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)
Strings of TearsTonosama Kingusu
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
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.
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.