[Spring Songs Born in the Showa Era] Carefully Selected: Hit Tunes That Colored Their Times and Timeless Masterpieces Still Sung Today

Harusaki KobeniYano Akiko

Akiko Yano – Harusaki Kobeni

It was Akiko Yano’s fifth single, released in February 1981.

Created with full support from YMO, the technopop unit that was a massive sensation at the time, it’s like a pioneering track in Japan’s “techno kayō” style.

It was also used in a Kanebo Cosmetics commercial.

Because the word “Kobeni” in the title and lyrics can sound like “Kobe ni” (“to Kobe”), many people assumed it was the theme song for Portopia ’81, held in Kobe that same year, but it was apparently completely unrelated.

The bright melody and lyrics are a perfect match for Akiko Yano’s uniquely sunny voice, and just listening to it makes you feel a cheerful, fun spring… it’s that kind of song.

It might be fun to sing it while doing a little Akiko Yano imitation, too!

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Kei Takahata

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The Apple SongNamiki Michiko

Apple Song, 1945 (Sung by Michiko Namiki)

This masterpiece, woven by Michiko Namiki’s clear singing voice, is a celebrated song that lit a beacon of hope in postwar Japan.

Brimming with gentleness, the piece sings of love with a pure heart while gazing up at the blue sky, resonating deeply with people of the time.

The memories of sound etched in monaural audio vividly convey the atmosphere of early Showa.

Released to the world as the theme song for the film “Soyokaze,” which premiered in October 1945, it was issued as a record the following January.

The warm melody crafted by lyricist Hachirō Satō and composer Tadashi Manjōme became a source of comfort for people living through the postwar reconstruction period.

It is a song to be enjoyed while sensing the arrival of spring, together with fond memories.

The arrival of springKoyanagi Rumiko

HQ Spring’s Arrival ... Rumiko Koyanagi

Rumiko Koyanagi’s Showa-era classic album “Haru no Otozure” (The Coming of Spring), released in 1973, features a bittersweet yet heartwarming masterpiece that colors the spring season.

The song tells the story of a young girl who invites her boyfriend to her home for the first time, evoking feelings of happiness and hope for the future through her interactions with her parents.

In particular, the depiction of her father and boyfriend chatting happily is charming, and the joy she feels comes through to the listener.

Immerse yourself in this song that conveys the warm, sunny mood of spring and an atmosphere of happiness.

Temptation of the Spring BreezeKoizumi Kyoko

Kyoko Koizumi – Temptation of the Spring Breeze

Although she debuted as an idol singer among the so-called “Flower 1982 Generation,” Kyoko Koizumi—known as Kyon Kyon—has maintained enduring popularity as a one-of-a-kind presence thanks to her distinct individuality and sensibility.

This is an early classic she released in 1983.

On the single’s jacket you can see Koizumi sporting the then-trendy ‘Seiko-chan cut,’ but after the release she chopped her hair into a short cut.

Considering that she then had her true breakthrough with the next single, ‘Makkana Onna no Ko,’ this might be considered her last song in the 1970s-style idol vein.

The song itself has the feel of quintessential Showa-era idol pop, charmingly expressing the feelings of a girl who, with the arrival of spring, begins to yearn for a slightly more grown-up romance.

Be sure to check out this fresh, early spring song from Kyon Kyon—it’s a different flavor from numbers like ‘Adesugata Namida Musume’ and ‘Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge.’

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KOH-1

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spring hazeIwasaki Hiromi

spring haze

Released in 1979, Hiromi Iwasaki’s single “Haru Oboro” captured the hearts of many listeners with a wistful yet beautiful melody and lyrics perfectly suited to spring in the Showa era.

The song seamlessly blends Michio Yamagami’s delicate, emotive lyrics with Kyohei Tsutsumi’s flowing melody.

In the lyrics, the protagonist’s lover visits her parents to ask for permission to marry, only to be bluntly turned down.

The subtle tension between the two afterward and her aching feelings resonate deeply.

When the cherry blossoms bloomWatanabe Misato

Misato Watanabe — When the Cherry Blossoms Bloom

Misato Watanabe’s “Sakura no Hana no Saku Koro ni” is a song that portrays a new beginning with the arrival of spring.

Since its release in 1988, its lyrics have never faded with time, evoking thoughts of the season of farewells.

Watanabe’s gentle yet powerful voice cheers on many listeners and guides them toward the refreshing feeling of a spring day.

Especially on a blustery spring day when your heart feels unsettled, give this song a listen.

Come, SpringKawai Naoko

Come, Spring

This is a song included on the B-side of Naoko Kawai’s eighth single, “Ai wo Kudasai” (“Please Give Me Love”).

It’s upbeat and catchy, showcasing Kawai’s strong vocal abilities.

The lyrics convey the image of an energetic, forward-looking woman enjoying spring, a season when partings and new encounters arrive all at once.

They inspire a positive feeling: “Don’t stay trapped in the sadness of goodbyes—let’s fully enjoy new meetings!” Maybe it’s nice now and then to reflect on those past romances that were one thrill after another.

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yuri

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