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 Classics Roundup: A Must-Listen Collection of Nostalgic Tunes & Hit Songs (91–100)
Women live for love.Fuji Keiko
This song, which sings of the spirited resolve of a Showa-era woman who gives her all to the man she loves, is themed around unconditional love that needs neither games nor instruction manuals.
With Keiko Fuji’s husky, forceful voice, it vividly conveys not only the fragility that comes from such straightforwardness, but also the depths of a woman’s passionate emotions.
Backstreet TavernNishida Sachiko
With her slender figure and coquettish style, the modern-tinged Sachiko Nishida took on a variety of songs.
This number, which features the conceit of her singing the feelings of a barmaid, was originally a hidden gem tucked away on the B-side, but today it has become a signature song invariably included on her best-of compilations.
Everything is alright.RC sakuseshon
It’s a song that seems to sense that while anyone can be overcome by anxiety, not everyone has someone to comfort and encourage them, and so it showers words of encouragement indiscriminately upon everyone who is feeling anxious.
Withered Susuki Grass of the Shōwa Erasakura to ichirō
Known as an iconic song of the Showa era, this piece features the memorable harmonies of Sakura and Ichiro, offering comfort to those who struggled through hard times.
Released by Polydor Records on July 21, 1974, it became a massive hit, selling 1.5 million copies.
Its popularity surged after being used as an insert song in the TBS drama “Jikan Desu yo: Showa Gannen,” and it topped the 1975 Oricon year-end charts.
The lyrics, depicting two people determined to overcome hardship together despite poverty and the coldness of society, resonated with many.
Weaving themes of love and parting, this work is perfect for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in Showa-era nostalgia.
Spirit Boat (Shoro Nagashi)gureepu
Released in 1974 (Showa 49).
This song was performed by Masashi Sada—who has written many hit songs for various artists and is still active today—in a duo with Masami Yoshida.
Although the two were unknown at the time and their songs didn’t sell well at first, this track gradually began to gain popularity thanks to a late-night radio program.
Decades later, Sada recently saw off his late mother in his hometown of Nagasaki during the Obon season, while the song “Shōrō Nagashi” played.
He said that in a time when the family was far from affluent and couldn’t afford a piano, his mother at least gave him a violin.
He has said that he owes who he is today to his mother.
Drifters’ Zundoko BushiZa Dorifutāzu
The number two spot on the 1970 singles chart was held by The Drifters, a comedy group that remains one of the most well-known even today.
In their early years, the group focused heavily on music, so they released many singles.
Their sales have surpassed 780,000 copies.
Yearning for youFuranku Nagai
The original song dates back to 1922 (Taisho 11), making it very old, but it was given a rhythmic arrangement and released in 1961, becoming a hit.
It has exactly the atmosphere of mood kayō, resulting in a romantic piece.