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

Song of SpringWatanabe Mitsuko

Spring Song by Mitsuko Tsukimura

Released in July 1937 (Showa 12), this work is a quintessential spring classic of the early Showa era that became widely beloved as a “national song” through prewar radio broadcasts and other media.

The vocalist was Mitsuko Watanabe, a highly skilled singer who had also taught at the Tokyo Music School and was active in the popular music scene.

Interestingly, the record of this piece was actually recorded under the alternate name Mitsuko Tsukimura, an intriguing episode that reflects Watanabe’s well-known practice of using multiple stage names depending on time and occasion.

Its flowing melody and bright, clear voice still perfectly lift our spirits in cherry blossom season.

Why not enjoy the atmosphere of a bygone era under the cheerful spring sunlight, while picturing the joy of spring portrayed in the lyrics?

Little Red in Early SpringYano Akiko

Harusaki Kobeni

A classic spring song where Shigesato Itoi’s unique wordplay blends perfectly with a breezy technopop sound! Released as a single in February 1981, it took households by storm as the theme for Kanebo Cosmetics’ spring campaign commercial.

Members of YMO participated in the arrangement, resulting in a work that marries cutting-edge techno sounds of the time with the approachable warmth of kayōkyoku.

There’s also a well-known anecdote that part of the lyrics sounds like “Kobe ni,” leading some to mistakenly think it was tied to that year’s “Portopia ’81.” Akiko Yano’s buoyant vocals and piano alone will lift your spirits.

As you feel your heart dance with the arrival of a new season, be sure to give it a listen!

Early Spring HarborMinami Saori

Early Spring Harbor

This is a masterpiece in which the poignant sound of waves and the tone of the steel guitar vividly evoke a springtime seaside scene.

It was released in January 1973 as Saori Minami’s sixth single.

With lyrics by Mieko Arima and music by Kyohei Tsutsumi, the song’s folk-tinged sound pairs beautifully with her crystal-clear vocals.

It’s also widely known that Takuro Yoshida, deeply moved by the song at the time, wrote the answer song “Cynthia,” a testament to how it was loved across genres.

A Showa-era gem you’ll want to listen to when you feel a bit sentimental in the spring sunshine or when you’re thinking of your hometown—please enjoy!

Full of memoriesH₂O

Adachi Mitsuru’s “Miyuki” × H2O “Omoide ga Ippai” Collaboration MV

With its translucent harmonies and faintly wistful melody that resonates in the heart, this is H2O’s biggest hit, released in 1983.

Beloved as the ending theme of the TV anime Miyuki, based on Mitsuru Adachi’s original work, it has since become a choral staple, even appearing in music textbooks.

Crafted by Yoko Aki and Kisaburo Suzuki, the song dramatically portrays a girl’s journey into womanhood, and simply listening to it brings back bittersweet memories.

A self-cover version was used in a Canon commercial in 2003, a testament to its enduring popularity.

It’s the kind of song that makes you want to open an old album and listen while feeling the warmth of spring.

Come, springhappiiendo

Come, spring

This is the celebrated opening track of Happy End’s landmark debut album, commonly known as “Yudemen,” by pioneers of Japanese rock.

Using everyday words brimming with domestic warmth—like New Year’s kotatsu and ozoni—it portrays loneliness, while still conveying a heartfelt resolve to face forward.

Released in August 1970, the song is also famous for the episode where Takashi Matsumoto visited Eiichi Ohtaki’s boarding house one night, and a melody was improvised on the spot to the words in his notebook.

In an era when English lyrics dominated the rock scene, the resonance of Japanese lyrics paired with a hard-edged sound threw a stone into the pond—and listening now, it feels strikingly fresh.

While waiting for spring to arrive, you may want to quietly face your own heart.

This is the perfect song for such moments—be sure to savor it.