Timeless hits and unforgettable performances: A roundup of Showa-era stars who shine forever
When you think of the Showa era, who comes to mind? Who is the star that represents Showa for you?
During the Showa period, there were countless “stars” across many fields—actors, singers, rakugo performers—people everyone knew and admired.
In this article, we’ll introduce some of the iconic stars who defined the Showa era.
We’ve gathered a variety of luminaries: those who appeared in numerous films and TV dramas, multi-talented figures who thrived as both actors and singers, and artists who gave us countless beloved classic songs.
Be sure to check out these stars who shone with a brilliance unlike anyone else!
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Moving masterpieces and performances that stir the heart. A roundup of Shōwa-era stars that shine eternally (21–30)
Kyu Sakamoto
He handled vocals and guitar for The Drifters and went solo in 1960.
The 1961 release “Ue o Muite Arukō” became a massive hit not only in Japan but worldwide.
In particular, the feat of reaching No.
1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in the United States is widely known.
Beyond the song’s quality, Kyu Sakamoto’s distinctive singing style makes it unforgettable after a single listen.
Although he sadly passed away in an airplane accident, his classic songs have not faded with time and continue to be sung today.
Seiko Matsuda
It’s no exaggeration to say that Seiko Matsuda is an eternal idol.
She’s always so beautiful and charming, and many women look up to her.
Known as a representative idol of the 1980s, she made her record debut in 1980 with “Hadashi no Kisetsu,” and then released hit after hit.
Her hairstyle at the time, known as the “Seiko-chan cut,” became a trend that many women copied.
Her signature song “Akai Sweet Pea” is a classic loved across generations.
Kenji Sawada
Kenji Sawada, also known as the vocalist of The Tigers and PYG, is affectionately called “Julie.” Having pursued a long career in music, he can be considered a living legend of the Japanese pop scene.
He made his solo debut in 1971 with “Kimi o Nosete,” and his 1973 release “Kiken na Futari” became a hit, earning him the 4th Japan Kayō Awards.
He also won the same award—and the Japan Record Award—for his 1977 release “Katte ni Shiyagare.” He boasts an astounding 17 appearances on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Shintaro Katsu
Shintaro Katsu, a major star of the Japanese film world known for works such as Zatoichi, Akumyō, and Hoodlum Soldier.
Born into a show-business family, Katsu displayed his talents in many fields as an actor, singer, and film director.
Among his works, Zatoichi was especially popular, spawning a total of 26 films and a television series that ran for 100 episodes, winning the hearts of viewers at home.
His popularity is evident from a 2014 survey of favorite Japanese film actors, in which he ranked fourth.
Even after his passing in 1997, he has continued to be loved by many fans.
Yukio Hashi
As one of the great stars of the Showa era, many people would name Yukio Hashi.
He was popular both as an actor and a musician, and, together with Kazuo Funaki and Teruhiko Saigō, he was known as one of the “Gosanke” (the Big Three).
Hashi made his debut in 1960 with “Itako Gasa,” for which he won the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.
He went on to receive other Record Awards and was active in many fields, serving as a goodwill ambassador to Mongolia and as a support ambassador for assistance dogs.
With his powerful yet gently enveloping voice in songs such as “Itsudemo Yume o” and “Ame no Naka no Futari,” Yukio Hashi will continue to warm the hearts of many people.
Yuzo Kayama
Yuzo Kayama made his film debut in 1960 with Man to Man and his singing debut the following year with Sun of the Night.
The Young Guy film series became a major hit, catapulting him to stardom, and he went on to release numerous classic songs such as Kimi to Itsu Made mo and Umi Sono Ai.
He appeared many times on NHK’s Red and White Song Battle, even serving as host.
In 2014, he received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, awarded to individuals with distinguished achievements.
He was hospitalized in 2020 due to a cerebellar hemorrhage, but recovered and showed us his vitality once again.
However, in 2022 he announced his retirement from concert activities.
It’s sad that we won’t be able to hear that singing voice live anymore…
Yusaku Matsuda
Yusaku Matsuda, famous for playing Detective Goro “Jeans” in the TV drama Taiyo ni Hoero.
His representative works include The Resurrection of the Golden Wolf, The Beast to Die, and Kagero-za.
In 1983, he won Best Actor awards from Kinema Junpo and the Hochi Film Award for The Family Game.
He was also well known not only as an actor but for his work as a director.
In 1989, he made his Hollywood debut in Black Rain and became internationally renowned.
His portrayal of Sato in the film was highly acclaimed in Hollywood.
Though Yusaku Matsuda passed away suddenly before achieving all he set out to do, his name continues to be celebrated in Japanese cinema.