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)
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.
Heart-throbbing for you. — A Fickle Vacation —Yellow Magic Orchestra
YMO, the pioneering technopop band in Japan.
As a group that represents the country, they have a wide fan base, and many were deeply saddened by the members’ passing.
Their cute summer song “Kimi ni, Mune Kyun” was released in 1983 as their seventh single.
It was a summer track that completely changed the usual YMO vibe and surprised the public.
Even people from generations unfamiliar with YMO have likely heard the chorus.
The song also became widely known at home as it was used in a Kanebo cosmetics commercial.
Harmony at Summer’s EndInoue Yosui & Anzen Chitai
Since its release in 1986, this song has continued to be cherished as a classic for the end of summer.
Speaking of Anzenchitai, it’s the band fronted by Koji Tamaki, and they’re also known for having performed as Yosui Inoue’s backing band before their debut.
It was within the exchange between these two acts that this song was born.
Both Yosui Inoue and Koji Tamaki have uniquely captivating voices, but the harmony created when their voices blend is truly one of a kind.
The poignant lyrics—woven with exquisite harmonies—overlay the end of summer with the parting of a man and a woman, deeply moving countless listeners.
A summer to rememberYamaguchi Momoe
Momoe Yamaguchi, known as a legendary singer of the Showa-era kayōkyoku scene, released Hitonatsu no Keiken in 1974.
The lyrics were written by Kazuya Senke, and the composition was by Shunichi Tokura, who created many idol songs in the Showa era.
The band arrangement, which evokes a passionate romance, is striking.
The song expresses a girl’s honest feelings for the one she loves, perfectly matching her powerful yet sultry vocals.
For some listeners, it may bring back memories of summer dates or a first love.
It’s a summer song that captures both girlish charm and the allure of a grown woman at the same time.
Beach of MemoriesZa Wairudowanzu
The debut song of The Wild Ones, a pioneering Group Sounds band, is “Omoide no Nagisa” (Beach of Memories).
The band was formed by leader Kunihiko Kase after his stints with groups like The Spiders and Takeshi Terauchi & Blue Jeans, aiming to create a new sound unlike anything before.
Kase’s signature 12-string guitar tone gives “Omoide no Nagisa” its ineffably resort-like atmosphere.
Lyricist Shigeki Torizuka was working gigs playing by a pool at the time of production, and he came up with the lyrics while watching that scene.
