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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)

Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten

Let yourself go with the flow of time

Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten

Among the many masterpieces that sing of deep love, this is a particularly moving song.

It deftly depicts the evolving landscapes of love over time, and through its exquisite melody and exceptional expressiveness, it showcases Teresa Teng at her very best.

The song beautifully portrays unconditional love for someone dear, along with the self-sacrifice that springs from it, gently enveloping the listener’s heart.

Released in February 1986, it was also included on the album “Toki no Nagare ni Mi o Makase” (I Only Care About You).

It achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Grand Prix at the 19th Japan Cable Radio Awards for the third consecutive year, and it also received the Gold Award at the 28th Japan Record Awards.

Even today, it is widely covered by many artists and cherished across generations.

It is a recommended listen when you are thinking of someone special or wish to spend time in a calm, peaceful mood.

Why not immerse yourself in memories with a loved one and enjoy a heartwarming moment?

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A Hazy Moonlit Nightshouka

[BS Nippon • Songs of the Heart] Oborozukiyo — FORESTA

A Hazy Moonlit Nightshouka

A song that beautifully portrays a spring evening depicts, with delicate nuance, a scene where the setting sun and haze spread over a field of rapeseed blossoms, and a pale moonlight floats in the sky.

Alongside the tranquil countryside, it gently embraces quintessential images of spring in Japan—the hues of the forest, people walking along rice-field paths, the croaking of frogs, and the tolling of bells.

Released in 1914 as a Ministry of Education school song, the work seamlessly marries lyrics by Tatsuyuki Takano with music by Teiichi Okano, and it has long been cherished in educational settings.

It has continued to be loved across generations, with Aiko Moriyama covering it in 2009 and Ai Nishida performing it on a program in June 2023.

As a song to hear on a calm spring evening, it offers a warmth that deeply touches the heart.

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Lingering Snowiruka

Dolphin [Iruka] / Nagori-yuki [Lingering Snow] (Single Version) Official Audio with translation

Lingering Snowiruka

This was Iruka’s third single, released in November 1975.

Originally, it was a song by Kaguya-hime, one of the folk groups that defined the Showa era, but Iruka’s cover became a huge hit and turned it into a classic passed down across generations.

I’m listening to it again for the first time in a while as I write this, and Iruka’s distinctive, warm voice is a perfect match for the song’s tone, making it easy to see why it has remained a long-selling favorite through the years.

The lyrics’ depiction of spring snowmelt scenery is also wonderfully evocative! Truly a masterpiece of the Showa era!

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the first strong spring windkyandīzu

Spring Storm - Candies

the first strong spring windkyandīzu

This is the ninth single by Candies, the iconic female idol trio of the Showa era, released in March 1976.

It’s an up-tempo track with tremendous drive, brimming with the breath of spring—as if all living things and nature itself are beginning to stir toward the season.

The obbligato lines played on analog synthesizers, which were just starting to be incorporated into various arrangements at the time, are especially striking.

Now that the timbres of synthesizers and many other instruments have evolved so much, listening to it again feels surprisingly fresh.

The three members’ vocals are youthful and vibrant as well, and that quality seems to amplify the song’s sense of spring.

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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.