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.
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.
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.
stationTakeuchi Mariya
This is Mariya Takeuchi’s self-cover of a song she wrote for Akina Nakamori.
Believing that bittersweet songs suit Nakamori, Takeuchi composed it using a rare minor key for her.
Interestingly, their interpretations of the lyrics are said to be completely opposite, so it might be worth comparing the two versions.
It’s a wonderful, heartrending song no matter who sings it.