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)
Maiden’s SpringAwaya Noriko
This is a song by Noriko Awaya, a pioneer of chanson in Japan who was also affectionately known as the “Queen of Blues.” Otome no Haru (Maiden’s Spring) was released in 1934 (Showa 9), with music by Yuji Koseki and lyrics by Yoshifumi Shimada.
Strongly imbued with the atmosphere of the Showa era, its gentle sound by the Columbia Orchestra is striking, evoking the warmth of spring.
The lyrics depict a woman in scenes related to spring, expressing moments such as gazing into the distance in contemplation and shedding tears.
Showa Era Masterpieces: A Must-Listen Selection of Nostalgic Classics and Hit Songs (51–60)
Yakuza ElegyWakayama Tomisaburō
Listen to this song that extols the aesthetic of die-hard yakuza chivalry, and you’ll understand why, in the Showa era, yakuza were treated as film protagonists and even idolized.
Not only the more famous Shintaro Katsu—please also keep in mind his elder brother, the esteemed Tomisaburo Wakayama.
If I’m wrapped in kindnessArai Yumi (gen: Matsutoya Yumi)
Since her debut in 1972, singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya has continued to release numerous hit songs.
Her third single, “Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta Nara” (“Wrapped in Gentleness”), became widely known across generations after its album version was used as the ending theme for the 1989 film Kiki’s Delivery Service, 15 years after the original release.
Its airy, gentle melody overflows with a timeless charm that transcends eras.
With its soothing acoustic sound, it remains a beloved classic cherished by listeners of all ages.
I’ll wait.amin
Sung with a sincere voice, this song calmly portrays the endurance of unrequited love.
Its beautiful mixed vocals, including harmonies, and minor-key arrangement offer a gently moving listen.
A straightforward love song from the Showa era—before the word “stalker” even existed—it ends as if wishing for the beloved to be rejected.
My good friendKamayatsu Hiroshi
Released in 1975 (Showa 50).
Hiroshi Kamayatsu, famous as “Monsieur,” was a former member of the Group Sounds band The Spiders.
He later went solo and remained active, exploring various musical genres.
This particular song, however, has both lyrics and music by Takuro Yoshida.
Within the slightly wordy lyrics that reminisce about old friends, the feelings portrayed are those of a man from an earlier generation than Kamayatsu himself.
The term “bankara,” for instance, is probably almost archaic now.
windhashida norihiko to shuuberutsu
Released in 1969 (Showa 44).
Even within folk music there are different genres—some anti-war, others about everyday life—and among them, Norihiko Hashida’s songs stood out for their wistful quality, using nature as a theme.
His beautiful melodies helped further popularize folk music among the masses.
Afterward, Hashida continued to change members and group names, producing numerous hit songs.
Children Who Don’t Know WarJirōzu
Released in 1971 (Showa 46).
This song was written in the midst of the Vietnam War.
It remains a representative anti-war song that is still sung today.
When we reflect on its meaning even now, I feel that, because there were people in Japan who had experienced war at that time, the song could convey the horrors of war all the more powerfully.
I hope it will continue to be sung in the future.