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

spring hazeIwasaki Hiromi

spring haze

Released in 1979, this is a poignant love song by Hiromi Iwasaki about spring.

The lyrics, which depict the moment of saying goodbye to a lover during the season when the cherry blossoms are about 60% in bloom, really resonate.

Iwasaki’s clear voice beautifully conveys the fleeting nature of spring and the stirrings of love.

The song was also featured on TBS’s “The Best Ten” and became beloved by many.

It’s a recommended track for those who look back fondly on a past romance with the arrival of spring.

Listening to it as the cherry blossoms begin to bloom may make it feel all the more moving.

Night fog, thank you again tonightIshihara Yūjirō

Thank you, night fog, again tonight.

This is a song filled with the allure of a deep baritone that epitomizes male singers of the Showa era.

The lyrics are striking in the way they depict a secret love being enveloped by the night fog and express gratitude toward that very fog.

Released in February 1967 as one of Yujiro Ishihara’s signature songs, it sold an impressive 2.55 million copies.

Frequently tied in with films and TV dramas, it brims with the charm of Ishihara, who also shone in works like “Taiyo ni Hoero!” and “Seibu Keisatsu.” Highly recommended for those who have experienced parting from someone dear or who harbor a bittersweet love.

It’s a soulful piece that makes you want to listen while walking through a city wrapped in night fog.

Otaru no hito yoTsuruoka Masayoshi to Tokyo Romanchika

Masayoshi Tsuruoka and Tokyo Romantica “Otaru no Hito yo”

Released in 1967 (Showa 42).

It’s one of the representative “local songs.” At first, composer Masayoshi Tsuruoka’s group had no dedicated vocalist and performed with guest singers, but when Masato Sanjo became the main vocalist, this song became a big hit.

Younger people may not know this, but actress Yoshiko Kayama is Masato Sanjo’s wife.

Strings of TearsTonosama Kingusu

Strings of Tears

Known as one of Tonomama Kings’ signature songs, this piece was released in 1973 and had a major impact on the Japanese music scene.

Its lyrics, which portray a woman’s poignant feelings toward straightforward love and a lost romance, resonated deeply with many people.

With an impactful melody right from the opening and the unmistakable flavor of classic Japanese music, it is a superb masterpiece that has been covered by a variety of singers, including Mina Aoe, Yoshi Tendo, and Kiyoshi Hikawa.

It’s a song we highly recommend to those standing at a crossroads in life or carrying unspoken feelings in their hearts.

Anko Camellia is the flower of loveMiyako Harumi

Anko Camellia is the flower of love

This song, which became Harumi Miyako’s breakout hit as she raced down the road to stardom with her distinctive kobushi ornamentation laced with a unique growl and her characteristic expression of casting a strong gaze slightly upward, made full use of her vocal allure and won the Newcomer Award at the Japan Record Awards.

Meeting at ShuishiyingOkanoteiichi

Meeting at Shuishiying

The celebrated song that extols a sincere reconciliation between soldiers is a work by Teiichi Okano, included in 1910 (Meiji 43) in the fifth-year edition of the Elementary School Songbook.

While praising morale and valor, it portrays deep human compassion with the idea that “yesterday’s enemy is today’s friend,” and its message of respect and friendship toward a former foe still resonates today.

Recorded by the Barn Jacks on the album “Songs of Sorrow from the Battlefield” and featured as well in “Koichi Miura Collection: Masterpieces of Military Songs,” this piece vividly depicts raw scenes—bullet-scarred battle sites and collapsed homes—while powerfully singing of reconciliation and the wish for peace.

It is a song we especially recommend to those who wish to pass on the history of war and the preciousness of peace to the next generation, and to those who want to experience the spirit of Japan’s school songs and military songs.

Song of the Greater East Asia Decisive Battlekaigun gungakutai

Military Song: Song of the Greater East Asia Decisive Battle (Color Version)

This is a passionate brass band piece reminiscent of a wartime national anime.

The powerful performance by the Navy Band is arranged in a march style that combines dignity and grandeur.

The work was released simultaneously by Nippon Columbia and Victor Records in March 1942, and a promotional film was also produced.

The film features top-tier actors, including kabuki performers Ennosuke Ichikawa, Yaōzō Ichikawa, and Danshirō Ichikawa, and even includes choreographed dance scenes.

Numerous wind band arrangements exist, making it well-suited for performances by choirs and brass bands.

It’s a must-listen for those who want to experience a commanding wind ensemble sound that evokes a sense of national history.