A roundup of classic Showa-era kayō songs: a comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations.
Songs released in the Showa era—what we call Showa kayokyoku—are truly full of timeless masterpieces!
If you’re an adult born in the Showa period, you probably know just how wildly popular Showa kayokyoku was with the entire nation back then.
Meanwhile, even for younger people born in the Heisei era and later, there are still plenty of Showa kayokyoku songs you hear all the time today, and I’m sure many of you can sing quite a few of them without looking at the lyrics.
In this article, we’ll introduce a whole lineup of Showa kayokyoku classics that have continued to be loved across generations.
Take this opportunity to listen again with fresh ears and immerse yourself fully in the world of kayokyoku.
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Collection of classic Showa-era kayō songs: A comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations (61–70)
12th graderFunaki Kazuo
This song, which gained popularity for its vibrant, free-spirited vocals that conveyed the spirited heart of youth, became a pioneering graduation anthem.
It depicts students at the end of their high school days fondly looking back on those times and finding hope as they set out toward a new chapter of life.
My teacher is feverishHarada Jun
Jun Harada, known as a singer and actor.
When it comes to his signature songs, isn’t “My Teacher Is Fever” the one that comes to mind? It also left a strong impression as the theme song for the drama “Netchu Jidai” and the variety show “The Most Useful School in the World.” With that unforgettable, catchy chorus, the song remains beloved by many even today.
Incidentally, in recent years, versions with newly updated backtracks and remix editions have also been released.
Ruby RingTerao Akira
Starting with its light, funky cutting guitar, this AOR-flavored song became popular as sophisticated, urban music for adults.
For the generation that watched The Best Ten, it’s also unforgettable that it set the show’s longest-running record by staying at No.
1 for 12 consecutive weeks.
A woman born in OsakaBORO
This song was created in response to audience voices lamenting the lack of a song for the people of Osaka.
It portrays a clumsy yet steadfast love: the pride of a woman born in Osaka who, though she once stubbornly refused to leave her hometown, ultimately resolves to depart the city, unable to resist the man she loves.
Can’t Stop the RomanticC-C-B
It’s a single that was released in 1985.
Before adopting the name C-C-B, they performed under the name Coconut Boys, and while this was their third single, it was also the first one released after they changed their name.
Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi
This is Ayumi Ishida’s 26th single.
Released in 1968, it became a million-seller with 1.5 million copies sold.
It also ranked first as a local song of Yokohama City, and it continues to be covered by many artists and notable figures.
Gentle Devilkyandīzu
The 13th single, released in 1977, is a song with lyrics by Tadashi Kitajō and music by Takuro Yoshida—listen closely and you’ll hear Yoshida’s signature style burst forth.
With bold costumes designed by Ann Lewis and choreography known as the “devil sign,” it opened up a new chapter.
Try singing it together as a trio of close friends.