Lovely hit song

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

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

Spring, the season of meetings and farewells.

With the long, cold winter finally over, and flowers blooming in full glory, this calm and beautiful season is surely many people’s favorite time of year.

In this article, we’re picking out spring-themed songs born in the Showa era!

From nostalgic Showa-era pop that will resonate with those who remember the time, to timeless classics still sung today, we’ll introduce a wide range of tracks.

Enjoy noting how perceptions and expressions of spring differ from those of the Reiwa era.

[Spring Songs Born in the Showa Era] A Select Collection of Trendsetting Hits That Colored the Times and Timeless Classics Still Sung Today (51–60)

The last spring breakMatsutōya Yumi

Saigo No Haruyasumi

The last spring breakMatsutōya Yumi

This song, included on the 1979 album OLIVE, delicately portrays the bittersweet feelings of a girl on the verge of a season of farewells.

The sorrow of knowing that it will no longer be easy to meet after graduation unfolds at a gentle tempo, carried by Matsutoya’s characteristically tender melody.

A timeless spring classic from the Showa era, it resonates with listeners of every generation.

Why not listen to it slowly, drawing it close to your heart as you bask in the spring sunlight?

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Northern SpringSen Masao

Spring in the Northern Country / Masao Sen (with lyrics)

Northern SpringSen Masao

Released in 1977, this song became a major hit for Masao Sen.

Beyond the song’s quality itself, Sen’s pronunciation with regional dialect adds a distinctive atmosphere.

The striking outfit—rare in the enka world—also drew attention: he appeared in the style of a young man who had come to Tokyo from the countryside, carrying a suitcase and wearing an old coat.

Often called a hometown song for Japanese people, it’s popular in karaoke as well—many of you have probably heard someone sing it.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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In conclusion

We introduced some spring songs from the Showa era.

Did you find a favorite—one that brings back memories of your youth? Please enjoy a warm and peaceful spring together with these classic tunes, imbued with the distinct charm of Showa-era nostalgia, which feels a little different from today’s spring songs.