Are you familiar with the term “Showa retro”? It refers to the renewed appreciation of movies, music, architecture, fashion, sundries, and design from the Showa era—especially the period of rapid economic growth from the mid-1950s to the late 1970s.
The unique atmosphere of that time may feel fresh to younger generations.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of classic Showa retro songs.
In recent years, there’s also been a trend of Japanese city pop being rediscovered overseas, so be sure to check it out!
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Too nostalgic to be new? Showa-retro masterpieces that colored Japan’s high-growth era (1–10)
Friday ChinatownYasuha
Steeped in a Showa-era vibe, this song masterfully captures the exotic atmosphere of Chinatown.
Released in September 1981 as Yasuha’s debut single, it didn’t make a major splash at the time, but has been reevaluated amid the recent city pop boom.
It became available for streaming in May 2022 and has since drawn fresh attention, including covers by various artists.
It’s a perfect pick not only for those who love retro Showa aesthetics, but also for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in an exotic mood.
A timeless classic packed with the charm of city pop.
You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi
This is a striking song featuring a polished pop sound and lyrics that reflect on a lost love.
While influenced by American pop, it fully showcases Eiichi Ohtaki’s talent in pursuing a uniquely Japanese musical sensibility.
Included on the classic album “A LONG VACATION,” released in March 1981, it captured the hearts of many listeners.
There’s also an intriguing production anecdote: although they initially planned to raise the chorus by a whole step, the lyrics felt awkward over that change, so they did the unusual and lowered only the chorus key instead.
It’s a touching masterpiece that I highly recommend to anyone who fondly reminisces about past loves.
Ruby RingTerao Akira
Known as one of Akira Terao’s signature songs, this piece is a poignant track that depicts a mature romance.
Its lyrics, which look back fondly on a lost love, together with Terao’s characteristically husky vocals, resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in February 1981, it became a massive hit, staying at No.
1 on the Oricon charts for ten consecutive weeks.
It was also featured in a Yokohama Tires commercial, earning broad popularity across generations.
It’s a recommended listen for those who have experienced parting with someone dear, or for anyone who wants to soak in the atmosphere of the Showa era.
Roppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisu
A masterpiece that portrays the aching feelings of love, delivered by one of Japan’s iconic divas of the 1980s.
Set against the nightlife of Roppongi, it vividly depicts a passionate romance.
Ann Lewis’s powerful vocals and the rock-infused sound leave a strong impression.
Released in October 1984, it gained popularity after being selected as the opening theme for the TV Asahi drama “Triangle Blue” starting in May the following year.
It’s also a karaoke staple—perfect when you want to sing out the emotions of an adult woman troubled by love.
A gem of a love song that epitomizes Showa-era retro, brimming with Ann Lewis’s charm.
metropoliskurisutaru kingu
This is a single by Crystal King that gained popularity for its distinctive combination of twin vocals—one low and one high—and its high-quality songs strongly influenced by Western hard rock.
Released in November 1979, this track was their debut single and became a massive hit, selling over a million copies.
True to its title, the lyrics and musical style evoke the feel of a big city, creating a strong impact, and it’s known as Crystal King’s signature song.
Since it’s a well-known classic, it’s sure to get the crowd going at year-end or New Year parties.
However, because the key is quite high and the low vocal part also needs to be considered, it’s difficult to simply lower the key using karaoke settings.
Therefore, it’s recommended to sing it together with a male vocalist who can handle the high notes.
Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi
Born from the collaboration between Takashi Matsumoto and Kyohei Tsutsumi, this song is known as one of Hiromi Ohta’s signature hits.
The lyrics are written as a dialogue between a long-distance couple, making it a groundbreaking work that bridged folk and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular song).
Released in 1975, it became a massive hit, selling 867,000 copies.
It’s said that the deliberate use of the somewhat old-fashioned word “momen” (cotton) was one factor behind its success.
It’s a must-listen not only for those drawn to the lyrical world and Ohta’s vocals, but also for younger listeners interested in classic Showa-era masterpieces.
It’s also a staple choice for karaoke.
Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko
Known as a song imbued with the fragrance of the Showa era, this signature track by singer-songwriter Seiko Matsuda—an idol legend who sparked a social phenomenon—was released as a single in January 1982, with lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Yumi Matsutoya.
Its lyrics, depicting the arrival of spring and the bittersweet stirrings of first love, brim with charm that evokes a nostalgic landscape.
Featured in high school music textbooks, the song has been performed frequently on Seiko Matsuda’s concert tours and television appearances.
It’s a classic of Showa-era retro, perfect for listening to on a refreshing spring day.