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 tracks to timeless hits still popular today (11–20)
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.
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?
I hope you are keeping well in the summer heat.kyandīzu
Many people likely have a special attachment to Candies’ “Shochū Omimai Moushiagemasu,” a classic Japanese summer song by the idol trio who were active in the 1970s.
The song was their 14th single, released in June 1977.
However, they announced their breakup in July of the same year, and Candies disbanded in April 1978.
As a celebrated song from just before their breakup, fans might still feel a tinge of sadness when they listen to it today.
The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko
When it comes to Seiko Matsuda’s summer songs, you can’t leave out “Natsu no Tobira” (“The Summer Door”).
Released in 1981 as her fifth single, it topped the Oricon singles chart and was featured in various commercials for soft drinks, cosmetics, and more.
Its fresh, catchy sound is perfectly suited to an idol.
The memorable chorus is something even people who aren’t from the “Seiko-chan generation” have probably heard.
Around the time “Natsu no Tobira” came out, she also switched from the “Seiko-chan cut” to a short haircut, which tied in with the lyrics and became a hot topic.
