Showa-era masterpieces roundup: A must-listen collection of nostalgic oldies and hit songs

Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterIzumiya Shigeru

Shigeru Izumiya - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

This song, which quietly reflects on the fleeting feelings toward what changes and what does not, set against the shifting seasons of Japan, seems to offer a blessed prayer precisely because it comes from someone who lives with the clear knowledge that lining up cheap words like dreams and hopes will never bring salvation.

My RevolutionWatanabe Misato

My Revolution / Misato Watanabe (HD)

This song, which sings of the resolve to spark a revolution within oneself after days of being shut inside one’s shell and bound tight, delivers its message with a bright, free-flowing voice, as if to gently teach how vital that is, and gives courage to those in similar circumstances to start their own revolutions.

When the cherry blossoms bloomWatanabe Misato

Misato Watanabe — When the Cherry Blossoms Bloom

Nostalgic memories carried on the spring breeze.

This is a song where Misato Watanabe’s voice drifts down to the heart like cherry blossom petals.

Released in 1988, it was created with music by Naoto Kine and lyrics by Misato Watanabe herself.

Inspired by her struggles with arithmetic and mathematics, the song conveys a wish for listeners to feel at peace when they see cherry blossoms, even when facing harsh realities.

With the arrival of spring, it’s a track that encourages you to look back on days gone by and take a brave new step forward.

A song best heard while being caressed by the spring wind.

Black Cat TangoMinagawa Osamu

Kuroneko no Tango – Black Cat Tango

Osamu Minagawa’s debut single, released in October 1969 (Showa 44), became a major hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

At the time, Minagawa was six years old; with sales exceeding 2.6 million copies, he became the youngest artist to achieve a million-seller.

Based on an Italian children’s song with newly written Japanese lyrics, the piece is characterized by its charming words that liken a black cat to a sweetheart.

The lyrics lovingly portray the cat’s capricious behavior and beautifully depict its eyes shining at night, capturing the hearts of listeners across all ages, from children to adults.

It’s a recommended track for anyone seeking a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere or a family-friendly children’s song.

Nakanoshima BluesAkiniba Yutaka & Aronaitsu

Nakanoshima Blues (Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five / cover song)

The major-label version was released in 1975 (Showa 50).

It’s better known as a Cool Five song, but this is the original.

Recognized for their performances as an amateur band at the Utashinai coal mine in Hokkaido, they produced this track independently, and it gradually gained traction through cable broadcasting and the like.

As the name suggests, the setting is Nakanoshima in Sapporo, Hokkaido, making it a local anthem as well.

Elegy of SpringShōji Shirō

Spring Elegy (Shirō Shōji)

This is a signature song by Shiro Shoji, who was active from the early Showa period.

Centered on the themes of lost love and the transience of spring, it has long been cherished for its moving melody and lyrics.

Using falling blossoms as a symbol, it poignantly conveys the sorrow of parting and the passage of time.

Released by Columbia Records in 1934, it became a foundation for the musical landscape that followed.

Shoji’s heartfelt singing and composer Yuji Koseki’s talent shine in this piece.

Listening to it in the season when spring arrives makes it resonate all the more deeply.

First Star BluesSugawara Bunta, Aikawa Kinya

First Star Blues

This song, which begins with a powerful engine roar, is famous for being used in the film “Torakku Yaro” (Truck Guys), but its content is a life lesson that likens a person’s way of living to a journey, and it goes beyond the world of the movie.

The heartfelt lyrics and the dry ring of the guitar evoke a sense of melancholy.