[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)
Beautiful SpringKayama Yūzō
A fresh, vivid song that conjures up scenes of sweet, gentle romance.
Depicting a love that sprouted with the arrival of spring, this piece is warmed by Yuzo Kayama’s soft vocals.
Released in April 1968, it was included on the album “Kimi no Tame ni” alongside tracks such as “Kimi to Itsumademo.” Beloved by many as a song that symbolizes the refreshing youth culture of its time, it’s a gem you’ll want to listen to when spring comes around.
It’s a work I can wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who wants to feel the changing seasons and the beginning of love.
[Spring Songs Born in the Showa Era] A Select Collection of Kayokyoku That Colored the Times & Timeless Classics Still Sung Today (51–60)
Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten
Among the many masterpieces that sing of deep love, this is a particularly moving song.
It deftly depicts the evolving landscapes of love over time, and through its exquisite melody and exceptional expressiveness, it showcases Teresa Teng at her very best.
The song beautifully portrays unconditional love for someone dear, along with the self-sacrifice that springs from it, gently enveloping the listener’s heart.
Released in February 1986, it was also included on the album “Toki no Nagare ni Mi o Makase” (I Only Care About You).
It achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Grand Prix at the 19th Japan Cable Radio Awards for the third consecutive year, and it also received the Gold Award at the 28th Japan Record Awards.
Even today, it is widely covered by many artists and cherished across generations.
It is a recommended listen when you are thinking of someone special or wish to spend time in a calm, peaceful mood.
Why not immerse yourself in memories with a loved one and enjoy a heartwarming moment?
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.
Mischief of the spring breezeYamaguchi Momoe
Released on March 1, 1974, as if heralding the arrival of spring, Momoe Yamaguchi’s single “Harukaze no Itazura” (“Mischief of the Spring Breeze”).
The lyrics open with a depiction of a young woman who, after a quarrel during a date, walks home in tears.
But as loneliness slowly sets in, she finally finds herself searching for the lover she fought with.
Even after a quarrel, the one she relies on in moments of uncertainty is her beloved—an idea woven together with the early-spring scenery, where a lingering chill still remains.
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.
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.
When the cherry blossoms bloomWatanabe Misato
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.