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 Era Masterpieces: A Must-Listen Collection of Nostalgic Classics & Hit Songs (11–20)
The Scent of CyclamenFuse Akira
It is one of the signature masterpieces of the Showa-era pop scene.
Written and composed by Kei Ogura, it was released by Akira Fuse in April 1975.
The song was a major hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts and ranking second on the year-end chart.
Fuse’s expansive, powerful vocals beautifully convey the changing phases of love as depicted through cyclamen flowers.
The lyrics, which mirror the emotional shifts from the beginning of love to parting with the changing colors of the flowers, are sure to resonate with many listeners.
Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko
A classic song depicting love in full spring bloom was released as a single by Seiko Matsuda in 1982.
Composed by Yumi Matsutoya with lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto, this track marked a turning point in Matsuda’s career.
To accommodate her strained voice from a grueling schedule, a slow ballad style was adopted.
The lyrics delicately portray springtime scenes and the bittersweetness of love, resonating with many listeners.
This work has long been cherished as one of Seiko Matsuda’s signature songs.
It’s especially recommended for listening during the season when you can feel spring’s arrival.
Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko
It’s one of the quintessential masterpieces of the Showa era.
Though it centers on parting, it presents a forward-looking, positive way to say goodbye.
The lyrics reflect a mature decision to avoid hurting each other by not revealing the reason for the breakup.
Released in March 1971, it became a major hit for Kiyohiko Ozaki.
In the same year, it won the Grand Prize at both the 13th Japan Record Awards and the 2nd Japan Kayou Awards, and he performed it on NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
It was also chosen as the entrance march for the 44th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in 1972, and has continued to be loved across generations.
It’s a song I’d recommend to anyone who has experienced a farewell with someone dear, or who is about to embark on a new path.
Azusa No. 2karyūdō
Released in 1977, this song was the debut single of the brother duo Kariudo and became an exceptional hit for new artists.
It portrays the protagonist’s complex feelings as he ends his life with a lover in the city and boards the limited express Azusa No.
2 with a new partner, heading for Shinshu.
The duo’s beautifully interwoven harmonies are a must-hear.
Ruby RingTerao Akira
A signature song by Akira Terao that nostalgically recalls a lost love.
Memories of a past romance, symbolized by the red gleam of a ruby, are portrayed in a calm, understated tone.
Released in February 1981, the song topped the Oricon singles chart and became a massive hit, selling over 1.6 million copies.
It also set a remarkable record on The Best Ten, remaining at No.
1 for 12 consecutive weeks.
Blending Terao’s deep, rugged vocals with a sophisticated melody, this piece evokes the bittersweet feelings of adult romance.
Recommended for times when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or reminisce about a love from the past.
Snow CountryYoshi Ikuzo
This is a song released in 1986, with lyrics and music written by Ikuzo Yoshi himself.
It originally began as an improvised tune at a party, and the lyrics were so comical that it was said they wouldn’t have been suitable for release in their original form.
After it came out, it became one of Yoshi’s signature songs and gained popularity, including for the many humorous parody versions people sang.
Showa-Era Masterpieces: A Must-Listen Collection of Nostalgic Tunes & Hit Songs (21–30)
The Ten CommandmentsNakamori Akina
As if to rewrite the era of bright, cutesy idols, she put forward a cool, sharp style and, as though perfectly suited to a time when delinquents were popular, provoked with edgy words that felt like a kick to the backside of spineless men.
She was also well known for her diaphragm-driven, from-the-gut vocal delivery.