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
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Ruby RingTerao Akira		Atsushi Terao’s signature song, with a depiction of heartbreak that resonates deeply
2	You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi		A masterpiece by Eiichi Ohtaki, a gem that expresses feelings for a lost love.
3	Friday ChinatownYasuha		A city pop masterpiece that portrays the Chinatown of the Showa era
4	Roppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisu		Ann Lewis's wistful love song about romance
5	metropoliskurisutaru kingu		The Allure of Crystal King's Metropolis
6	Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi		Hiromi Ohta’s signature song, “Momen no Handkerchief”
7	Lullaby of the Holy MothersIwasaki Hiromi		A Showa-era classic that depicts maternal love by Hiromi Iwasaki
8	Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko		Seiko Matsuda’s Showa-era retro masterpieces
9	Give Up on SummerNaoko Ken		Ken Naoko’s blockbuster song that poignantly sings about the end of summer
10	Love is overŌyō Fifi		A classic that expresses the pain of parting and affection
11	The Day the Seagulls FlewWatanabe Machiko		A Showa-era classic breathes new life into the present
12	Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo		A signature song that entrusted the melancholy of life to booze and tears
13	Shadows of Youthchūrippu		The end of youth and the beginning of a new life
14	SPARKLEYamashita Tatsuro		Tatsuro Yamashita’s classic remains captivating 40 years on
15	Before winter comeskami fuusen		Paper Balloon’s signature song, a yearning for reunion with a lover amid the changing seasons of autumn and winter
16	Listening to OliviaAnri		Anri’s classic ballad that heals the pain of heartbreak
17	blue eyesJakkī Yoshikawa to Burū Komettsu		A classic masterpiece from the dawn of the Group Sounds era depicting a bittersweet love in the northern country