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 Classics Roundup: Must-Listen Oldies & Hit Songs (31–40)
I’m appearing under my former name.Kobayashi Akira
Sung with Akira Kobayashi’s expansive vocals, this song portrays the poignant devotion of a hostess whose way of life typically dictates moving from nightlife district to nightlife district and leaving the past behind.
Yet she keeps using her old professional name and waits at the bar so that the man she longs for can find her whenever he comes, capturing the touching steadfastness of a woman in love.
The arrival of springKoyanagi Rumiko
It’s a warm, classic song that heralds the arrival of spring.
It delicately portrays scenes where happiness and bittersweetness intertwine: two people walking along the seaside, a girl’s feelings as she invites her boyfriend home for the first time, and conversations with her family.
Released in February 1973 as Rumiko Koyanagi’s seventh single, it was a popular hit that reached No.
4 on the Oricon charts.
The lyrics were written by Michio Yamagami, and the music was composed by Koichi Morita.
It’s recommended for moments when you want to reflect on the promise of new love and the bonds of family while wrapped in the warmth of spring.
Listen to the gentle vocals, and your heart will feel warmer.
Sōemonchō Bluesheiwa katsuji to daakuhosu
Released in 1972 (Showa 47).
Its popularity gradually grew from the entertainment district in Sakai, Osaka, and it became a hit, selling over two million.
Thanks to this song, Soemoncho became known nationwide, and it’s said that Katsuji Heiwa received a letter of appreciation from the neighborhood association.
I think the crisp singing style favored by people in Osaka and the up-tempo melody resonated with the nightlife crowd.
The singing style somehow sounds similar to the old Shinichi Mori.
Broken-winged angelNakamura Ayumi
This song, one of Ayumi Nakamura’s breakout hits, captivated many with her husky voice that contrasts strikingly with her idol-level looks.
It portrays a half-life that begins with the reckless rampage of one’s teenage years, soothing wounded hearts and giving the strength to rise up once more.
Purple TownYagami Junko
A heart-stirring classic that portrays urban loneliness and longing for a loved one, set against the backdrop of New York City.
Crafted by Junko Yagami from her own time living in Los Angeles, this gem tenderly wraps the warmth of human connection within the chill and solitude of city life, carried by her clear, luminous voice.
Released in July 1980, the song was also featured in a Japan Airlines commercial and became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon chart and selling over 600,000 copies.
It is also known as Yagami’s debut performance piece on that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
To this day, it remains beloved across generations.
Showa Era Classics: A Must-Listen Collection of Nostalgic Tunes & Hit Songs (41–50)
The Day the Seagulls FlewWatanabe Machiko
Set in a port town, this gem of a ballad poignantly portrays the pain of heartbreak.
Against the glittering morning seascape, the singer overlays her feelings for a departing lover onto a single seagull, creating a moving masterpiece.
Released in April 1978, it became one of Machiko Watanabe’s signature songs, peaking at No.
5 on the Oricon charts.
The track won numerous music awards and drew attention to her as a rising talent among female singers.
In 2007, it was adopted as a Chiba Lotte Marines cheer song, with a special stadium version also released.
A performance by Japan’s dance team Avantgardey, featuring their unique choreography, garnered significant buzz and boosted the song’s recognition among younger audiences.
It’s a recommended listen for anyone who can relate to a woman quietly accepting the pain of lost love, or for those who wish to revisit youthful memories alongside the scenery of a harbor town.
Romantic Flightkome kome CLUB
This song captures the spirit of adventure in love and dreams, carried by a light, upbeat rhythm, and expresses the feeling of taking off into the unknown with a free spirit.
Crafted by Kome Kome Club, who blend a funky sound with a positive message, it was released in April 1990 and is known as one of the group’s signature works.
It also drew attention as the tie-in song for JAL’s “Okinawa Travel” campaign and topped the Oricon weekly chart.
With its highly entertaining, stage-ready flair, the track delivers a sense of exhilaration and refreshment, as if you’re soaring through the sky.
Even today, it remains a beloved song across generations.