[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 Classics Still Sung Today (41–50)
Premonition of Spring – I’ve been mellowMinami Saori
With the arrival of spring comes a buoyant feeling, captured in “Haruno Yokan – I’ve been mellow” by Saori Minami.
Released in 1978, this song evokes the gentle warmth of spring.
Written and composed by Ami Ozaki, it expresses that slightly giddy air unique to the season, and Minami’s crystalline vocals further heighten the mood.
It’s a classic that perfectly suits a spring when your heart feels light and dances.
If you lend your ear to Minami’s pure voice wrapped in a tender melody, you’ll find a moment that sinks deeply into your heart.
Azusa No. 2karyūdō
This is a classic song from 1977 that portrays love and parting in the city, heralding the arrival of spring.
It vividly conveys the protagonist’s state of mind as they, exhausted by urban life, decide to set off on a journey.
The Hunters’ striking harmonies blend beautifully with the powerful yet wistful melody composed by Shunichi Tokura and the delicate lyrics by Machiko Ryu.
After its release in March 1977, it reached No.
4 on the Oricon weekly chart and No.
15 on the year-end chart.
It also won the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards that same year, and has continued to be cherished as one of The Hunters’ signature songs.
It resonates deeply with those taking a new step forward or parting from someone dear.
Why not listen to it on a morning train, accompanied by the gentle scenery of spring?
Color · White BlendNagayama Miho
When it was released in 1986, Miho Nakayama was still just 15.
It’s a song that makes your heart skip a beat with her innocent, youthful vocals.
Chosen as the campaign song for a Shiseido commercial she appeared in, it became her first single to sell over 200,000 copies.
Mariya Takeuchi, who wrote the song, is said to have personally coached her on the English pronunciation and singing style in the lyrics.
The thrill of meeting your destined person and mustering the courage to reach out—hearing it may bring back memories of pure young love and leave some listeners feeling pleasantly ticklish with nostalgia.
Hee, hee, hee, hee,EPO
“Ooh, hoo, hoo, hoo”—just the title alone makes you smile, doesn’t it? This irresistibly upbeat song radiates excitement.
It’s singer-songwriter EPO’s fifth single.
After gaining attention as a Shiseido cosmetics campaign jingle, it went on to be used in seven other companies’ commercials, and nearly 40 years after its release, it was even featured in a 2022 McDonald’s ad! The song’s enduring popularity as a commercial tune is astounding.
Are you managing to spend your days joyfully, laughing lightly like in this song?
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe
This is a classic from the Showa era whose wistful vocals and melancholy melody touch the heart.
It was produced as a campaign song to promote travel by the then Japanese National Railways, and sold 536,000 copies—second only to Momoe Yamaguchi’s biggest hit, “Yokosuka Story.” The song portrays a poignant tale of leaving one’s current place, setting out for somewhere new while holding on to childhood memories.
There’s also an anecdote that Shinji Tanimura, who wrote the lyrics and composed the music, remarked that it was “not the kind of song to be sung at celebratory occasions,” in response to it often being performed at celebrations.
You are more beautiful than a rose.Fuse Akira
Akira Fuse’s signature song, which over the years has become a classic everyone can hum.
It vividly portrays a man’s emotions as he’s astonished by how a woman he hasn’t seen in a long time has changed, yet is captivated by her beauty.
The sophisticated sound crafted by Godiego’s Mickey Yoshino blends perfectly with Fuse’s powerful yet delicate vocals to create a superb track.
Released in January 1979, it was used in a Kanebo Cosmetics commercial.
It reached No.
8 on the Oricon weekly chart at the time and led to four appearances on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
This gem of a love song is recommended for those who want to feel the joy of a heart-stirring reunion with the arrival of spring, or who wish to bask in memories with someone special.
See you.o nyanko kurabu
When it comes to graduation songs, it’s common for them to be solemn or moving.
Onyanko Club’s “Jaane” broke that convention as a bright, lighthearted farewell song that won support not only from fans but from many people at large.
It became their first number one on the Oricon chart and the best-selling single in the group’s history.
“Why do we end up mourning graduation as if it were a farewell forever?” “We’ll still be friends from here on out…” Its upbeat sound and positive lyrics make you realize something so simple and true.
Northern SpringSen Masao
Masao Sen’s smash hit Hokuguni no Haru (Spring in the Northern Country), released in 1977, is memorable for its lyrics that evoke a deep longing for home.
With watercolor-like vividness, it paints spring scenes—blue skies, southern breezes, cherry blossoms—conveying the bittersweet feelings of a protagonist who dreams of returning to a distant hometown.
Stepping away from the bustle of the city, it captures those moments when one suddenly yearns for the warmth of home.
This piece carries a rich resonance perfectly suited to the start of spring.
A song that truly touches the heart, it’s a masterpiece best savored in a room bathed in spring light.
spring thunderfuki no tō
Like flowers that color the spring, “Shunrai” (Spring Thunder), a 1979 masterpiece by Fuki no To that blossomed in the Showa-era music scene.
The song’s protagonist gazes at white petals scattering with a sudden spring thunder, their thoughts tenderly drawn to the person they parted from.
The tears-stirring lyrics were originally about a breakup between a man and a woman, but were later changed to their current form to reflect Yasuyo Yamaki’s wish for his mother.
Highly recommended for anyone who has endured a painful parting or wants to feel the warmth of spring’s arrival.
A snap in yellow-green (moegi)anzenchitai
The Showa-era classic “Moegiiro no Snap” was released on February 25, 1982, as the song that marked Anzen Chitai’s major-label debut.
Koji Tamaki’s delicate yet resolute talent for songwriting, poured into this track, became the foundation of Anzen Chitai’s diverse musicality.
And its crystal-clear melody, like a harbinger of spring, still feels fresh even today! Be sure to listen closely while paying attention to the beautiful lyrics that paint springtime scenes.