[Timeless and Unfading] Ah, the Youthful Singers of the Showa Era
The voices of the Showa-era singers who colored our youthful days continue to resonate in our hearts across time.
Kenji Sawada’s captivating mature allure, Momoe Yamaguchi’s dignified presence, Akira Kobayashi’s fiery spirit.
Their distinctive personalities and the deep emotions woven into their songs have enchanted people across generations.
Amid a music scene that changes with the times, the gem-like melodies left by Showa-era singers are truly treasures that shine in the history of Japanese music.
In this article, we will introduce a comprehensive lineup of singers who were active during the Showa period.
- Recommended youth songs for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic classics
- A compilation of beautiful actresses and singers from the Showa era: the beauties who captivated countless fans.
- For seniors: Recommended youthful songs for people in their 90s. A collection of classic Showa-era hits.
- Recommended love songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic love songs that colored the Showa era
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs
- Recommended love songs for people in their 90s: A collection of classic Shōwa-era romance songs
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that really move you. Beloved classic Japanese hits of the past.
- List of Showa-era variety idols: idols who were active in singing and variety shows
- [For Seniors] Popular Kayōkyoku: A Collection of Classic Songs Perfect for Karaoke and Background Music Selection
- An encouraging song we want people in their 80s to hear. A cheer song from the Showa era.
- [Karaoke] Recommended Songs for Men in Their 80s: A Collection of Showa-Era Classics You’ll Want to Belt Out
- List of popular Showa-era actresses that bring back memories: introducing iconic stars who evoke nostalgia
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for men in their 80s: Showa-era classics to perform at karaoke
[Timeless and Unfading] Ah, the Youthful Singers of the Showa Era (1–10)
LetterYuki Saori
Let me introduce a Showa-era classic that captures a woman’s feelings at the moment of parting: “Tegami.” Many people were likely captivated from the very first lines of Saori Yuki’s “Tegami,” with its striking lyrics.
The words were written by Rei Nakanishi, and the music composed by Makoto Kawaguchi.
Released in 1970, the song reflects in its lyrics the emotions of a woman writing a farewell letter to the lover she had likely been living with.
Saori Yuki’s clear, beautiful voice and expressive delivery make the song all the more compelling.
Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō
Let me introduce the classic song “Kita no Tabibito” (The Northern Traveler), said to be the last recording made during his lifetime.
Yujiro Ishihara’s “Kita no Tabibito” was apparently recorded on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, where he was recuperating.
The lyrics were written by Yoko Yamaguchi, and the music was composed by Tetsuya Gen.
Many people likely feel a deep attachment to this song, which was released as a memorial edition after Ishihara’s passing.
Set in Hokkaido, the lyrics are notable for their vivid imagery that brings the scenes to life.
Ishihara’s captivating voice truly touches the heart.
Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari
I’ve heard that for a star as big as Hibari Misora, recording was typically done in a single take—one and done.
There’s a story from when Yasushi Akimoto, still young at the time and the lyricist of “Kawa no Nagare no Yō ni,” attended her recording session.
After Hibari finished her one take and was about to leave the studio, Akimoto stopped her and said, “Please sing it one more time.
This song can become even better.” Everyone on the crew froze.
But Hibari smiled at Akimoto and said, “You’re an interesting kid,” then sang “Kawa no Nagare no Yō ni” once more.
If anyone embodies the term “a true great,” it’s Hibari Misora.
From the postwar period through recovery and on to maturity, she left a trove of masterpieces across every scene in Japan.
They called her the Phoenix not merely to praise her extraordinary stamina, but for something far deeper.
[Timeless and Unfading] Ah, the Youthful Showa-Era Singers (11–20)
Slow motionNakamori Akina
Akina Nakamori’s debut single, “Slow Motion.” The lyrics were written by Etsuko Kisugi and the music composed by Takao Kisugi, and it was released in 1982.
Although Nakamori was a newcomer at the time, her first recording was reportedly done in Los Angeles, USA.
Portraying the beginning of a summer romance with the expression that the shock of the encounter made time feel as if it were in slow motion, this song marked the start of her rise to become one of the leading members of the so-called “Flower ’82 Generation,” a banner year for idols.
She went on to pursue a wide-ranging career, not only in music but also as an actress.
Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko
Aoi Sangoshou (Blue Coral Reef), released in 1980 as her second single, is one of Seiko Matsuda’s signature songs.
Celebrating the feeling of racing along on a tropical breeze while spending time with a beloved, the track steadily gained sales from its first week and became a major hit.
Her charming gestures and looks also won widespread popularity, and her hairstyle—dubbed the “Seiko-chan cut”—took the country by storm.
Reflecting its enduring appeal, the single was reissued in 1989, 2004, and 2010.
It also earned her newcomer awards at the Japan Record Award and the Japan Pop Music Award.
YOUNG MAN（Y.M.C.A.）Saijō Hideki
YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.) was released in 1979 as Hideki Saijo’s 28th single.
As a disco track, it features Japanese lyrics adapted from Village People’s hit “Y.M.C.A.”—which was popular in the U.S.
at the time—reimagined as an anthem for youth and arranged in a pop style.
The participatory performance, where everyone forms the letters “Y,” “M,” “C,” and “A” with their whole bodies while singing and dancing together, also became hugely popular, leading the song to set and break records on numerous music charts.
240 Million Eyes -Exotic Japan-Gō Hiromi
This is Hiromi Go’s 50th single, released in 1984.
It became the campaign song for Japanese National Railways’ final promotion, “Exotic Japan,” and it also made news when Go’s father, who worked for JNR, was appointed assistant stationmaster at Tokyo Station.
The song is said to have been inspired by Japan’s population at the time—about 120 million—as well as by young people’s expectations for Japan and their passionate feelings in pursuit of love and new encounters.
Even today, the shout of “Japan!” is widely recognized, and the song remains one of Hiromi Go’s signature hits.