[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] Carefully Selected Kayokyoku That Colored the Times & Timeless Masterpieces Still Sung Today (11–20)
Dreaming SeasonItō Tsukasa
A hidden gem of 1980s idol pop that vividly captures the feeling of spring and the stirrings of a gentle first love.
With lyrics and composition by Haru Yuko of Southern All Stars and arrangement by Tadashige Matsui, this was Tsukasa Ito’s third single, released in February 1982.
It peaked at No.
11 on the Oricon charts and sold approximately 141,000 copies.
Haru Yuko’s characteristically gentle, pop-inflected melody lines blend beautifully with Tsukasa Ito’s delicate, transparent vocals, letting you instantly soak in a cheery spring mood just by listening.
It’s also included on the album “Sayonara Konnichiwa,” and its finish, which feels like a snapshot of the era’s atmosphere, is a must-hear.
Perfect for basking under warm sunlight or when you want your heart to flutter with the arrival of a new season—be sure to give it a listen!
Nineteen SpringsTabata Yoshio
This song is striking for its lyrics that spell out a single-minded love and its wistful melody, set to a tune that evokes Okinawa’s beautiful sea and breeze.
It’s a single released in June 1975 by Yoshio Tabata, known for his distinctive singing style and his trademark greeting, “Ossu!” Originally a folk tune that had been sung in Okinawa for many years, Tabata’s cover became a major hit, and his achievement earned him a Special Award at the 17th Japan Record Awards that same year.
This work, which brilliantly refines the rustic sentiment of folk music into a kayōkyoku pop song, can truly be called one of the quintessential spring songs of the Shōwa era.
Why not savor it slowly with a glass of awamori in hand?
Aizen BridgeYamaguchi Momoe
This is the 28th single released in December 1979 by Momoe Yamaguchi, a legendary figure in Showa-era kayōkyoku whose brilliance remains undimmed despite many years of retirement.
The song delicately portrays a woman’s emotions swaying between hope and anxiety, comparing the major life event of marriage to “crossing a bridge.” With lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and composition by Takao Horiuchi, the arrangement brims with traditional Japanese sensibilities that deeply resonate.
Also included on the album Harutsugedori, it later became a timeless classic loved across generations, even covered by Akina Nakamori.
It’s perfect for those about to take a new step in life with the arrival of spring, or for a slightly sentimental night.
You can almost picture Yamaguchi’s mature expression from those days.
A net with a sighMinamino Yoko
Just hearing the springlike intro brings back that giddy feeling from back then—what a classic! Released in February 1988 as Yoko Minamino’s 11th single, it was chosen as the spring campaign song for Kanebo Cosmetics, and the commercials featuring her became a huge talking point at the time.
It topped the Oricon chart for two consecutive weeks for the first time and became a major hit, selling over 300,000 copies.
The melody blends spring’s unique brightness with a touch of poignancy, perfectly matched by Minamino’s charming vocals, making it a track that lifts your spirits just by listening.
Why not put it on for a drive or a stroll as you reminisce about the spring scenery of those days? It’s truly a spring anthem that colors the 80s!
tricolor violetSakurada Junko
This is a song by Junko Sakurada, released in February 1974, that entrusts the tender feelings of first love to tricolor violets.
Singing of a fleeting romance, the track reached No.
10 on the Oricon chart and sold approximately 186,000 copies.
The fusion of Akuyu’s delicate lyrics and Taiji Nakamura’s evocative melody beautifully captures the aching innocence of a young girl’s love.
The work depicts the emotions of adolescence—where hope and anxiety intertwine—with elegance, while Sakurada’s clear, translucent voice adds depth to the story.
It is a gentle companion for anyone who holds close the longing of waiting and the poignancy of an unfulfilled love.