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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Showa-era Kayō Classics Roundup: A comprehensive look at timeless songs loved across generations (1–10)
A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu
A smash hit released in 1981.
One of Chiharu Matsuyama’s signature songs, this classic Showa-era ballad straightforwardly conveys the “ache of a man’s heart.” The overall vocal range spans D3 to D5, and it’s a song most people can handle if they sing the talk-like phrasing in the verses and release fully in the chorus for contrast.
However, since the chorus jumps up into higher notes, be careful not to strain your throat.
Like Matsuyama himself, keeping your eyebrows raised while singing makes the high notes much easier to hit—highly recommended! When you project your voice, don’t hesitate—use instant power and send it far.
You are more beautiful than a rose.Fuse Akira
A breathtakingly beautiful masterpiece by Akira Fuse that deeply moves listeners’ hearts.
The lyrics, which marvel at the changes in a woman he meets again after a long time and praise her beauty by likening it to a rose, go beyond simple admiration of appearance to express her inner growth and confidence.
Released by King Records in January 1979, the song was also featured in a Kanebo Cosmetics commercial and became a major talking point.
It was performed four times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and in 2007 former Takarazuka Revue performers rallied to support it on stage—proof of its enduring popularity across generations.
With lyrics that convey the complexities of love and mutual growth, this is the perfect song for those who want to feel the joy of reuniting with someone special and recognizing the true beauty that time reveals.
Boat SongYashiro Aki
It’s one of Aki Yashiro’s signature songs, released in 1979.
It was her first “male-perspective” song, with lyrics written by Yū Aku.
Sung in her distinctive husky voice, the song led to her appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen; some may remember she performed it as the final act.
It remains a beloved classic that is still sung today.
Summary of classic Showa-era kayōkyoku hits: a comprehensive showcase of timeless songs loved across generations (11–20)
Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten
A signature song by Teresa Teng, known as the diva of Asia.
The lyrics are striking for expressing a powerful devotion to a loved one, even as one surrenders to the flow of time.
Her voice, imbued with deep love and aching tenderness, moves the hearts of many.
Released in Japan in 1986, it quickly became a hit.
A Chinese-language version was also produced, turning it into a classic beloved across Asia.
Its universal themes and emotional expression resonate across generations, and it continues to be covered by many artists today.
It’s a song I especially recommend to anyone who has experienced heartbreak or parting.
Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi
Set against the cityscape of Osaka, this song gives voice to a heartrending love.
Ouyang Fei Fei’s powerful vocals vividly depict a woman who keeps searching for her lover even as she’s drenched in the rain.
Real place names like the ginkgo-lined Midosuji and Shinsaibashi appear, conjuring an even more lifelike scene.
Released in 1971, the track held the No.
1 spot on the Oricon chart for nine consecutive weeks and sold about 1.36 million copies.
It’s likely to resonate especially with those who have experienced losing someone dear.
Listen to it on a rainy day, and it may feel all the more poignant.
March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko
When it comes to iconic Showa-era kayōkyoku, this song by Kiyoko Suizenji is a standout classic! More than half a century after its release, it continues to be loved by many.
As an anthem for life, it conveys the importance of always facing forward and keeping on walking.
The lyrics, infused with Buddhist teachings and the spirit of tea ceremony, carry deep meaning.
Released in November 1968, it became an instant hit.
The following year, it was selected for the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen and as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, earning widespread affection.
The piece delivers a positive message that the small steps we take each day will eventually lead to great achievements.
It’s a song we’d love anyone who’s striving—or in need of encouragement—to hear!
era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki
This song, known as an iconic masterpiece of the Showa era, is loved across generations for its lyrics that lead from deep sorrow to hope.
With the gentle message, “There were times like that, too,” it softly tells us that hardships will one day pass.
Released in 1975, it won the Grand Prix at a contest hosted by Yamaha.
In 2007, it was selected as one of the “100 Japanese Songs,” and in 2010 it was used as the ending theme for the Fuji TV drama Our Family’s History.
When you lose your way in life, listening to this song will surely give you the courage to look forward.
Wrapped in Miyuki Nakajima’s warm voice, let yourself feel the message that stays close to your heart.