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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A roundup of classic Showa-era kayōkyoku hits: a comprehensive introduction to timeless songs loved across generations (41–50)
Red spider lilyYamaguchi Momoe
This is a song included on the B-side of the 1979 record “Bi・Silent.” With lyrics by Yoko Aki and music by the married duo Ryudo Uzaki and Yoko Aki, it’s a majestic masterpiece worthy of its title.
The album of the same name also includes “Ii Hi Tabidachi,” and it became the biggest hit on the album.
At this time, she was, as the spoken line says, just 20 years old, yet she had an astonishing presence.
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.
Elegy of SpringShōji Shirō
A classic song, heartfeltly performed by Shiro Shoji, that conveys the atmosphere of early Showa to the present day.
Released in 1934, this piece entrusts its plea to flowers that symbolize lost love and the fleeting nature of spring, even as it surrenders to the tides of the times, and it became a foundation that colored the music scene that followed.
Shoji’s voice tenderly accompanies the lyrics that portray the pain of parting, resulting in a performance that deeply resonates.
Issued by Columbia Records, the song was created by a stellar team: lyrics by Kinya Shimada, music by Yuji Koseki, and arrangement by Yakio Niki.
It carries a certain nostalgia for everyone and is sure to stir the heart.
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.
Gentle Devilkyandīzu
The 13th single, released in 1977, is a song with lyrics by Tadashi Kitajō and music by Takuro Yoshida—listen closely and you’ll hear Yoshida’s signature style burst forth.
With bold costumes designed by Ann Lewis and choreography known as the “devil sign,” it opened up a new chapter.
Try singing it together as a trio of close friends.