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)
You Are the One Who Rings That BellWada Akiko
It’s a single by Akiko Wada released in 1972.
It won the Best Vocal Performance award at the 14th Japan Record Awards, and has since been covered by artists such as Sambomaster and Hideaki Tokunaga, continuing to be performed many times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu
It’s one of Kyu Sakamoto’s signature songs, covered not only in Japan but also by various renowned artists overseas.
It is also the only song by an Asian singer to have reached No.
1 on the Billboard weekly chart.
Even now, it remains a representative Japanese song loved around the world.
You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi
Even though he sadly passed away in 2013, this is one of the many masterpieces by Eiichi Ohtaki that continue to shine with his voice and distinctive world.
First released on the hit album “A LONG VACATION,” it was later included on a best-of album after his death in 2014 and put on CD.
I feel grateful for the evolution of our music culture that lets us still hear that softly spreading voice in CD-quality sound.
Showa Kayō Masterpieces: A Comprehensive Introduction to Beloved Songs That Transcend Time (81–90)
Premonition of Loveanzenchitai
With lyrics by Yosui Inoue and music by Koji Tamaki, this is Anzen Chitai’s seventh single.
It was also featured in an airline’s TV commercial and became a hit, reaching as high as No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
Koji Tamaki’s vocal prowess and voice seize your heart no matter how many times you listen.
A snap in yellow-green (moegi)anzenchitai
Released to the world in February 1982 as Anzenchitai’s major-label debut single, this song features Koji Tamaki’s warm yet crystalline vocals that resonate like a slightly damp spring breeze.
In the season of thaw, the protagonist’s hopeful feelings—sensing the brilliance of life—come through alongside the beautiful melody.
The track holds special memories for the band, who created it while living and working in a studio they fashioned out of an abandoned house in Hokkaido.
It’s a perfect song for moments when you want to feel the arrival of spring or savor special time with someone dear.
Wandering GuitarKoyama Rumi
Nowadays there are countless mixed-heritage celebrities, but back then they were still quite rare.
I believe she first made her mark as an actress, and later also found success as a singer.
This song, released in 1971, left me with the impression that Rumi Koyama’s slightly rebellious vibe fit perfectly with the word “sasurai” (wandering).
Love on the Yamanote LineKobayashi Akira
Known as the “Mighty Guy,” Akira Kobayashi not only starred in Nikkatsu’s Wataridori film series but also excelled as a singer across mood kayō and many other styles.
Surprisingly, he has quite a few comic songs as well.
“The Automobile Show Song” is pretty entertaining, but some lyrics refer to cars so old that only enthusiasts would get them, so here’s this track instead.
Released in 1964, it cleverly parodies the stations on the Yamanote Line within the lyrics.
Time has passed, but the station names haven’t changed, so it’s still easy to follow today.