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!
Playlist
| woman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1east | Dream GuideYamaguchi Momoe | play_arrow | The legendary idol Yama..., who has left behind many classic songs, |
| 2east | My Blue BirdSakurada Junko | play_arrow | At the time of my debut, my contemporaries were Momoe Yamaguchi, Mori… |
| 3east | Playback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe | play_arrow | The famed Showa-era mega idol, Yamaguchi... |
| 4east | UFOpinku redii | play_arrow | Mie, who is currently active under the name Mie (Miyui) ... |
| 5east | younger boykyandīzu | play_arrow | Ran Ito, Yoshiko Tanaka, and Miki Fujimura’s... |
| 6east | RomanceIwasaki Hiromi | play_arrow | It’s Hiromi Iwasaki’s second single, and “Lily”… |
| 7east | You’re not alone.tenchi mari | play_arrow | A national idol beloved for the charm of her innocent, radiant smile… |
| 8east | Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko | play_arrow | Truly the quintessential 80s… Showa-era idol… |
| 9east | After all, I’m an idolKoizumi Kyoko | play_arrow | Mixing irony and humor to portray the light and shadow of idols… |
| 10east | Spring sceneryMinamino Yoko | play_arrow | In the spring of graduation, a young woman entering university and a young man becoming a rōnin (a student taking a gap year to study for entrance exams)… |
| 11east | Between the Sky and YouNakajima Miyuki | play_arrow | Four decades from the 1970s to the 2000s... |
| 12east | Summer MissSakakibara Ikue | play_arrow | Ms. Ikue Sakakibara, whose husband is actor Toru Watanabe, … |
| 13east | youKozaka Akiko | play_arrow | Akiko Kosaka’s debut single from 1973… |
| 14east | After all, I’m an idolKoizumi Kyoko | play_arrow | Kyoko Koizumi’s release in 1985, con… |
| male | |||
| 15east | blue appleNoguchi Goro | play_arrow | Goro Noguchi, famous as one of the “New Big Three,” … |
| 16east | As time goes bysawada kenji | play_arrow | Kenji Sawada, an idol who represents the Showa era. Ka… |
| 17east | Startled! GoodTahara Toshihiko | play_arrow | At the time, the idol group that was a huge craze, Tanokin To… |
| 18east | Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu | play_arrow | Johnny's, Seiko Matsuda, Akina Nakamori, and… |
| 19east | TOKIOsawada kenji | In a gaudy suit decked out with electric lights, with a parachu… | |
| 20east | It’s nothing good.Nagabuchi Tsuyoshi | play_arrow | A song that sings of passionate manly feelings has gained support from men of the same generation… |
| 21east | As long as the sun is in the skynishikino akira | play_arrow | The nickname “Star Nishikino” has become fully established... |
| 22east | Boys and girlsGō Hiromi | play_arrow | A top runner in the Japanese music scene for over 50 years... |
| 23east | A Boy Riding a DolphinShiro Michiru | play_arrow | When appearing on variety shows, the dolphin’s… |
| 24east | Subtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Kondō Masahiko | play_arrow | In 1981, as part of the then “Tanokin Trio,” adults… |
| 25east | Love Dial 6700Fingā 5 | play_arrow | As you know, a group formed by five siblings including one girl... |
| 26east | Blue Sky BlueSaijō Hideki | play_arrow | Along with Hiromi Go and Goro Noguchi, one of the New Big Three... |


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