Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
Even when we say “the Showa era” in a single breath, it actually spanned more than 60 years—a long stretch during which, just off the top of my head, countless classics were born: folk songs of the ’70s, Group Sounds, the New Music of the ’80s, and of course kayōkyoku (Japanese pop) as well.
In this feature, we’ll be introducing plenty of those nostalgic Showa pop songs!
For those who experienced the Showa era in real time, we hope this brings back memories from those days.
And for those born in or after the Heisei era, we’ve tried to curate a selection broad enough to let you savor the flavor of Showa.
The genres are admittedly all over the map, but that, too, was part of the charm of the Showa music scene, I believe.
Please enjoy this collection of captivating Showa-era classics!
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Popular Showa-era pop songs. Timeless hits (21–30)
Journey of the Heartchūrippu
It’s a masterpiece that blends nostalgia with freshness.
Released in July 1973 as Tulip’s third single, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart five months after release and became a major hit, selling about 870,000 copies.
Its innovative structure—starting directly with the chorus—and the sweet vocals of guitarist Tatsuya Himeno leave a strong impression.
The lyrics, depicting love, parting, and hope for the future, beautifully capture the feelings of young people chasing their dreams.
It’s beloved as a staple encore number at live shows, where the sense of unity with the audience is part of its charm.
It has been widely covered and used on TV programs and in commercials.
For those who have experienced parting with someone dear or setting off on a new journey, this may be a song that resonates especially deeply.
Let’s go, Shake!Terauchi Takeshi & Banīzu
A happy tune from March 1967 that weaves together a seaside coming-of-age romance and the explosive sound of electric guitar.
A classic that epitomizes the golden era of Group Sounds, it won fervent support in dance halls and go-go clubs, symbols of youth culture.
Known as a signature work by Takeshi Terauchi and the Bunnys, it was included on the album “Let’s Go ‘Fate’” and won the Arrangement Award at the 9th Japan Record Awards.
The energetic sound born from Terauchi’s exceptional guitar technique and the band’s tight cohesion makes this a gem that conveys the essence of surf rock.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to relive the radiance of youth or explore the history of Japanese rock.
Listening to OliviaAnri
A melody that gently envelops the lingering ache of a bittersweet romance, paired with refined musicianship, resonates deeply in the heart.
The lyrics, which carefully depict a woman healing her delicate emotions after a breakup while listening to Olivia Newton-John’s songs, have struck a chord with many.
With Anri’s clear, translucent vocals giving the piece a sophisticated, urban feel, it was released in November 1978 and included on the album “Anri.” In 2008, it was also featured as an insert song in the Nippon TV drama “Saito-san,” cementing its status as a timeless classic loved across generations.
This warm ballad offers comfort to those trying to recover from the pain of heartbreak and to anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.
Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko
It’s a classic with a striking intro that seems to carry the sparkle of the sun and the scent of the sea breeze.
You can picture a summer day by the ocean with someone you love—the racing heartbeat and the little burst of boldness that comes with it.
It evokes scenes of a sweet and dazzling romance.
This song, which propelled Seiko Matsuda to the status of “eternal idol,” was released in July 1980 as her second single and is also included on her debut album, SQUALL.
As the theme for Glico’s ice cream commercial, it brightened living rooms across the nation and topped The Best Ten for three consecutive weeks.
It’s a refreshing track that instantly paints listeners’ hearts in summer hues.
Yoko of the Port, Yokohama, YokosukaDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando
Set against the port towns of Yokohama and Yokosuka, this acclaimed piece portrays the search for a certain woman.
Released as the B-side of a single in April 1975, it drew major attention, topping the Oricon weekly chart for five consecutive weeks and ranking fifth on the year-end chart.
It also led the Down Town Boogie-Woogie Band to their first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Ryūdō Uzaki composed the song, inspired by American talking blues, and it marked Yōko Aki’s debut as a lyricist.
A film of the same title was released in September 1975, and the song has remained beloved, appearing in later commercials such as Fuji Photo Film’s “Utsurun-desu” in 1997 and Meiji’s “Kinoko no Yama” in 2010.
It’s a great choice for class reunions or parties—sing it with everyone to share a nostalgic Shōwa-era vibe.
UFOpinku redii
This is a smash hit by Pink Lady, distinguished by its innovative sense of rhythm and catchy melody.
Released as a single in December 1977, it held the No.
1 spot on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for 10 consecutive weeks and achieved an astonishing sales total of over 1.95 million copies.
It was also used in a Nissin Foods commercial and covered in the anime Crayon Shin-chan, making it beloved across generations.
Their performances in glittering silver costumes, combined with distinctive choreography, became a social phenomenon mimicked by children and adults alike.
If everyone joins in to sing its well-known phrases, it’s guaranteed to get the crowd fired up in an instant.
Red high heelsŌta Hiromi
A poignant story woven from Takashi Matsumoto’s delicate lyrics, which portray a young girl’s heart wavering between pure dreams and urban reality, and Kyohei Tsutsumi’s melody.
Hiromi Ohta’s transparent voice beautifully expresses the loneliness and inner conflict of city life, symbolized by the motif of red shoes.
Released in June 1976, the song became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon charts and winning the Excellence in Vocal Performance Award at that year’s Japan Record Awards.
It was also included on the album “Handmade Picture Book” and was frequently featured on music programs of the time.
For those who long for life in the big city or who live far from their hometown, this is a song that will resonate deeply.
Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten
Among the many masterpieces that sing of deep love, this is a particularly moving song.
It deftly depicts the evolving landscapes of love over time, and through its exquisite melody and exceptional expressiveness, it showcases Teresa Teng at her very best.
The song beautifully portrays unconditional love for someone dear, along with the self-sacrifice that springs from it, gently enveloping the listener’s heart.
Released in February 1986, it was also included on the album “Toki no Nagare ni Mi o Makase” (I Only Care About You).
It achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Grand Prix at the 19th Japan Cable Radio Awards for the third consecutive year, and it also received the Gold Award at the 28th Japan Record Awards.
Even today, it is widely covered by many artists and cherished across generations.
It is a recommended listen when you are thinking of someone special or wish to spend time in a calm, peaceful mood.
Why not immerse yourself in memories with a loved one and enjoy a heartwarming moment?
Love Song of LumMatsutani Yūko
This is a pop tune that sings of the thrill and heartache of first love.
Released as a debut single in October 1981, it was performed by Yuko Matsutani as the opening theme for the anime Urusei Yatsura.
The heroine’s single-minded passion for love and her complex feelings over her partner’s fickleness are conveyed through a breezy melody and striking syncopation.
Although it served as an image song for the anime, it adopted an innovative approach during production by omitting character names from the lyrics, capturing the hearts of many as a universal love song.
Its catchy rhythm and sweet, wistful vocals sound as if they’ve turned a lovestruck woman’s emotions directly into music.
It’s a track that still resonates with today’s youth.
Romantic Flightkome kome CLUB
This song captures the spirit of adventure in love and dreams, carried by a light, upbeat rhythm, and expresses the feeling of taking off into the unknown with a free spirit.
Crafted by Kome Kome Club, who blend a funky sound with a positive message, it was released in April 1990 and is known as one of the group’s signature works.
It also drew attention as the tie-in song for JAL’s “Okinawa Travel” campaign and topped the Oricon weekly chart.
With its highly entertaining, stage-ready flair, the track delivers a sense of exhilaration and refreshment, as if you’re soaring through the sky.
Even today, it remains a beloved song across generations.