic feel, yet it has a narrow vocal range and the pitch is easy to catch, so even women in their 50s who struggle with pitch should find it easy to sing.
Since the original key may be hard to project in, make sure to figure out your own key before you sing.
TOKIOsawada kenji
One of the signature songs by Julie—Kenji Sawada—that shocked viewers at home with his outrageous look: a flashy, light-up suit paired with a parachute.
Released on January 1, 1980, it perfectly captures the sparkling mood that kicked off the ’80s.
The synths in the intro are striking and still sound fresh today.
The lyrics, brimming with the momentum to make an entire city soar into the sky, were penned by Shigesato Itoi.
Lose yourself in the glamorous allure of Tokio—Tokyo—fit for the dawn of a new era, and in Julie’s irresistible, mature charm!
It’s nothing good.Nagabuchi Tsuyoshi
Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, whose songs about burning manly passion are supported by men of his generation.
His track “Rokuna Mon Ja Nee,” released in 1987, became a major hit as the theme song for the drama Oyako Zigzag, in which Nagabuchi himself starred.
It’s a well-known song that many people have heard, not only those who remember the era but also thanks to its huge success.
It creates a rugged, cool vibe yet also gets everyone fired up as a karaoke song—by the chorus it turns into a big sing-along.
It’s a number I highly recommend to anyone who’s been feeling stressed out lately.
