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 Classics: A Must-Listen Collection of Nostalgic Tunes & Hit Songs (41–50)
Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko
A gem of a love song that portrays the aching feelings of a woman in love.
With moving lyrics by Reiko Yukawa and a beautiful melody composed by Akiko Kobayashi herself, this work harmonizes perfectly to vividly depict the delicate emotions of a woman suffering from a forbidden love.
Released in August 1985, it was also used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Friday Wives.” It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart seven times and became a massive hit, ranking third on the 1985 year-end chart.
Even today, it continues to be beloved by people of all ages as a song that stays close to the hearts of those who harbor secret affections and wavering emotions.
The Flower Girl of TokyoHaruo Oka
A classic from 1946 that paints a single flower of hope blooming at a Tokyo crossroads where blue willows are budding.
Sung with the warmth of Haruo Oka’s voice, the melody gently embraced people’s hearts during the turmoil of the postwar era.
Through the figure of a young flower seller with a gentle demeanor, the image of Tokyo rising from the ashes comes into view.
The lyrics by Sasa Shio and the composition by Gento Uehara blend beautifully, creating a gem of a song in which a definite hope can be felt even amid loneliness.
This work gracefully depicts the feelings of those seeking to take a new step with the arrival of spring.
It is a moving masterpiece recommended for anyone who wishes to spend a heartwarming moment in the spring sunshine.
dandelionŌta Hiromi
A classic that captures delicate feelings of first love from a unique perspective.
The emotions of a modest yet pure-hearted girl in love are overlapped with the image of dandelions blooming by the roadside, gently singing of the bittersweet feelings everyone experiences.
Takashi Matsumoto’s poetic lyrics and Kyohei Tsutsumi’s melody blend beautifully, and Hiromi Ohta’s pure voice perfectly conveys the song’s world.
Released in April 1975, it was later included on the album “Tanshūhen” (Short Stories) and gained popularity.
It’s a song that comforts those who strive to live strongly—like a dandelion that keeps blooming while facing forward—even when they carry loneliness in their hearts.
Recommended for anyone who wants to relate to the ache of unrequited love and the feelings of being in love.
Don’t look back.hanī naitsu
In 1970, the Honey Knights performed a song composed by Asei Kobayashi as the CM song for the nationwide radio campaign of “Emeron Cream Rinse.” Lyrics incorporating place names from around the country were created, ultimately reaching 72 variations.
Television commercials using this song aired continuously for seven years, making it a tune that stuck in many people’s ears.
I’m praying for you.Satoi Ito to Happī & Burū
Sung in a neutral, sweet voice that conveys a woman’s feelings, and elevated by a richly layered mixed chorus, this song—arguably a quintessential example of mood kayō—portrays the poignant heart of a woman who, while resigned to living in the shadows, quietly nurtures a pure and unwavering love.
I miss you so muchSono Mari
Released in 1966 (Showa 41).
Although the footage is quite old and in black and white, Mari Sono was very popular among men at the time.
Her unique singing style may have conveyed a certain sensuality.
She sang without opening her mouth much, and her subtle vibrato in the high notes became her hallmark.
Songs expressing the pain of unrequited love were huge hits.
North AirportKatsura Ginshuku, Hama Keisuke
It’s a song released in 1987, around the time the Showa era was nearing its end.
The setting is Sapporo, with a man and woman departing from a northern airport, and a monument with the lyrics stands in the terminal building of New Chitose Airport.
It’s not a flashy song, but it’s still often sung as a duet at karaoke in snack bars today.