A nostalgic feature on Showa-era magazines: looking back at the popular magazines of the time.
The moment you hold one in your hands, memories of those days come flooding back.
Magazines from the Showa era carefully captured the spirit of the times and the feelings of the people.
Titles like Shukan Shincho, Josei Seven, and Heibon Punch—beloved in bookstores and homes alike—were cherished as rich reading material, offering everything from entertainment news to everyday wisdom.
With each page turned, the passion, aspirations, and warmth of daily life from that era resonate in your heart.
Shall we take a thoughtful look back at the allure of the magazine culture that colored the Showa period?
- [Nostalgic Showa Fashion] The changing trends that feel both nostalgic and fresh
- The nostalgic world of Showa-era films. Revisiting masterpieces that linger in the heart.
- Nostalgic cars from the Showa era: A special feature on memorable classic cars spotted on street corners
- Nostalgic foods of the Showa era. Let’s trace the memorable flavors and the memories they evoke.
- Nostalgic shōjo manga from the Showa era. A collection of masterpieces representing the times.
- [Showa TV Special] Beloved Classic Shows & Heroes of Our Memories
- A must-see for the Showa generation! Nostalgic popular snacks from the old days
- List of popular Showa-era actresses that bring back memories: introducing iconic stars who evoke nostalgia
- Special feature on popular anime from the Showa era. Looking back at the hit shows of the time!
- Nostalgic ice cream from the Showa era. From today’s classic staples to old-time favorites.
- Heartwarming nostalgia: scenes of Showa-era streets that bring back memories.
- [For Seniors] Nostalgic quizzes that bring back memories! Showa-era entertainment and sports questions
- [For Seniors] Nostalgic! Showa-Era Quizzes Recommended for Reminiscence Therapy
A nostalgic feature on Showa-era magazines. Looking back at the popular magazines of the time (1–10)
Weekly Post
A comprehensive weekly magazine published by Shogakukan—let us introduce Weekly Post.
It seems that the predecessor of Weekly Post was a magazine called Boys’ Life.
Launched in 1969, it reportedly achieved the highest sales among general weekly magazines published and sold in Japan for four years from 1988 to 1991, and for ten years from 1994 to 2003.
Many of you may have actually picked up and read Weekly Post every week.
Since it is still being published today, it’s clear that this is a magazine loved by many people.
Weekly Shincho
The magazine Weekly Shincho, first published in February 1956 (Showa 31), is released every Thursday and has one of the longest histories among weekly magazines in Japan.
It covers a wide range of fields, including politics, economics, and entertainment, and features exclusive stories and articles based on its own reporting.
It also includes serialized literary works, and its pages are known for being easy to read.
Over its 70-year history since its launch, it has been a magazine loved by many people.
It is also recommended for readers who want to delve deeply into current affairs and in-depth articles.
Weekly Modern
When you think of weekly magazines, this might be the first one that comes to mind: let us introduce Shukan Gendai.
Shukan Gendai is a weekly magazine published by Kodansha, first launched in 1959, the 34th year of the Showa era.
Reflecting the distinct style of each successive editor-in-chief, the magazine has developed a unique character—featuring impactful covers and articles geared toward office workers.
It’s still on sale today, and some people buy it every week without fail.
This might be a good opportunity to revisit its back issues.
A nostalgic feature on Showa-era magazines: looking back at the popular magazines of the time (11–20)
BRUTUS
Introducing BRUTUS, a magazine launched in 1980 that has gained popularity for its unique editorial approach.
It covers a wide range of themes with fresh perspectives.
In particular, features on home interiors and curated lifestyles feel especially relatable and are very popular.
Travel and food content are also highly regarded for helping to elevate quality of life.
This magazine is especially recommended for those who want to update themselves by engaging with new values and cultures.
POPEYE
Launched in 1976, the men’s fashion magazine POPEYE became a symbol of youth culture in the Showa era.
It introduced the West Coast lifestyle and street trends—still rare in Japan at the time—and popularized the urban, free-spirited image of the “Popeye boy.” Its pages covered not only fashion but also music, culture, and lifestyle, conveying the atmosphere of Showa-era streets and the pulse of its youth.
In the 1980s, it led the DC brand boom and rivaled other contemporary men’s magazines in popularity.
Even after the bubble economy burst, it continued publishing and remained a beloved, iconic magazine through which many could experience Showa culture.
Pia
Many of you have probably seen it before—let me introduce Pia.
Pia was a comprehensive entertainment information magazine published mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area from 1972 to 2011.
Its logo design was memorable, so I bet many people still remember it.
One of its appeals was how it removed the barriers between major and minor content, delivering information in a way that let readers curate what mattered to them.
The eye-catching cover illustrations that stood out in bookstores and convenience stores are also still fresh in our memories, aren’t they?
croissant
First published in 1977, the lifestyle and culture magazine Croissant was a fresh source of information for housewives in the Showa era.
It began as the monthly an・an famille Croissant, and its inaugural issue featured a wide range of content, including pieces on croissant bread, a fashion show with reader models, and Yoshiko Tatsumi’s research on frying pans.
The editorial approach blended practical tips for daily life with interests in fashion, culture, and food, offering stimulating ideas that enriched the lives of its female readers at the time.
Even after shifting to a biweekly schedule, Croissant remained beloved by many housewives and secured its place in the cultural history of everyday life in the Showa period.
Simply looking back at its early pages offers a valuable glimpse into Showa-era living and the sensibilities of women of the time.