[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!
- Spring songs from the early Showa era: a collection of kayōkyoku and shōka that evoke spring
- [Spring Songs] Classic and Latest Hit Collections Perfect for a Bright, Gentle Spring
- [For Seniors] Classic spring songs to sing in April: A heartwarming moment with nostalgic children’s songs and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs)
- Spring songs for people in their 60s: A collection of classic tracks about cherry blossoms and farewells
- [Spring Songs Recommended for People in Their 40s] Relive Your Youth! A Selection of Nostalgic Tracks
- [Spring Songs] Masterpieces for Mid-Spring to Listen to in March. Spring Tunes
- [For Seniors] Spring Songs You'll Want to Hum: Feel the Season with Nostalgic Classics
- Youth songs you want to listen to in spring. Classic and popular spring songs.
- [2026] Time-Travel to Your Memories Just by Listening! Recommended Spring Songs for People in Their 50s
- [Spring Songs] Masterpieces to Listen to in April: Classic Tracks that Color the Month
- Spring song medley. The best classic tunes to listen to in spring.
- Uplifting songs to listen to in spring. Classic spring tunes that warm the heart.
- Moving songs to listen to in spring. Classic and popular spring tracks.
[Spring Songs Born in the Showa Era] Carefully Selected Kayokyoku That Colored the Times & Timeless Classics Still Sung Today (71–80)
Harusaki KobeniYano Akiko
It was Akiko Yano’s fifth single, released in February 1981.
Created with full support from YMO, the technopop unit that was a massive sensation at the time, it’s like a pioneering track in Japan’s “techno kayō” style.
It was also used in a Kanebo Cosmetics commercial.
Because the word “Kobeni” in the title and lyrics can sound like “Kobe ni” (“to Kobe”), many people assumed it was the theme song for Portopia ’81, held in Kobe that same year, but it was apparently completely unrelated.
The bright melody and lyrics are a perfect match for Akiko Yano’s uniquely sunny voice, and just listening to it makes you feel a cheerful, fun spring… it’s that kind of song.
It might be fun to sing it while doing a little Akiko Yano imitation, too!
hometownshouka
Blue mountains, pure waters, and memories of childhood play.
The gentle melody that wraps these scenes of a beloved hometown, along with feelings for family and friends living far away, holds a universal appeal that resonates with everyone.
First published in 1914 as a Ministry of Education school song, this piece was created by Tatsuyuki Takano and Teiichi Okano, vividly reflecting the rural landscapes and lifestyles of Japan at the time.
It was sung at the closing ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, moving countless people.
Its simple, memorable melody in G major and triple meter continues to be sung at life’s milestones, such as graduation and coming-of-age ceremonies.
With lyrics and melody that evoke nostalgia, it is truly a song that stands by all who live away from their hometowns—a work that can be said to symbolize the heart of Japan.
Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko
This was Seiko Matsuda’s eighth single, released in January 1982, back when she was a major idol of the Showa era.
Composed by Yumi Matsutoya and arranged by Masataka Matsutoya, it’s a classic from the Showa period created with the full support of the Matsutoya couple.
The gentle melody and tone evoke the soft sunshine of spring, and Seiko Matsuda’s bright vocals warm the listener’s heart.
It’s a masterpiece that conjures images of sweet peas basking in spring sunlight just by listening—please enjoy it!
Happy HinamatsuriKawamura Junko
The gentle expressions of the Hina dolls illuminated by paper lanterns.
As the scent of peach blossoms drifts through the air, the music of the five court musicians resonates.
Junko Kawamura’s singing conjures up just such a scene.
Released in 1936, this song is a classic that celebrates Hinamatsuri, the traditional Japanese festival that heralds the arrival of spring.
With lyrics by Hachirō Satō, it carries wishes for family bonds and the healthy growth of girls, warming the hearts of those who listen.
It’s included on the albums “Junko Kawamura: A Journey Through Children’s Songs I” and “Junko Kawamura: A Journey Through Children’s Songs II,” so why not give it a listen with the coming of spring?
Elegy of SpringShōji Shirō
This is a classic whose song by Shiro Shoji, conveying the atmosphere of early Showa, touches the heart.
Released in 1934, the piece entrusts its message to flowers that symbolize lost love and the transience of spring, while yielding to the tides of the times, and it went on to lay a foundation for the music scene that followed.
The lyrics portray the pain of parting, and Shoji’s voice accompanies them closely, resulting in a performance that resonates deeply.
Issued by Columbia Records, the work also led to his encounter with Yuji Koseki.
It carries a certain nostalgia for everyone, evoking feelings that press on the heart.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear with the coming of spring—one that has been loved across generations.