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.
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Showa Masterpieces Compilation: A Must-Listen Collection of Nostalgic Tunes and Hit Songs (’71–’80)
Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko
Released in 1987, the song gained popularity among younger generations after Kuniko Yamada and Korokke performed impersonations of it, leading to even greater success.
It was performed three times at the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, and even after Chiyoko Shimakura’s passing, it has continued to be beloved as the train arrival chime at Keikyu Aomonoyokocho Station.
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)Shiga Masaru
Though rough in language, this song weaves in the moral code of Japan’s good old days and portrays the masculine ethos that existed in the Showa era, when fathers commanded respect.
It’s a piece dedicated to today’s society—where we’ve lost the ability to distinguish the stern love of a beloved, stubborn father from the mere grumbling of a cranky old man.
The Old Man’s SeaMuraki Kenkichi
Riding the rhythm of the rowing chants, a clear, soaring singing voice that seemed to cut through even the roughest waves gradually spread in popularity across the country over two years after it first aired on cable radio.
Overcoming many hardships, this previously unknown 47-year-old newcomer won the Cable Radio Grand Prize’s Best New Artist Award.
Showa Masterpieces Collection: Must-Listen Nostalgic Classics & Hit Songs (’81–’90)
The Seasons of a Married CoupleMurata Hideo
This song, which brings both vitality and wistfulness to a couple who, though poor, have nurtured their love and shared both hardship and joy, portrays an ideal form of marriage by depicting a domineering husband who, despite not showing it on his face, harbors deep feelings for his wife, and a wife who finds purpose in supporting such a husband as they sustain each other.
Lament of ResentmentKaji Meiko
This song, which sings of a gut-boiling woman’s grudge with richly emotional vocals, leaves a powerful impact within its tight two-and-a-half-minute runtime, thanks to a restrained yet intense voice worthy of a consummate dramatic actress and a dramatic arrangement.
Across this wide fieldMoriyama Ryoko
It’s a beautiful folk song that sings of the great outdoors as far as the eye can see.
It conveys a pure desire to offer fields full of flowers, a night sky full of stars, and a sea full of boats to a cherished person.
Released in January 1967 as Ryoko Moriyama’s debut single, it was followed by an album of the same name in February of that year.
With its clear, transparent vocals and poetic lyrics, the song captured many hearts and became such a classic that it was even included in elementary school music textbooks.
In 2000, it was used as the ending theme for the PlayStation game “Boku no Natsuyasumi,” and it has continued to be loved across generations.
It’s a song that resonates deeply when you want to quietly reflect on feelings for someone important.
Happy HinamatsuriKawamura Junko
A masterpiece that beautifully sings of the sights of spring in Japan, where Hachirō Satō’s lyrics and Kōyō Kawamura’s composition are in perfect harmony.
Junko Kawamura’s clear singing voice gracefully depicts the gentle scenes of the Peach Festival.
Released by Polydor in 1936, this work has continued to be cherished in households across Japan ever since.
It is included in the albums “Junko Kawamura: The Path of Children’s Songs I” and “Junko Kawamura: The Path of Children’s Songs II,” and its warm charm remains undimmed.
It’s a recommended piece for when you want to feel the arrival of spring or listen together with family.