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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Summary of classic Showa-era kayōkyoku hits: a comprehensive showcase of timeless songs loved across generations (11–20)
From the northern innMiyako Harumi
A song that presses on the heart with the poignant feelings woven into a sweater.
Harumi Miyako’s powerful vocals leave a strong impression.
Released in 1975, the single sold over 1.4 million copies and ranked third on Oricon’s annual singles chart in 1976.
That same year, Miyako won the 18th Japan Record Award with this song.
The lyrics, depicting the cold and loneliness of the northern country, are sure to resonate with anyone nursing a broken heart.
It’s best listened to on a winter night while gazing out the window.
Cape ErimoMori Shinichi
A signature song by Shinichi Mori that recorded total sales of about one million.
It won the Japan Record Award and the Japan Kayō Award in 1974.
The music was composed by Takuro Yoshida, with lyrics by Osami Okamoto, and it has been covered by many enka singers, including Teresa Teng.
Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji
This is a song that continues to be loved as a quintessential Showa-era pop classic.
Its striking chorus sticks in your ears and resonates with your heart every time you listen.
It portrays the complex emotions of a heartbroken man with a chic, mature melancholy, showcasing Kenji Sawada’s charm to the fullest.
Released in May 1977, it spent five consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart and ranked fourth on the year-end chart.
It became a massive hit, selling 890,000 copies.
It’s a must-listen not only for those nursing a broken heart, but also for younger listeners who admire adult romance.
Why not let yourself be intoxicated by Kenji Sawada’s captivating vocals?
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.
TOKIOsawada kenji
One of Kenji Sawada’s signature songs with a devoted fanbase.
It carries an urban vibe that makes Tokyo’s cityscape spring to mind just by listening.
Featured on the 1979 album “TOKIO,” this track has become so popular that many artists have covered it.
It was also used as the commercial song for the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation’s Toei Oedo Line full-line opening.
Sawada’s distinctive vocals pair perfectly with the sound that captures the bustle of the city.
It’s a song not only for those living in the metropolis but also one that people in the countryside should hear.