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So nostalgic it feels new? Showa retro classics that colored Japan’s period of rapid economic growth

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!

Playlist

So nostalgic it feels new? Showa retro classics that colored Japan’s period of rapid economic growth
show_chartTitlePlaylistReview
1eastFriday ChinatownYasuha
Friday ChinatownYasuhaplay_arrow
This song, imbued with the nostalgic aura of the Showa era, evokes the exotic atmosphere of Chinatown…
2eastYou are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi
You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichiplay_arrow
To a sophisticated pop sound, and to a love that’s been lost…
3eastRuby RingTerao Akira
Ruby RingTerao Akiraplay_arrow
Known as one of Akira Terao’s signature songs, this work is...
4eastRoppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisu
Roppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisuplay_arrow
A leading songstress who represents 1980s Japan delivers…
5eastmetropoliskurisutaru kingu
metropoliskurisutaru kinguplay_arrow
Distinctive twin vocals featuring both low and high ranges…
6eastCotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi
Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromiplay_arrow
Born from the collaboration between Takashi Matsumoto and Kyohei Tsutsumi...
7eastRed Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko
Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seikoplay_arrow
Known as a song that exudes the retro Showa-era vibe, idol...
8eastLullaby of the Holy MothersIwasaki Hiromi
Lullaby of the Holy MothersIwasaki Hiromiplay_arrow
They likened the city to a battlefield and the men fighting there to warriors...
9eastLove is overŌyō Fifi
Love is overŌyō Fifiplay_arrow
A song that portrays the feelings of a woman saying goodbye, sad...
10eastThe Day the Seagulls FlewWatanabe Machiko
The Day the Seagulls FlewWatanabe Machikoplay_arrow
A timeless masterpiece with the lingering scent of the Showa era brings a fresh breeze to the present day…
11eastSPARKLEYamashita Tatsuro
SPARKLEYamashita Tatsuroplay_arrow
A song that still captivates people today as a classic that colored the music scene of the Showa era...
12eastSake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo
Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigoplay_arrow
A portrait that entrusts the melancholy of life to sake and tears, Hide...
13eastShadows of Youthchūrippu
Shadows of Youthchūrippuplay_arrow
Depicting the end of youth and the beginning of a new life...
14eastGive Up on SummerNaoko Ken
Give Up on Summer Naoko Kenplay_arrow
A song that poignantly portrays the end of youth, by Nao Ken…
15eastBefore winter comeskami fuusen
Before winter comeskami fuusenplay_arrow
This song, known as a signature piece by Kami Fūsen (Paper Balloon)…
16eastblue eyesJakkī Yoshikawa to Burū Komettsu
blue eyesJakkī Yoshikawa to Burū Komettsuplay_arrow
A band with a melancholy-tinged melody that stirs the heart...
17eastListening to OliviaAnri
Listening to OliviaAnriplay_arrow
A melody that gently envelops the lingering ache of a bittersweet love…