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.

Playlist

A roundup of classic Showa-era kayō songs: a comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations.
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	foreignerKUBOTA Saki		A blockbuster hit whose exotic melody resonates with the heart
2	Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko		Kiyohiko Ozaki’s classic breakup song
3	Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi		Iconic long-distance love songs that resonate with the heart
4	Love MemoryMatsuzaki Shigeru		Shigeru Matsuzaki’s classic song that celebrates the depth and beauty of love
5	Lingering Snowiruka		Kaguya-hime’s classic song that sings of setting off for the big city.
6	applausechiaki naomi		A classic of Showa-era kayōkyoku: a song of passion and melancholy
7	EnchantedJudi Ongu		A classic song that sings of a woman's emotions swayed by love
8	Boat SongYashiro Aki		Aki Yashiro’s masterpiece: the allure of male-themed songs
9	Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi		A poignant love song set in Osaka that resonates with the heart
10	You are more beautiful than a rose.Fuse Akira		Akira Fuse’s classic song expressing feminine beauty and growth
11	Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten		Teresa Teng’s classic song about love and farewell
12	Imperial Regent Declarationsadamasashi		A classic song that sings the true feelings of a man about to get married
13	17 years oldMinami Saori		Saori Minami’s debut song captures the brilliance of youth.
14	March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko		Suizenji Kiyoko’s classic song cheers you on in life.
15	Tsugaru Strait Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri		Sayuri Ishikawa, the singer of the classic song 'Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene'
16	From the northern innMiyako Harumi		A classic song whose aching longing presses upon the heart
17	Cape ErimoMori Shinichi		Shinichi Mori’s smash hit songs, covered by many artists
18	Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji		Kenji Sawada's classic song that sings of the sorrow of a broken heart.
19	era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki		A classic song of the Showa era, a melody guiding us toward hope.
20	TOKIOsawada kenji		A classic song by Kenji Sawada that portrays the allure of the city
21	A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu		Chiharu Matsuyama’s famous ballad, a poignant song of a man
22	When the mandarins ripenAimi Yoko		Aimi Aiko’s song that sings of tangerine orchards and the sea
23	First loveMurashita Kōzō		Kozo Murashita’s relatable hit songs
24	YearningNakajima Miyuki		A ballad where regret and affection strike the heart
25	Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko		Akiko Kobayashi switched from being a songwriter to a singer, and her drama theme song became a huge hit.
26	Parting at 22kaze		Kaze’s smash hit song “Nagori-yuki.”
27	Fairy Tale of Flowersdaakudakkusu		Showa Chorus: The Harmony of Dreams and Reality
28	spring hazeIwasaki Hiromi		In the spring of the Showa era, singing the bittersweetness of love
29	Bus StopTaira Koji		The feelings of a woman withdrawing from a mistaken love
30	stationTakeuchi Mariya		A cover song of an Akina Nakamori track by Mariya Takeuchi
