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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A roundup of classic Showa-era Kayōkyoku hits: A comprehensive introduction to timeless songs loved across generations (71–80)
Season of LovePinkī to Kirāzu
This is a song by Pinky and the Killers, released in 1968, brimming with a mature charm that epitomizes mood kayō (mood-style pop).
It even won the Japan Record Award, and I’ve heard there was debate over which side to place them on for the Red and White Song Contest, since it was the first time a mixed-gender group appeared.
High-Teen BoogieGorin Mayumi
This is the seventh single, released in 1982, which also served as the theme song for the film High Teen Boogie.
With lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Tatsuro Yamashita, it’s a number brimming with a sense of speed and youthful energy.
Try singing it while appreciating its high level of quality.
Light Blue RainYagami Junko
Despite the high pitch, what moves me most is Junko Yagami’s overwhelming, frighteningly stable vocal ability.
I heard the lyrics came to her on a whim while walking in Harajuku.
Is that how it is for all singer-songwriters? It’s amazing to come up with an idea so effortlessly, quickly turn it into a song like this, and have it become a hit.
Tokyo Bus GirlShodai Koromubia Rōzu
This song, which portrays the lively bus girls who made their way into society in the late 1950s and early 1960s as one of the few jobs available to women, lists the sad situations that can occur on board while singing of their undaunted bravery.
In doing so, it cast a message to society that inspired people to keep going themselves.
Premonition of Spring – I’ve been mellowMinami Saori
This is a song by Saori Minami that evokes the arrival of spring.
Released in January 1978 as her 25th single, it was used for Shiseido’s spring campaign.
Her transparent, clear voice and the melody that recalls the gentle warmth of spring leave a strong impression.
The lyrics announce the end of winter and hint at a new season to come, making your heart leap.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on a day you wish to spend leisurely under the calm spring sunshine.
A heartwarming song that brings out the full charm of Saori Minami.
It was spring, wasn’t it?yoshida takurou
A classic that depicts the springtime scenery of the Showa era.
Takuro Yoshida’s gentle voice and the poignant lyrics that recall a lost love resonate deeply.
Included on the album “Genki Desu.” and released in February 1972, this record is such a masterpiece that Jun Miura has said it’s the one he’s listened to most in his life.
This song expresses a longing for a past love with the arrival of spring.
Carried by a quietly flowing melody, you can almost see someone looking back on springtime memories as dust dances in the wind.
Highly recommended for anyone who’s experienced heartbreak or feels a touch of melancholy when spring comes.
Let’s get married.yoshida takurou
It’s a hit song from the heyday of folk music.
I don’t really know it firsthand, but wasn’t it an unusually themed song for its time? When it comes to Yoshida Takuro’s spouse, the only person who comes to mind is Miyoko Asada, but it turns out he had married someone else back then, just like in the song.