Songs of Summer from the Showa Era: A comprehensive introduction, from nostalgic Japanese hits to timeless favorites still popular today
Summer is packed with fun events like seaside drives, camping, and all-you-can-eat buffets.
And to make summer even more exciting, the right BGM is essential, isn’t it? If you’re struggling with your summer playlist, why not try some classic Japanese hits from the Showa era? In this article, we introduce a variety of “summer songs” mainly from the 1960s to the 1980s—ranging from Showa pop and Group Sounds to New Music, city pop, idol tunes, and rock bands.
For some, it’ll be a nostalgic trip; for younger listeners, a fresh discovery.
Enjoy!
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Songs of Summer from the Showa Era | A comprehensive showcase from nostalgic Japanese hits to timeless favorites still popular today (61–70)
Give Up on SummerNaoko Ken
A classic song that paints a poignant scene at summer’s end.
Naoko Ken’s uniquely languid, wistful vocals beautifully capture the fleeting nature of youth.
Released in September 1982, the track reached No.
5 on the weekly Oricon chart and won the Gold Prize at the 24th Japan Record Awards, winning the hearts of many.
Closely associated with the Shonan/Enoshima image, it’s perfect for when you want to look back on summer memories—walking along a rain-soaked beach, reminiscing about a love from those days.
An ideal song for anyone who wants to sink into that mood.
A Midsummer Night’s DreamNoguchi Goro
Goro Noguchi’s 30th single, released in 1978, is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Known for his guitar skills, Noguchi would sing this song while playing electric guitar during TV appearances and concerts.
It reached No.
8 on Showa-era flagship music program “The Best Ten.” It also drew attention when impressionist Korokke performed a fast-forward version of the song as part of his act.
The mature, sexy lyrics themed around a midsummer night are another major attraction.
Dance, fish.Yamashita Tatsuro
Singer-songwriter Tatsuro Yamashita, renowned as a meticulous craftsman of sound, has continually evolved his music in step with the times.
His 16th single, “Odoroyo, Fish,” drew attention when its remastered version was released on CD for the first time in 2020, 33 years after the original release.
The lyrics conjure images of sun and sea, and the urban atmosphere evokes the comfortable charm of classic city pop.
It’s a refreshing pop tune that brings to mind a clear, beautiful seascape.
Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii
This is a Pink Lady song known for its pop sound that evokes blue skies and a deep blue sea.
Released in June 1977, it became Pink Lady’s first million-selling hit.
Set against a summer seaside backdrop, the song portrays a woman falling in love, swept away by a charming man likened to the legendary voyager Sinbad, all carried by a refreshing melody.
In 2005, it was also used as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Otona no Natsuyasumi,” and it continues to be loved across generations.
It’s the perfect track for a seaside date or a summer drive.
The Longed-For Hawaii RouteHaruo Oka
This song sings of the postwar aspirations of the Japanese people.
Its lyrics vividly evoke a ship setting sail from the harbor to Hawaii, and the jaunty melody is irresistible.
It became a major hit in December 1948, and a film of the same title was produced in 1950.
Haruo Oka’s uniquely vibrato-rich vocals must have resonated with listeners of the time.
It’s a great listen on a hot summer day, when you feel a longing for the tropics.
Whether gazing out at the sea or using it as background music for making summer memories, it’s the perfect track.