31	Slave of LoveOkumura Chiyo		A Showa-era masochistic kayo song expressing a woman’s devotion
32	Love VacationZa Pīnattsu		A classic hit by a cool Showa-era twin duo
33	Pastel LoveKanai Yūko		Despite difficulties debuting, she became a singer with support from Shunichi Tokura.
34	Sky Restauranthaifaisetto		A poignant classic by the adult folk group
35	SAND BEIGE ~To the Desert~Nakamori Akina		A hit song from Akina Nakamori’s legendary singles
36	My loverGorin Mayumi		Mayumi Itsuwa’s classic has captivated many singers.
37	YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki		The famous hit song by Y.M.C.A. became a big hit.
38	Blue MountainsFuji Yama Ichirou, Nara Mitsue		An anthem of the Showa era gave hope to the people.
39	Polishka PoleNaka Masami		Winter Clouds, a masterpiece by Masami Naka, adapted from a Russian folk song
40	Silhouette RomanceOhashi Junko		A woman's feelings of the joy of love and longing
41	Red spider lilyYamaguchi Momoe		A famous song by the Ryudo Uzaki couple, included on their smash-hit album.
42	Blue PhotographMatsuda Seiko		A famous ballad used as a TV drama theme song
43	Elegy of SpringShōji Shirō		A celebrated song from early Showa, singing of a lost love
44	The Apple SongNamiki Michiko, Kirishima Noboru		Encouraging the children in the burnt-out ruins with song
45	Gentle Devilkyandīzu		Takuro Yoshida’s 13th single, distinctive
46	Meeting at ShuishiyingOkanoteiichi		A classic song that sings of soldiers’ reconciliation and longing for peace
47	A woman born in OsakaBORO		A poignant love story of a woman who loves Osaka
48	hometownshouka		A song that symbolizes the Japanese spirit, expressing feelings for one’s hometown
49	Season of LovePinkī to Kirāzu		The classic hit by Pinky and the Killers, with an adult allure
50	Strawberry Statement Once Againbanban		A memorable song that sings of the bittersweet feelings of youth
51	Purple TownYagami Junko		Junko Yagami’s classic song depicting loneliness and love
52	Tokyo Boogie-WoogieKasaogi Shizuko		Shizuko Kasagi spreading smiles to the rhythm of boogie
53	12th graderFunaki Kazuo		Sing of graduation memories and hopes for the future
54	My teacher is feverishHarada Jun		Jun Harada’s signature song “Boku no Sensei” is popular.
55	Ruby RingTerao Akira		Adult-oriented, AOR-style music is popular.
56	The Flower Girl of TokyoHaruo Oka		A 1946 classic that portrayed hope in postwar Tokyo
57	To my distant loverSaijō Hideki		Hideo Saijo of the city: a classic song about love from his hometown
58	Can’t Stop the RomanticC-C-B		C-C-B’s third single, their first after the name change
59	Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi		Ayumi Ishida’s million-selling hit song
60	In a Tokyo like a desertishida ayumi		A song from Ayumi Ishida’s singer era that marked a makeover/revamp.
61	As long as the sun is in the skynishikino akira		Nishikino Akira's signature songs with outstanding vocal ability
62	Les MisérablesAn Ruisu		Ann Lewis's classic: a musical life walked together with her son
63	Beautiful NameGodaigo		The song of the International Year of the Child known for “Daisuki”
64	triggertsuisuto		A smash hit by The Twist. It gained popularity thanks to Masanori Sera’s coolness.
65	UFOpinku redii		Pink Lady’s signature song “UFO” becomes a major hit.
66	Spring of the AccordionNakano Tadaharu		A classic that makes your heart dance: Tadaharu Nakano’s Spring Song
67	Please don’t say goodbyeGorin Mayumi		A sense that Yumi Matsutoya’s song will be wonderful
68	High-Teen BoogieGorin Mayumi		Tatsuro Yamashita’s youth number, a movie theme song
69	The Flowers and the Old ManItō Kiyoko		A famous song sung by Kiyoko Ito, resonating in the heart
70	Light Blue RainYagami Junko		Moved by Junko Yagami’s overwhelming vocal prowess
71	Tokyo Bus GirlShodai Koromubia Rōzu		The gallant spirit and positive heart of the bus girl
72	Premonition of Spring – I’ve been mellowMinami Saori		A famous song by Saori Minami that makes you feel the arrival of spring
73	It was spring, wasn’t it?yoshida takurou		Takuro Yoshida’s poignant spring classic
74	Let’s get married.yoshida takurou		Takuro Yoshida’s Marriages and Unusual Folk Songs
75	You Are the One Who Rings That BellWada Akiko		Akiko Wada’s classic song “I Want to Return to That Day”
76	Dawn breaks.Sakamoto Sumiko		Actress from The Ballad of Narayama sings a famous song
77	I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu		Kyu Sakamoto’s signature song, loved around the world
78	You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi		Eiichi Ohtaki’s music—beauty that transcends life.
79	Premonition of Loveanzenchitai		A classic hit by Anzen Chitai, popular as an airline commercial song.
80	A snap in yellow-green (moegi)anzenchitai		A spring song by Anzen Chitai, filled with hope and warmth.
81	Wandering GuitarKoyama Rumi		The charming songs of the half-Japanese talent, Rumi Koyama
82	Love on the Yamanote LineKobayashi Akira		Akira Kobayashi’s Versatile Musical Activities and the Yamanote Line Song
83	The arrival of springKoyanagi Rumiko		A classic masterpiece depicting the arrival of spring and scenes of love and family.
84	cherry blossom frontKoyanagi Rumiko		The arrival of spring: a song of the heart of cherry blossoms and travelers
85	The Bride of SetoKoyanagi Rumiko		A song of love and hope of a woman leaving the island
86	Town of Snow LightsKoyanagi Rumiko		Rumiko Koyanagi’s classic song “Yukiguni” and a woman’s feelings
87	Embraced by the wintry windKoizumi Kyoko		A Kyoko single written and composed by Toshihiko Takamizawa
88	Mischief of the spring breezeYamaguchi Momoe		Momoe Yamaguchi’s classic: the bittersweet feelings of a springtime love
89	I’m in trouble.Yamamoto Rinda		Linda Yamamoto’s debut song, written and composed by Minoru Endo
90	I won’t forget.Okazaki Yuki		A heartbreak song from the north, with a memorable melody.
91	Lullaby of the MadonnasIwasaki Hiromi		A classic song about maternal love and a woman's growth
92	At the end of loveFuse Akira		Akira Fuse: From Tone-Deaf to Great Singer
93	The last spring breakMatsutōya Yumi		The poignant masterpiece depicting a springtime farewell, “Haru yo, Koi” (Come, Spring)
94	Among the seasonsMatsuyama Chiharu		Chiharu Matsuyama’s first No. 1 song draws attention after being used in a commercial.
