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)
an-an
A women’s magazine! Let me introduce an-an.
Originally published by Heibon Publishing and now by Magazine House, it’s a weekly women’s fashion magazine.
You might be one of those people who can’t help but pick it up and read it when you see it at a bookstore.
Since 1970, it has been one of the magazines supported by many women, known for the beauty of its photography and the originality of its features.
It has also coined numerous trend-setting terms in fashion.
These days, love-themed features are especially popular, and many readers are paying close attention.
non-no
Introducing non-no, the monthly women’s fashion magazine published by Shueisha! If you love style or want to keep up with trends, you may have been following it since its debut in 1971.
“Non-no” is said to be an Ainu word meaning “flower.” The name reflects the wish to make non-no a magazine that embodies simple beauty and timeless, unchanging elegance.
It’s easy to see why it continues to be loved today, just as it was back then.
Josei Seven
Let us introduce Josei Seven, a women’s weekly magazine published by Shogakukan.
While it mainly covers articles about the Imperial Household and celebrities, it also features pages with readers’ voices and news articles.
Even if you’ve never bought a copy yourself, many people have likely seen it or picked it up at a café or hair salon.
It also runs serialized manga, and some readers may be hooked on the continuing weekly storylines.
It is one of the long-running magazines first launched in 1963.
Heibon Punch
Introducing Heibon Punch, a men’s weekly magazine formerly published by Magazine House.
The name alone left a strong impression, so many of you may remember it.
Heibon Punch, which ran from 1964 to 1988, covered fashion and a variety of information, and also featured gravure spreads.
As a magazine that was loved for over 20 years while going through periods of suspension and revival, it surely holds fond memories for some.
It also ran a large number of serialized manga, likely serving as a welcome break for readers.
Asahi Journal
Popular especially among young people, Asahi Journal was first published on March 15, 1959, and ceased publication with the June 30, 1992 issue.
Over its long 33-year history, it had a major impact through coverage of various social issues and original reporting.
Owing to its influence, the period is even said to have been called the “Asahi Journal era.” Although its readership changed as the times shifted, it remains a magazine remembered by many who chronicled Japan’s postwar era.
Weekly FM
Let us introduce Shukan FM, a magazine published by Ongaku no Tomo Sha.
“FM information magazines” is a general term for magazines about FM broadcasting that used to be published in Japan.
Among them, Shukan FM was launched in 1971 and suspended publication in March 1991.
Many people may feel a sense of nostalgia as they recall those days.
It was common to learn about music trends and news through magazines and get excited discussing them with friends and family.
Be sure to look back through or search the back issues.
Weekly Playboy
Introducing Weekly Playboy, a men’s weekly magazine published by Shueisha.
It’s affectionately nicknamed “Shū-Play.” First launched in 1966, it remains a beloved publication today.
Its contents include gravure photo spreads, news articles, manga, and entertainment features.
Columns written by well-known figures are also popular, and many readers look forward to each new issue.
It’s the kind of magazine that makes you want to revisit the back issues.