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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Summer Songs of the Showa Era | A comprehensive introduction to nostalgic Japanese hits and timeless favorites still popular today (1–10)
Forever with youKayama Yūzō
When it comes to summer songs, many of them evoke clear blue skies, don’t they? That’s why I’d like to introduce “Kimi to Itsumademo.” This song, created by Yuzo Kayama, is well known for winning the Japan Record Award and being used as a movie theme song.
Its lyrics tell a love story set against a summer dusk, depicting the deep love and bond between a man and a woman.
Be sure to listen to it at twilight and let yourself drift into that mood.
Since it’s a song that has been sung for many years, you can also enjoy comparing performances from its original era to more recent renditions.
Crimson SunMisora Hibari
This work, which evokes both the passion of a blazing sun and the transience of a passing summer, left a striking impression as a new facet of Hibari Misora, the queen of the kayō music world.
In its lyrical world, a love that flares up against the backdrop of midsummer seas is skillfully depicted alongside a poignant premonition that it will one day come to an end.
Originally included as a track on the album “Song Is My Life: Celebrating 20 Years of Hibari Misora’s Career,” the piece received such an overwhelming response that it was released as a single in May 1967.
Its innovative sound, backed by Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets, drew major attention and went on to sell over 1.4 million copies.
As a song emblematic of summertime in the Shōwa era, why not give it a listen during a seaside drive or when you’re in the mood to bask in slightly more grown-up summer memories?
You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi
Eiichi Ohtaki, who debuted as the vocalist of the pioneering band Happy End in Japanese rock history and went on to shine as a solo artist with his stylish musicality, is a renowned singer-songwriter.
His seventh single, “Kimi wa Tennenshoku” (“You Are Natural Color”), has been featured in numerous commercials, including Rohto Pharmaceutical’s “New V Rohto” campaign.
Its brisk shuffle beat with a bouncy rhythm and an ensemble that spotlights driving piano evoke images of a bright summer sky.
A timeless city-pop sound that never fades with the times, it’s an essential pop tune for summer.
Songs of Summer from the Showa Era | A comprehensive showcase from nostalgic Japanese tracks to timeless hits still popular today (11–20)
Season of LovePinkī to Kirāzu
Set to a stylish bossa nova groove, this song celebrates the flutter of a love just beginning.
It was the debut single released by Pinky & the Killers in July 1968.
Yoko Minamino’s expansive, slightly bittersweet vocals convey a pure sense of happiness that fills the heart.
The lyrics’ anticipation for a new “season” and the unstoppable feelings that come with it make your heart bloom just by listening.
The track spent 17 consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Oricon charts, and its appeal remains undimmed—it was featured in a cold medicine commercial at the time and later in the 2009 film Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance.
It’s perfect for a summer drive or for those moments when you want to feel your heart race with the promise of new love.
Summer LoveOzaki Kiyohiko
This is a single released by Kiyohiko Ozaki in 1987.
With his refreshing vocals expressing a summer romance, the lyrics—depicting boating under dappled sunlight and a single-minded love—blend perfectly with the pop sound of the ’80s.
Regarded as a signature work from the middle period of Ozaki’s career, it became a popular song frequently featured on music programs.
It is also included on the album “Memories of Summer Love.” Highly recommended for those who want to look back on the bittersweet memories of their youth—listen to it by the summer seaside, and your heart is sure to dance.
You guys are kiwi, papaya, and mango, aren’t you?Nakahara Meiko
“Kimitachi Kiwi Papaya Mango dane” is a song released by Meiko Nakahara in 1984, and it was also the track that brought her to fame.
The song was created as the theme for Kanebo’s summer cosmetics and is said to evoke the image of women shining beautifully under the sun.
It’s unclear what exactly “kiwi, papaya, mango” is meant to represent, but the mysterious ring of the words paired with the Latin-style rhythm makes it truly memorable, doesn’t it?
Chaco’s Seaside StorySazan Ōrusutāzu
A classic summer song that celebrates the blue sea and youthful days.
This track by Southern All Stars was released in January 1982 as their 14th single.
Its lyrics charmingly depict a refreshing story of two people falling in love, paired with an uplifting, danceable melody.
Keisuke Kuwata’s playful vocal delivery is also striking, and the singing style—said to have been inspired by Toshihiko Tahara—became a hot topic.
At the 1982 year-end Kōhaku Uta Gassen, Kuwata’s performance imitating Haruo Minami stirred controversy, though Minami himself reportedly took it graciously.
It’s the perfect song for seaside dates or reminiscing about summer memories.