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 Showa-era kayō classic hits: a comprehensive introduction to timeless songs loved across generations (111–120)
The two were young.Ozaki Kiyohiko
Released in March 1972, this song is a wonderful piece that lightly conveys the mood of a sorrowful love within a light, cheerful melody.
Kiyohiko Ozaki, who turned “Mata Au Hi Made” into a massive hit with his overwhelming vocal power, has countless hidden masterpieces, in my opinion.
Showa Kayō greatest hits roundup: a comprehensive introduction to timeless songs loved across generations (121–130)
The wind is autumn-colored.Matsuda Seiko
This is a song that was featured in a cosmetics company’s TV commercial in 1981 and became a million seller.
Back then, it’s no exaggeration to say that practically every girl had the “Seiko-chan cut,” at least in hairstyle if nothing else.
I feel there was a trend at the time that idols didn’t even need to be able to sing, but Seiko Matsuda had real vocal ability, a naturally perfect idol voice, and needless to say, stunning looks—her very presence was in a class of its own.
Tokyo girlsakura tamako
Released in December 1976.
Basically, even as times change, Japanese people like this kind of ‘bushi’ (song style).
Along with Sakura Tamako’s vocals, it felt fresh to have a young girl singing a Dodonpa-bushi more than ten years after Mari Watanabe’s “Tokyo Dodonpa-bushi,” released in 1961, became a big hit.
HERO (The time to become a hero is now)Kai Band
This is a signature song by Kai Band that was featured in a watch commercial and even reached No.
1.
Back then, there was a trend among rock and new music artists to avoid appearing on music programs.
Kai Band, too, would only appear via remote broadcasts from separate locations and wouldn’t speak directly with the MC—an approach to appearances that seems a bit unusual today.
Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari
Released in 1989 in its original version, this is one of Hibari Misora’s best-known signature songs.
The lyrics were written by Yasushi Akimoto, also known for his work with AKB48.
Hibari Misora’s all-encompassing singing voice continues to live on even today.
Is this already love?Nishikino Akira
If anything, the hit song that stands out is Sora ni Taiyo ga Aru Kagiri, famous for its “I love you~” phrase, but personally I like his debut single from May 1970, Mou Koi na no ka, which sings of a faint first love.
To younger people he might seem like a funny old guy, but as he himself has said, back in the day he was a star who had young women squealing and crowding around him.
His idol era was short, though, and after that I remember him appearing on lots of TV shows like athletic meets and swimming tournaments that used to feature many idols.
He was extremely athletic, so he was always way out in front.
With all due respect, I had the image of him as the “sports day guy,” and later he became more active as a comedy talent than as a singer.
Maiden’s PrayerMayuzumi Jun
The title is also found in a famous piano piece, but Jun Mayuzumi’s third single was released in 1968.
Known for her lustrous voice, Mayuzumi turned out hit after hit during this era, including “Koi no Hallelujah” and “Tenshi no Yūwaku.” As its title suggests, this song expresses the romantic feelings of a young woman.
It was a bright, slightly poppy tune, but it may have been somewhat forgotten because her other songs stood out so much.