95	In the corner of a caféMatsushima Utako		Utako Matsushima, a famous singer known for “In the Shade of the Chestnut Tree.”
96	Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie		Yoshie Kashiwabara’s graduation song written and composed by Miyuki Nakajima
97	spring’s dry windIzumiya Shigeru		Lyrical lyrics and Izumiya’s powerful singing voice
98	Lill Returning from ShanghaiTsumura Ken		A poignant song set in a postwar port
99	Words of FarewellKaientai		Symbol of youth, a graduation song that resonates in the heart
100	Merry-go-roundMakiha Yumi		The secret of Momoe Yamaguchi’s audition song
101	ambushIshikawa Hitomi		A woman's heartbreaking unspoken crush
102	Your NameOrii Shigeko		A memorable masterpiece of a movie theme song
103	Maybe PART IIMiki Katsuhiko & Kobayashi Sachiko		An adult forbidden romance depicting deepening love and lingering anxieties
104	Because the moon is so very blueSugawara Totoko		The blue moon is the beauty of words that conceal a heart in love.
105	Everyone in a dreamTakada Kyoko		A 1969 song, a folk-style canzone
106	Withered Susuki Grass of the Shōwa Erasakura to ichirō		A love song of two who stay close together even in poverty
107	Good-bye, My LoveAn Ruisu		The pure love from the childhood days of a Roppongi-style rock singer
108	Yes- Noofukōsu		The lyrics crossed a line and were striking.
109	Silver RoadZa Pīnattsu		A nostalgic classic born from an NHK program: Silver Road
110	The Days of Rainbows and Sneakerschūrippu		Striking from the start, a hit song by Tulip
111	UFOpinku redii		Pink Lady's 'UFO' is a big hit
112	To Marie on Fifth AvenuePetoro & Kapurishasu		Hit songs by Yu Aku and Shunichi Tokura
113	City of Ukiyo-eUchida Akari		The distinctive singing voice and costumes of the idol golden age
114	Not even worth confessingKitahara Mirei		A shocking song—the song of iron bars—was etched into my heart.
115	Northern SpringSen Masao		Masao Sen’s classic song that expresses his feelings for his hometown.
116	paper craneHiroko Chiba		A hidden gem from 1972, with a distinctive sound
117	Don’t say anything.Sono Mari		Mari Sono, a singer who represents the Showa-era Japanese pop music scene
118	The two were young.Ozaki Kiyohiko		Kiyohiko Ozaki’s tragic love melody resonates in the heart.
119	The wind is autumn-colored.Matsuda Seiko		The charm and influence of idol Seiko were immense.
120	Tokyo girlsakura tamako		The Appeal of Mari Watanabe’s “Tokyo Dodonpa-bushi”
121	HERO (The time to become a hero is now)Kai Band		The signature songs of Kai Band and the uniqueness of their TV appearances
122	Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari		A classic song by Hibari Misora, lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto
123	Is this already love?Nishikino Akira		A 70s idol, a star with outstanding athletic ability
124	Maiden’s PrayerMayuzumi Jun		Jun Mayuzumi's 1960s hit songs
125	Beach of MemoriesZa Wairudowanzu		The Wild Ones’ debut song becomes a classic.
126	Leaving sunny Tosa behindPegī Hayama		The Appeal of My Hometown as Sung by a Jazz Singer
127	Forever with youKayama Yūzō		Yuzo Kayama’s smash hit song “Young Guy with the Electric Guitar”
128	Kanda RiverMinami Kōsetsu & Kaguyahime		A masterful, wistful classic—the signature song of Kaguya-hime.
129	The Ugly DucklingNaoko Ken		Miyuki Nakajima’s poignant classic song “Abayo”
130	Dramatic RainInagaki Junichi		A long-running hit that reached No. 8 on the Oricon chart. This song became Yasushi Akimoto’s first hit work.
131	Hometown of TsugaruMisora Hibari		Hibari Misora's 'Ringo Oiwake' is a masterpiece.
132	Journey of the Heartchūrippu		A timeless classic that resonates with the heart: a single by Tulip
133	Roppongi LullabyNaitō Yasuko		Yasuko Naito’s soulful singing
134	Before winter comeskami fuusen		Hit songs by the music group that split off from Akai Tori