[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 Select Collection of Kayokyoku That Colored the Times & Timeless Classics Still Sung Today (51–60)
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.
A snap in yellow-green (moegi)anzenchitai
The Showa-era classic “Moegiiro no Snap” was released on February 25, 1982, as the song that marked Anzen Chitai’s major-label debut.
Koji Tamaki’s delicate yet resolute talent for songwriting, poured into this track, became the foundation of Anzen Chitai’s diverse musicality.
And its crystal-clear melody, like a harbinger of spring, still feels fresh even today! Be sure to listen closely while paying attention to the beautiful lyrics that paint springtime scenes.
Words of FarewellKaientai
When it comes to spring graduation songs, I imagine many people of a certain age think of this track.
Released in 1979, it was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Mr.
Kinpachi in Class 3B” starring Tetsuya Takeda, so it has a strong association with graduation songs.
In reality, though, it’s a song about being dumped by a woman.
It’s said to have been influenced by the James Dean film East of Eden, and if you listen and compare, the shared atmosphere really comes through—it’s quite interesting.
Temptation of the Spring BreezeKoizumi Kyoko
Although she debuted as an idol singer among the so-called “Flower 1982 Generation,” Kyoko Koizumi—known as Kyon Kyon—has maintained enduring popularity as a one-of-a-kind presence thanks to her distinct individuality and sensibility.
This is an early classic she released in 1983.
On the single’s jacket you can see Koizumi sporting the then-trendy ‘Seiko-chan cut,’ but after the release she chopped her hair into a short cut.
Considering that she then had her true breakthrough with the next single, ‘Makkana Onna no Ko,’ this might be considered her last song in the 1970s-style idol vein.
The song itself has the feel of quintessential Showa-era idol pop, charmingly expressing the feelings of a girl who, with the arrival of spring, begins to yearn for a slightly more grown-up romance.
Be sure to check out this fresh, early spring song from Kyon Kyon—it’s a different flavor from numbers like ‘Adesugata Namida Musume’ and ‘Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge.’
My heart is stop-motionKuwae Tomoko
A heartfelt work by Tomoko Kuwae that gently envelops the thrill of unexpected encounters and new love.
Its light, refreshing melody beautifully captures the budding feelings that arrive with spring.
The way a heart, after a long winter, gradually unravels in the warm sunlight is especially memorable.
Released in January 1979, it reached No.
12 on the Oricon weekly chart and was also used in a commercial for Pola’s Vario cosmetics.
In the same year, it earned the Best New Artist Award at the 21st Japan Record Awards and was included on her debut album, Born Free.
A perfect song for anyone feeling the stirrings of romance or eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring.