[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 Kayōkyoku That Colored the Times & Timeless Classics Still Sung Today (31–40)
Cotton MoodAnri
This is a refreshing song that was featured in the commercial for Kao Cologne’s Rimara.
Over 20 years after its 1981 release, it was covered by Natsu Oyama in 2004 and used in Nisshinbo’s Cotton Feel commercial.
The blue seas of Florida, white sandy beaches, and the scent of the ocean carried on the wind.
The clean, soft image of cotton overlaps with the worldview of the lyrics, making you feel as if a foreign seaside landscape is unfolding before your eyes.
Just hearing it makes you want to see a cobalt-blue ocean! Sometimes it’s nice to take a drive and go feel the sea breeze, isn’t it?
Forbidden Rouge MagicImawano Kiyoshiro, Sakamoto Ryuichi
This track was released in 1982 and drew attention as an unconventional collaboration between two heavyweights, Kiyoshiro Imawano and Ryuichi Sakamoto.
With their distinctive personalities and a song that exuded a dangerously alluring “forbidden” vibe, it became a hit as a lipstick campaign song.
It evokes the image of a vividly colored spring song, yet it never fades with time—and it’s the kind of addictive track you occasionally feel like revisiting.
Collaborations like this are great because they offer both surprise and fun.
Mysterious Peach PieTakeuchi Mariya
This is Mariya Takeuchi’s fourth single, released in 1980.
Chosen as a campaign song for Shiseido cosmetics, it became her first entry into the Oricon Top 10 and enjoyed a long run on the charts—her first major hit.
Its bright sound, which seems to capture the buoyant heart of a woman in love, matches beautifully with Takeuchi’s soft, feminine vocals.
It’s easy to see why the lyricist praised it during recording as a perfect pop song for her voice.
The way feelings of love are compared to a peach pie is utterly charming, isn’t it?
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.
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?
[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.
It was spring, wasn’t it?yoshida takurou
Triggered by the arrival of spring, Takuro Yoshida’s “It Was Spring” reflects on past love and lingering feelings.
Though it was included on his 1972 album “Genki Desu,” it still brims with a timeless charm today.
Many will find the sense of lingering attachment in the lyrics relatable.
With a gentle yet powerful melody and words that capture emotions that resonate in any era, it’s a nostalgic Showa-era song that I hope people of all generations will listen to.