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 Tunes & Hit Songs (21–30)
Twilight feels lonely.N.S.P
Released in 1974 (Showa 49).
The three-member group hails from Iwate Prefecture and formed a band during their high school years.
They were regarded as representatives of lyrical folk and enjoyed enduring popularity.
This song was inspired by a river in Iwate, the members’ home prefecture, and it conveys a pleasant sense of wholesome, rustic simplicity and innocence in the best sense.
It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Uchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five
Showa-era songs often included many local-themed tunes, and this one drew attention because its title was unusual.
While many songs of the time were mellow mood numbers sung tenderly, Kiyoshi Maekawa’s powerful vocals were also a factor in its success.
Although Maekawa is often seen as the quiet type, he also ventured into comedy sketches with Kinichi Hagimoto, and this different side of him became popular.
spring hazeIwasaki Hiromi
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
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
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.