[Spring Songs Born in the Showa Era] A Curated Selection of Kayōkyoku That Colored the Times and Timeless Classics Still Sung Today
When the first reports of cherry blossoms start to arrive, is there a melody you find yourself humming without thinking?Spring is a season of meetings and partings, and also the time when many masterpieces were born.In the Shōwa era, songs that colored spring were delivered without cease—from the lyrical prewar pieces, to the energetic kayōkyoku of the high-growth years, and on to dazzling pops.Nostalgic spring songs from Shōwa continue to resonate in many hearts across generations even today.In this article, we introduce a wide range of springtime songs born in the Shōwa period, from kayōkyoku that capture the spirit of their times to timeless gems still sung today.Please enjoy them as you picture the scenes from back then!
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[Spring Songs Born in the Showa Era] A curated selection of kayōkyoku that colored the times and timeless classics still sung today (61–70)
Come, SpringKawai Naoko
This is a song included on the B-side of Naoko Kawai’s eighth single, “Ai wo Kudasai” (“Please Give Me Love”).
It’s upbeat and catchy, showcasing Kawai’s strong vocal abilities.
The lyrics convey the image of an energetic, forward-looking woman enjoying spring, a season when partings and new encounters arrive all at once.
They inspire a positive feeling: “Don’t stay trapped in the sadness of goodbyes—let’s fully enjoy new meetings!” Maybe it’s nice now and then to reflect on those past romances that were one thrill after another.
spring’s dry windIzumiya Shigeru
Shigeru Izumiya’s “Haru no Karakkaze” is a classic released in 1973.
Written and composed by Izumiya himself, the piece brought fresh energy to the folk scene.
The lyrics portray a protagonist who struggles yet lives with all their might amid societal pressures, delivering a deeply moving, powerful message.
Izumiya’s masterful word choice and strong vocals resonate with listeners.
It’s a song that cheers you on—one that makes you feel, “I can do my best too.”
To my distant loverSaijō Hideki
A heartwarming medium-tempo ballad by Hideki Saijo that poignantly sings of his feelings for the lover he left behind in his hometown after moving to the city.
Released in November 1978, the song reached No.
8 on the Oricon chart.
With a powerful voice, it gently embraces the yearning for a dear one far away and the hope for the arrival of spring.
The strong will to reunite with his lover after a long winter resonates with a beautiful melody, leaving a deep impression on listeners.
This work stands as a classic that conveys the preciousness of love that remains unchanged despite distance, offering comfort to everyone living apart from their loved ones.
The country where cherry blossoms bloomOSK Nihon Kagekidan
This song is known as a classic that colored the Showa era.
Its beautiful cherry blossom–themed lyrics are striking, evoking the arrival of spring.
The voices of the OSK Nippon Revue Company carry a refreshing breeze of spring to listeners’ hearts.
Since its first release in 1930, it has continued to be loved by many people over the years.
It was reportedly also used as a fight song for the professional baseball team, the Kintetsu Buffaloes.
It’s a perfect track for those embarking on a new beginning in the spring season.
I also recommend listening while picturing a scene of cherry blossom petals dancing in the air.
The last spring breakMatsutōya Yumi
This song, included on the 1979 album OLIVE, delicately portrays the bittersweet feelings of a girl on the verge of a season of farewells.
The sorrow of knowing that it will no longer be easy to meet after graduation unfolds at a gentle tempo, carried by Matsutoya’s characteristically tender melody.
A timeless spring classic from the Showa era, it resonates with listeners of every generation.
Why not listen to it slowly, drawing it close to your heart as you bask in the spring sunlight?
Graduationsaitou yuki
Released in 1985, this song is Yuki Saito’s debut single.
It became the image song for a ramen commercial and was a hit.
That same year, Momoko Kikuchi and Yutaka Ozaki also released songs with the same title, which became a hot topic.
It’s fun to compare different graduation songs, isn’t it? Yuki Saito’s airy vocal style, combined with school-inspired sounds like the melodica and saxophone in the arrangement, blend seamlessly to create a charm that only she can deliver.
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.