[Spring Songs Born in the Showa Era] Carefully Selected: Hit Tunes That Colored Their Times and Timeless Masterpieces Still Sung Today
Spring, the season of meetings and farewells.
With the long, cold winter finally over, and flowers blooming in full glory, this calm and beautiful season is surely many people’s favorite time of year.
In this article, we’re picking out spring-themed songs born in the Showa era!
From nostalgic Showa-era pop that will resonate with those who remember the time, to timeless classics still sung today, we’ll introduce a wide range of tracks.
Enjoy noting how perceptions and expressions of spring differ from those of the Reiwa era.
- Spring songs from the early Showa era: a collection of kayōkyoku and shōka that evoke spring
- [Spring Songs] Spring tunes and classic spring hits. Popular spring songs.
- [For Seniors] Spring Songs Perfect for the Warm Month of April
- Spring songs for people in their 60s: A collection of classic tracks about cherry blossoms and farewells
- [Spring Songs] Masterpieces for Mid-Spring to Listen to in March. Spring Tunes
- Youth songs you want to listen to in spring. Classic and popular spring songs.
- You'll surely remember your youth. Spring songs recommended for people in their 40s.
- [For Seniors] Popular Spring Songs: A Collection of Nursery Rhymes and Kayōkyoku Also Recommended for Music Therapy
- Time-travel back to your memories just by listening! Spring songs recommended 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] A Curated Selection of Hit Tunes That Defined the Times and Timeless Classics Still Sung Today (11–20)
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.
Even though it’s springKashiwabara Yoshie
Yoshie Kashiwabara, who is said to have been a big favorite of His Majesty the Reiwa Emperor, is perhaps best known for her song Haru nano ni.
Released in 1983, this track was written by Miyuki Nakajima and sings of a bittersweet breakup in spring—a season when hearts should be fluttering.
The way the tempo drops just before the chorus is still striking even today.
In addition to Nakajima’s own self-cover, many renowned singers have covered this popular song.
Be sure to listen to the cover versions as well.
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!
Graduationsaitou yuki
Released in 1985, this song is Yuki Saito’s debut single.
It became the image song for a ramen commercial and was a hit.
That same year, Momoko Kikuchi and Yutaka Ozaki also released songs with the same title, which became a hot topic.
It’s fun to compare different graduation songs, isn’t it? Yuki Saito’s airy vocal style, combined with school-inspired sounds like the melodica and saxophone in the arrangement, blend seamlessly to create a charm that only she can deliver.
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.
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!
[Spring Songs Born in the Showa Era] Carefully Selected: Hit Songs That Colored Their Times and Masterpieces Still Sung Today (21–30)
First loveMurashita Kōzō
With the arrival of spring, Kozo Murashita’s classic “Hatsukoi” brings a heartwarming melody that wells up in quiet moments.
Released on February 25, 1983, this single became one of his signature songs.
Unraveling the lyrics reveals a gentle portrait of the sweet, aching feelings of first love, softly resonating with listeners.
Many may relate to the inability to express one’s feelings, just like the song’s protagonist.
From young people to the elderly, I hope you’ll listen to this song while basking in the spring sunlight.