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)
Parting at 22kaze
It was a big hit that ranked 7th on the 1975 Oricon year-end chart, and it’s also the biggest hit by the group Kaze, which Shozo Ise formed after the breakup of Kaguyahime.
When it comes to Shozo Ise, most people strongly associate him with “Nagori Yuki,” but this song was also a major hit.
Fairy Tale of Flowersdaakudakkusu
They were a chorus group that epitomized the Showa era, and we were treated to countless beautiful harmonies.
The song is titled “Hana no Märchen,” released in 1970 (Showa 45).
While you might expect something dreamy from the title, it actually carries the message that the world can be quite harsh.
In a way, though, it can also be heard as a song of encouragement.
Compilation of classic Showa-era kayōkyoku hits: a comprehensive introduction to timeless songs loved across generations (31–40)
Slave of LoveOkumura Chiyo
This song, with lyrics that would likely stir controversy today and keep you on edge, is a quintessential Showa-era masochistic anthem about a woman staking her life on serving a man.
Okumura Chiyo’s look—complete with flashy ’60s-style hair and makeup—perfectly matches the vibe of the track.
Blue MountainsFuji Yama Ichirou, Nara Mitsue
This song, which has repeatedly ranked first as a representative tune of the Showa era in music program requests, resonated with people dreaming of postwar recovery and gave them the strength to live.
The fact that those involved with the song have received the People’s Honor Award also speaks to its significance.
Silhouette RomanceOhashi Junko
Having come to know the joy of being loved, the woman in this song finds herself yearning all the more to be loved; delivered with a powerful, unwavering vocal performance worthy of the Japan Record Awards’ Best Vocal Performance, it resonated deeply with many female fans.
The Apple SongNamiki Michiko, Kirishima Noboru
Set in an era when the scars of the postwar ruins still remained, this song, which brightened Japan with its radiant singing voice, likens itself to an innocent apple and, using wording that those who understand will understand, portrays a desire to stand with the children of the time—children who, unable to say what they wanted to say, silently endured hardship.
Bus StopTaira Koji
This song, which portrays the feelings of a woman who calls her romance a mistake and resolves to step back precisely because she loves her partner, uses the familiar setting of a bus stop as its stage.
By doing so, it creates the effect of letting us vividly experience her state of mind as she cuts her past self off and moves toward the future.