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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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

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!

[Spring Songs Born in the Showa Era] Carefully Selected Kayōkyoku That Colored the Times & Timeless Classics Still Sung Today (81–90)

Northern SpringSen Masao

Spring in the Northern Country / Masao Sen (with lyrics)

Northern SpringSen Masao

Released in 1977, this song became a major hit for Masao Sen.

Beyond the song’s quality itself, Sen’s pronunciation with regional dialect adds a distinctive atmosphere.

The striking outfit—rare in the enka world—also drew attention: he appeared in the style of a young man who had come to Tokyo from the countryside, carrying a suitcase and wearing an old coat.

Often called a hometown song for Japanese people, it’s popular in karaoke as well—many of you have probably heard someone sing it.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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In conclusion

Nostalgic spring songs from the Showa era are companions that gently stay close to our hearts across time. Their melodies that make you want to hum them in unguarded moments, and their lyrics as soft as the spring breeze, bring the scenes of those days back to life every time you listen. When you find yourself longing for spring songs, please visit this article again and again, and spend a calm, peaceful moment with beloved Showa classics.