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 kayō classic hits: A comprehensive introduction to timeless songs loved across generations (51–60)
UFOpinku redii
This is a signature song by Pink Lady, the duo that took the Showa-era pop scene by storm.
Its appeal lies in its innovative lyrics depicting a romance with an alien and its cutting-edge sound that makes extensive use of electronic tones.
Released in December 1977, it was a massive hit, selling 1.95 million copies.
It won the 20th Japan Record Awards and became a social phenomenon.
From 2014 to 2019, it consistently ranked high in JASRAC’s copyright royalty distribution rankings, and it won the JASRAC Award in 2018 and 2019.
The song has been used in Nissin Foods commercials and the anime Crayon Shin-chan, and is beloved across generations.
It’s also a karaoke staple and is recommended for those who want to savor the glamorous atmosphere of the Showa era.
Spring of the AccordionNakano Tadaharu
This is a song by Tadaharu Nakano, a figure who brightened the Showa-era music scene.
Accompanied by the gentle tones of the accordion, its light, springlike melody sinks into the heart.
Included on the album “Onko Chishin: Showa’s Great Singer Tadaharu Nakano,” released in July 2021, this piece showcases Nakano’s signature refined vocals—befitting an artist who was active before the war and helped popularize jazz chorus in Japan.
It conveys the excitement of new encounters and adventures inspired by the cheerful spring weather.
It’s a perfect track for starting a new chapter in life or turning over a new leaf.
The nostalgic yet hopeful vocals are sure to lift your spirits.
Please don’t say goodbyeGorin Mayumi
Released in March 1978, this song feels like a prelude to her later hit “Koibito yo.” Compared to “Koibito yo,” it has a more up-tempo rhythm.
While it is a heartbreak song, it doesn’t emphasize darkness.
I think it’s a masterpiece that showcases her vocal prowess.
The Flowers and the Old ManItō Kiyoko
Originally composed for Hitoshi Ueki’s solo album, the song spread widely after Kiyoko Ito covered it in 1967 with her wistful vocal style.
It’s a great song, though a bit understated—people from that era might remember it if prompted, but they probably wouldn’t recall who sang it.
Nevertheless, it’s a classic that has also been covered by Monta Mino and Kotaro Satomi.
It’s a song that makes you wonder: if flowers had hearts, is this how they would express themselves?
Collection of classic Showa-era kayō songs: A comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations (61–70)
Dawn breaks.Sakamoto Sumiko
Many of you may remember this song from long ago, as it tends to stick in your ears.
She also thrived as an actress, famously filing down her front teeth in her 40s to play an elderly woman in the film The Ballad of Narayama—a masterpiece whose harrowing performance won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
While she didn’t achieve massive hit status as a singer, this classic reached as high as No.
14 on the Oricon charts in 1971.
Strawberry Statement Once Againbanban
When I was a child, I won tickets to a live public recording of a Kansai local radio show, and the song Banba Hirofumi sang there still stays with me.
I imagine many people also looked up what kind of movie the title, “Strawberry Statement Once Again,” referred to.
Youth takes many forms depending on the era, but regardless of generation, the song poignantly captures emotions you can only feel at that time in your life, and I related to it deeply.
hometownshouka
Blue mountains, pure waters, and memories of childhood play.
The gentle melody that wraps these scenes of a beloved hometown, along with feelings for family and friends living far away, holds a universal appeal that resonates with everyone.
First published in 1914 as a Ministry of Education school song, this piece was created by Tatsuyuki Takano and Teiichi Okano, vividly reflecting the rural landscapes and lifestyles of Japan at the time.
It was sung at the closing ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, moving countless people.
Its simple, memorable melody in G major and triple meter continues to be sung at life’s milestones, such as graduation and coming-of-age ceremonies.
With lyrics and melody that evoke nostalgia, it is truly a song that stands by all who live away from their hometowns—a work that can be said to symbolize the heart of Japan.