[Spring Songs Born in the Showa Era] A Curated Selection of Kayōkyoku That Colored the Times and Timeless Classics Still Sung Today

Edo is a spring breezeTakada Kōkichi

Edo is a spring breeze

This work sweeps you up into a chic, lighthearted mood, as if you were strolling through Edo in the spring breeze.

Released in May 1954, it’s a song by Koichi Takada, also known as the theme for the Shochiku film “Kuromoncho Denshichi Torimonocho.” With lyrics by Toshio Nomura and music by Tadashi Manjome, its distinctive feature is how the shamisen’s timbre overlays the orchestral accompaniment, beautifully expressing the period drama’s unique East-meets-West charm.

Many listeners may find their hearts leap just hearing it, as the dashing figure of Denshichi, played by Takada in the film, comes vividly to mind.

It’s a perfect classic for soaking in the old-time Edo atmosphere while feeling the cheerfulness of spring.

I hope you’ll experience its unique world at least once.

Hate and the spring breezeFujimoto Nisankichi

Hate and Spring Breeze Fumiko Fujimoto

Have you ever found yourself, carried by the spring breeze, suddenly thinking of someone? The song Nikuya Harukaze is charming in how the word “nikuya” in the title doesn’t mean hatred, but rather expresses a chic, Edo-style feeling like “how delightfully irresistible” or “so stylish.” Released by Victor in April of 1931 as a new record, it features lyrics by Shinsui Itō and music by Keizō Saitō, radiating a modern allure as a “jazz-style popular song” of its time.

It’s sung by Fumiko Fujimoto, famed as the “Nightingale Geisha,” whose beautifully trained melodic phrasing from the hauta tradition blends with an urbane sensibility to transport listeners to a modern spring of early Shōwa.

It’s the perfect track for when the spring air puts you in a slightly retro mood to enjoy a drink, or when you want to touch the refined stirrings of an adult romance.

Tulipdōyō

Tulip

With the arrival of spring, that flower which brightens the flowerbeds—isn’t it the one from a children’s song everyone has hummed at least once? The lyrics depict rows of blossoms in vivid reds, whites, and yellows, and, while simple, they brim with a gentle warmth as they affirm that each flower is beautiful in its own way.

In fact, this piece first appeared in July 1932 in the publication Picture Book Songs: Summer Edition, where the lyricist’s name was withheld; later, after a court case, Miyako Kondo was recognized as the author.

It was recorded in 1933, and ever since it has been cherished at kindergarten entrance ceremonies and other spring events.

It’s perfect as a first song for little children to sing, and it’s also lovely to listen to its nostalgic melody and feel the calm cheer of spring.

First loveMurashita Kōzō

Kozo Murashita “Hatsukoi” Music Video

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.

See, spring has come.ushirogami hikaretai

See, spring has come.

The fourth single by Ushirogami Hikaretai, the group that featured Shizuka Kudo and Akiko Ikuina.

It was used as the opening song for the anime Tsuide ni Tonchinkan.

The pop sound and upbeat lyrics convey that springtime feeling of “Something good might happen!” and “I wonder if I’ll meet someone nice?” Spring can easily make you feel a bit down, with encounters and farewells and changes in your surroundings.

This is a song you’ll want to listen to when you want to blow away that seasonal haze.

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