Showa-era masterpieces roundup: A must-listen collection of nostalgic oldies and hit songs
In the Showa era, countless masterpieces were created across genres, from pop kayokyoku to enka.
Many of them are still loved today, and we have plenty of chances to hear them.
In recent years, it’s not uncommon for Showa-era songs to experience a revival hit, and I think many younger listeners are also interested in these classics.
In this article, we’d like to reintroduce a generous selection of Showa masterpieces.
We’ve gathered many songs from various genres, so please take your time and give them a careful listen.
- Showa-era nostalgic songs: Popular ranking
- [For Seniors] Popular Kayōkyoku: A Collection of Classic Songs Perfect for Karaoke and Background Music Selection
- A roundup of classic Showa-era kayō songs: a comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations.
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- Just listening to it purifies the heart... A healing song born in the Showa era.
- [Revisited] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era songs that are trending now [2026]
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- [Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke.
- A collection of iconic, cool Showa-era kayōkyoku classics sung by male vocalists
- Ranking of Popular Nostalgic Songs and Classics [2026]
- Thrilling to Cool Showa-Era Tunes! Classic Songs from Female Singers and Artists of the Showa Period
- [Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
- [Nostalgic Hits] Smash Hits with the Showa Generation! Classic and Popular Songs Sung by Female Vocalists
Showa Era Classics Collection: A Must-Listen Selection of Nostalgic Tunes and Hit Songs (61–70)
Brotherly Code of HonorKitajima Saburō
This song, which centers on the steadfast bond of sworn brotherhood among chivalrous yakuza and even gained popularity with performers on the Red and White Song Battle—something hard to imagine today—evokes a bygone era.
Precisely because duty and human compassion have waned in our time, its sprinkling of masculine aesthetics feels fresh.
Fortune-telling for womenMinami Yuji to Furuseiruzu
Released in 1970 (Showa 45).
When I heard “Onna Uranai” (Woman’s Fortune-telling), I could hardly remember who sang the song, but as soon as I saw the lyrics, it all came back to me.
The delivery is calm and matter-of-fact, but the lyrics are quite unique, and the impact of the opening lines is really striking.
A mole on the chest seems like something anyone could have, doesn’t it?
Oh, sake!Yoshi Ikuzo
Ikuzo Yoshi, who made a comedic debut with “I’m Goin’ to Tokyo,” shifted course and found further success with the hit “Yukiguni.” With this song, he won the Grand Prix at the All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards, cementing his status as a bona fide singer.
His talent for both writing lyrics and composing music is also an unusual presence in the enka genre.
It might make it in time.yoshida takurou
This song, packed with words that seem to trace unvarnished feelings lifted from everyday life, gives courage—not from a lofty perch but shoulder to shoulder—to people who, in lives where the only thing they know for sure is that they aren’t fulfilled, are stewing in frustration, helping them break free together.
In the pouring rainWada Akiko
Akiko Wada’s second single, released in April 1969, became a major hit, reaching a peak position of 19 on the Oricon charts and marking her breakthrough.
This work expresses the pain of heartbreak and a sense of loneliness through the imagery of a torrential downpour.
It begins with a poignant street-corner scene and portrays someone trying to look ahead while holding on to memories of a former lover.
Wada’s powerful vocals further heighten the emotional resonance of the lyrics.
The anguish of accepting a breakup, and the strength to move forward nonetheless, are layered onto the natural phenomenon of rain, striking a deep chord with listeners.
Through this song, Akiko Wada has continued to inspire courage and empathy in many people.
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu
This work is known as one of Kyu Sakamoto’s signature songs.
Set to a light, buoyant rhythm, the lyrics carry a strong resolve to keep looking forward and walking on, even while holding back tears.
Upon its release in 1961, it spread rapidly across Japan and quickly garnered international attention.
It’s also known for being the first Japanese song to achieve global success, including reaching the top of the Billboard charts.
Its charm has not faded with time, and it continues to be loved by people of all generations.
It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to rekindle a positive spirit—holding sadness yet never losing hope for the future.
Such is a woman’s soliloquyMasuiyama Tashirō
This is a single released in 1977 by Masuiyama Daishiro, who was an active professional sumo wrestler at the time.
The song came out when he was still ranked in the upper maegashira.
It became a long-running hit into 1978 and won the Best Hit Award at the 11th Japan Cable Radio Awards (Nihon Yusen Taisho) in the Wired Music category.
1978 was considered a lean year for enka, and this song was regarded as an exceptional representative piece for the genre.