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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Top 10 immensely popular stars who colored the Showa era, known by everyone
Hibari Misora
Even if you’re not from the Showa generation, I’m sure you know her: the queen of the pop music world, Hibari Misora.
She passed away in 1989, but left us with many masterpieces such as “Kawa no Nagare no Yō ni” (Like the Flow of the River), “Yawara,” and “Makkana Taiyō.” She received the People’s Honor Award in 1989 and truly became a legend.
Debuting at age nine and appearing on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen at seventeen, her powerful vocal ability—and above all, the soul in her singing—moves everyone.
She remains a figure still spoken of today, one we can rightly call a Japanese hero.
Ken Takakura
Ken Takakura was a hugely popular Japanese actor who appeared in numerous films.
After joining Toei, he landed his first leading role in a film in 1956 and became indispensable to yakuza cinema.
His famous works include The Yellow Handkerchief, A Distant Cry from Spring, and Station, among others.
He received many honors, such as the Japan Academy Prize for Best Actor and the Blue Ribbon Awards.
He was also recognized as a Person of Cultural Merit in 2006 and was awarded the Order of Culture in 2013 for his contributions to the development of Japanese cinema.
Although Ken Takakura passed away in 2014, his name is still remembered as that of a quintessential Japanese actor.
Yujiro Ishihara
I don’t think there’s anyone who lived through the Showa era who doesn’t know the name Yujiro Ishihara.
If you ask, “Who is a famous Japanese actor?” his name is one of the first to come up—he was a huge star! He was active not only as an actor but also as a singer.
He appeared in major hits such as the films “I Am Waiting” and “Man Who Causes a Storm,” as well as the TV drama “Bark at the Sun!” He was also the founder of Ishihara Promotion, and the group was known as the Ishihara Corps.
He battled various illnesses, including tongue cancer, aortic dissection, and liver cancer, and passed away in 1987.
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.
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.
Hideki Saijo
Hideki Saijo is said to have changed the idol scene.
He held the first-ever stadium concert as a solo idol, delivered eye-catching, flamboyant performances, and his concerts are even said to be the origin of the glow sticks now common at idol shows.
Having sparked various revolutions, Hideki Saijo is truly worthy of being called a Japanese star.
His signature songs include “YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.),” “Kizudarake no Laura,” and “Jounetsu no Arashi.” Wild and undeniably cool, Saijo was also renowned for his outstanding vocal prowess!