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

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	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Dream GuideYamaguchi Momoe		Momoe Yamaguchi’s “Yume Saki Annainin” is easy to sing.
2	My Blue BirdSakurada Junko		Junko Sakurada's smash hit song won many awards
3	Playback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe		Momoe Yamaguchi’s 1978 single “Miryokuteki”
4	RomanceIwasaki Hiromi		Hiromi Iwasaki’s second single, a big hit song
5	You’re not alone.tenchi mari		Mari Amachi's smash hit single
6	younger boykyandīzu		Introduction to Candies' smash-hit songs
7	UFOpinku redii		The Appeal of Pink Lady’s Smash Hit Song “UFO”
8	Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko		Introducing Seiko Matsuda’s signature song, “Blue Coral Reef.”
9	Summer MissSakakibara Ikue		Ikue Sakakibara’s biggest hit released in 1978
10	After all, I’m an idolKoizumi Kyoko		Kyoko Koizumi's masterpiece depicting the light and shadow of idols
11	Between the Sky and YouNakajima Miyuki		The Appeal of Miyuki Nakajima’s “Between the Sky and You”
12	Spring sceneryMinamino Yoko		A youth love song that portrays a romance swayed between advancing to the next stage of education and taking a gap year to retake exams
13	youKozaka Akiko		Akiko Kosaka’s debut single became a big hit.
14	After all, I’m an idolKoizumi Kyoko		A signature song by Kyon Kyon that lifts your spirits
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15	blue appleNoguchi Goro		Goro Noguchi’s turning point from enka to idol
16	Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu		The Checkers’ debut song shocked young people
17	Startled! GoodTahara Toshihiko		Toshihiko Tahara’s classic idol song—refreshing
18	As time goes bysawada kenji		Beginner-friendly masterpieces by Kenji Sawada
19	TOKIOsawada kenji		Tokio, Julie’s song that kicked off the ’80s
20	It’s nothing good.Nagabuchi Tsuyoshi		Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s classic song “Rokuna Mon ja Nee”
21	As long as the sun is in the skynishikino akira		Introduce Akira Nishikino’s signature songs
22	Boys and girlsGō Hiromi		A nostalgic Showa-era classic released by Hiromi Go in 1972
23	A Boy Riding a DolphinShiro Michiru		Michiru Shiro scored a hit with his debut song featuring a dolphin plush toy
24	Subtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Kondō Masahiko		Masahiko Kondo’s many award-winning signature songs
25	Love Dial 6700Fingā 5		A nostalgic song by Finger 5
26	Blue Sky BlueSaijō Hideki		Hideki Saijō’s theme song about romance with a married woman