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


play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow
play_arrow