A collection of iconic, cool Showa-era kayōkyoku classics sung by male vocalists
Even now, well past the 2020s, classic Showa-era hits continue to draw attention not only in Japan but also from music fans and artists abroad.
As famous singers cover 80s city pop and quote it in their own songs, many younger music fans are finding themselves wanting to learn more about Showa-era pop.
In this article, we’ve compiled songs under the theme of “cool Showa-era tunes sung by men” from among the countless masterpieces of Showa kayo.
From sleek, urban tracks and rock numbers to mellow ballads, enjoy a wide range of “cool” Showa-era songs!
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- Showa-era kayōkyoku: hit songs by male singers, classic masterpieces of Japanese popular music.
- [Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke.
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- Showa-era nostalgic songs: Popular ranking
- Karaoke songs popular with women that they want men to sing
- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
- Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing for men in their 70s: Enka and nostalgic Showa-era pop
- [Karaoke] Recommended Songs for Men in Their 80s: A Collection of Showa-Era Classics You’ll Want to Belt Out
- [Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
- [For Men] Cool, Popular Songs That Impress at Karaoke
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Masterpieces for Karaoke — Male Singers Edition
- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
Compilation of Cool Showa-Era Kayōkyoku Classics Sung by Male Vocalists (21–30)
Saravah!Takahashi Yukihiro
One of the singer-songwriters who epitomize Japan’s new wave, Yukihiro Takahashi.
In his later years, beyond being a singer-songwriter and drummer, he was also active as a fashion designer and actor.
One of his signature tracks is “Saravah!” Centered on an ennui-tinged melody, it’s an incredibly cool piece even just as a track.
To sing it in an even cooler way, avoid pushing your voice too hard and aim for a downbeat, subdued feel.
Looking to R&B-influenced artists like Fujii Kaze for reference could be helpful.
A Man’s Badge of HonorYokohama Ginbae
A masterpiece that portrays the fiery spirit of a young man forging his own path with a rebellious heart.
Released in April 1982, it is known as one of Daisuke Shima’s signature songs.
Written and composed by Johnny of Yokohama Ginbae, the work features powerful vocals and a strong sense of justice, emblematic of the 1980s tsuppari (delinquent) youth culture.
The song was used as the theme for the Nippon TV drama “Ten made Agare!” and reached No.
3 on the weekly Oricon charts.
Its lyrics carefully depict the protagonist’s resolve to stay true to his beginnings despite facing adversity, resonating deeply across generations.
It was also covered as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “From Today, It’s My Turn!!,” which boosted its popularity among younger audiences.
For example, it’s beloved as a cheer song in high school baseball and has been used as a walk-up song by professional baseball players—an anthem that pushes forward those striving toward their dreams.
Compilation of cool Showa-era kayōkyoku masterpieces sung by male vocalists (31–40)
Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo
This is a socially conscious masterpiece that portrays the subtle miscommunications between men and women and the nuances of emotional expression with deep insight.
It warmly observes how men open up through drinking and women through tears, each revealing their inner feelings.
Born from impressions Eigo Kawashima had at age 18 during a family memorial gathering, the song was included on the November 1975 album “Jinrui” (Humanity) and released as a single in June 1976.
Also known as the jingle for the sake brand Kizakura, it became a major hit, reaching No.
9 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It is a gem I recommend to anyone who wants to face their heart honestly when confronted with life’s sorrow and poignancy.
If I could become the winditō ginji
A defining song from Ginji Ito’s early solo career was released as a single in May 1977, serving as the lead single from the album Deadly Drive.
The lyrics were written by Ito himself together with Taeko Onuki, while Ito composed and arranged the music, with Ryuichi Sakamoto contributing the string arrangement.
Marked by a gentle melody and delicate arrangements, the track has an urbane pop atmosphere.
Influenced by West Coast sounds and city pop, it showcases Ito’s rich musicality and melodies that resonate with listeners.
Its intertwined themes of freedom and romance have also struck a chord with many.
Make it a slow boogie (I want you)Minami Yoshitaka
Released in 1981, Yoshitaka Minami’s “Suro na Boogie ni Shite Kure (I want you)” is a song distinguished by lyrics characteristic of Japanese kayōkyoku.
The content—“I want you”—has a straightforward, kayōkyoku-style line that gives it a slightly nostalgic feel.
On top of that, the whole track has a bluesy tone, which pairs perfectly with Minami’s sultry vocals to create a sweet atmosphere.
You don’t hear many blues-tinged songs like this these days, so it should feel very fresh even to listeners of the younger generation!
Rainbow Sea LineSato Hiroshi
Celebrating a longing for the far reaches of the sea and sky, this work is one of Hiroshi Sato’s signature songs.
Its brisk rhythm and refreshing melody leave a strong impression, while the urban, stylish sound is truly appealing.
Released in May 1976, the track was included on the album “SUPER MARKET.” Sato’s gentle vocals blend beautifully with the sophisticated arrangement, making it a pioneering piece of city pop.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to feel liberated—like at a summer beach or on a city drive.
As a side note, pay attention to the lyrics, which were penned by none other than Minako Yoshida!
In conclusion
The many classic Showa-era pop songs we introduced this time likely stirred nostalgia for those who remember the period, and surely offered plenty of new discoveries for younger people living in the Reiwa era.
The more you learn about Showa kayō, which has been loved for so many years, the more its depth will amaze you.
And of course, there are countless cool Showa songs beyond the ones featured in this article, so we highly recommend diving deeper!