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 Selection of Nostalgic Classics and Hit Songs (51–60)
Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten
This was Teresa Teng’s 14th single, released in 1986, and it won the 19th Japan Cable Radio Awards.
It was performed twice on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and even after Teresa Teng’s passing, many artists have covered it.
Akihide Tokunaga performed the song on the 2010 Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The Never-Ending SongTHE BLUE HEARTS
Being a misfit in society is overwhelmingly more sad than not, but when it comes to listening to this song, it’s designed so that people who have lived in such circumstances come out ahead.
There’s probably no other song where slang like “piece of crap” or “scum” sounds this gentle.
The one I still love even after we’ve broken upRosu Indiosu & Shirubia
Released in 1979 (Showa 54).
This big hit welcomed the sole female member, Silvia, and is a song that recalls a love that ended, set against stylish neighborhoods like Shibuya, Akasaka, and Roppongi during the bubble era.
Yet its upbeat tempo keeps it from sounding like a heartbreak song—that’s part of its charm.
Melancholy TrainMitsubishi Michiya
With his clear, resonant, and beautiful voice that captivated many fans regardless of gender, Michiya Mihashi’s representative song takes as its theme a departure by train—the setting for countless tales of farewell.
The fate that tears apart two people in love only deepens the sorrow.
Showa Era Classics Collection: A Must-Listen Selection of Nostalgic Tunes and Hit Songs (61–70)
foreignerKUBOTA Saki
Released in 1979, this song was her debut, written and composed by herself.
It became a hit after being featured in a commercial.
Many renowned artists covered it, and the song spread to younger generations as well.
At the time, Saki Kubota’s beautiful appearance was also a topic of conversation, and this became her biggest hit.
My loverGorin Mayumi
Released in 1980, this song became Mayumi Itsuwa’s 18th single and her biggest hit.
Written in memory of the producer from her debut days who died in a traffic accident, it also marked her first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The lyrics convey the poignant, painful feelings of a woman thinking of her lover.
Forever with youKayama Yūzō
It’s a classic song that sings of a straight man’s love for a woman.
Yuzo Kayama’s rich, expansive voice is particularly striking.
There’s a spoken monologue in the middle of the song, and it became so famous that many men imitated it.
It’s also easy to sing at karaoke, with a catchy, easy-to-remember sound.