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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Compilation of Showa-era Kayōkyoku masterpieces: A comprehensive showcase of timeless songs loved across generations (21–30)
YearningNakajima Miyuki
This is a majestic ballad that sings of the inexhaustible feelings for a beloved person long put off, in the twilight of life.
Released as a single in August 2017, it was written as the theme song for the drama Yasuragi no Sato, scripted by So Kuramoto.
It’s also memorable that Miyuki Nakajima, driven by a strong sense of responsibility, completed the piece while postponing deadlines during her Yakai performances.
As one reflects on life, the surging regrets and the warm love that remains nonetheless strike listeners deeply.
It’s a perfect song for setting aside the busyness of everyday life and quietly facing oneself on a calm night.
When the mandarins ripenAimi Yoko
Released in August 1973, this song has a bit of a nursery-rhyme feel.
It evokes a sense of the seasons as you look out from terraced fields of mandarin oranges to the boats floating on the sea.
I personally liked the song very much, but it didn’t quite become a hit.
Aimi Ayako’s clear, high voice is also one of its charms.
First loveMurashita Kōzō
It’s Kozo Murashita’s biggest hit, a masterpiece whose lyrics are very easy to understand, come across straightforwardly, and are deeply relatable.
Although it ranked on music shows at the time, he didn’t appear on them because he was hospitalized with hepatitis.
spring hazeIwasaki Hiromi
It’s a classic song that beautifully captures spring in the Showa era.
Set against a scene of cherry blossoms at sixty percent bloom, it poignantly sings of parting with a lover.
Hiromi Iwasaki’s transparent vocals perfectly express Michio Yamagami’s delicate lyrics and Kyohei Tsutsumi’s flowing melody.
Released on February 5, 1979, it was also featured on TBS Television’s “The Best Ten.” The lyrics, depicting emotions that sway with spring’s fickle weather, resonate with many listeners.
It’s a recommended track for those troubled by love or wishing to look back on bittersweet spring memories.
Blue PhotographMatsuda Seiko
Although it was originally a B-side single, this celebrated ballad won overwhelming support as a TV drama theme song.
The poignant melody blends beautifully with the world of the TBS drama “Ao ga Chiru,” and it likely remains deeply etched in many hearts.
When it was first released in October 1983, it was a B-side, but due to its strong reception it was reissued as a double A-side, and it held the No.
1 spot on TBS’s “The Best Ten” for eight consecutive weeks.
Seiko’s crystal-clear vocals express pure feelings for friends who part ways upon graduation.
It’s a gem of a song to revisit at life’s crossroads, as you look back on a radiant youth.
Love VacationZa Pīnattsu
This track makes you happy to realize that such a cool, modern sound was resonating even in Showa-era Japan.
The coquettish twin duo’s perfectly synchronized harmonies are pleasing to the ear, and as a song that’s great for both singing and dancing, it was widely loved across a variety of scenes.
Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko
Akiko Kobayashi was originally more of a songwriter or a provider of songs than a singer-songwriter.
This piece was also composed for someone else, but after that person retired, she had Reiko Yukawa write the lyrics and ended up singing it herself.
It was also the theme song for a popular TV drama at the time and became a massive hit, ranking third on Oricon’s year-end chart.