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 Introduction, from Nostalgic Japanese Hits to Ever-Popular Classics (21–30)
Seaside BoundZa Taigāsu
When it comes to heart-thumping numbers that conjure dazzling sunshine and a blue sea, this early masterpiece by The Tigers surely comes to mind.
Released in May 1967, the track bursts with a rhythm that makes you want to dance with someone you love, perfectly capturing the exhilaration of a summer romance.
You can almost see the radiant smiles of young people whispering sweet nothings by the shore, and just listening lifts your spirits.
Skillfully blending traditional Japanese rhythmic sensibilities with rock ’n’ roll, the song became a massive hit, ultimately selling over 500,000 copies.
It was also included on the album “The Tigers: The World Is Waiting for Us,” and gained popularity as the theme song for the drama “Yattaze Baby!” as well as a chant for Shonan Bellmare.
It’s a timeless summer anthem—ideal for a summer drive or seaside BGM, and a perfect gateway for those who want to experience the GS sound.
Crazed FruitIshihara Yūjirō
There’s a film written from an original story and script by Shintaro Ishihara that, upon its July 1956 release, became a social phenomenon.
Its theme song is sung by the film’s star, Yujiro Ishihara, and the work portrays the precarious yet passionate love affairs of young people set against a sun-sparkling summer seaside.
The lyrics suggest the luscious sweetness of ripened fruit and the ruinous tension brought on by a deceitful love, all carried by Masaru Sato’s dramatic melody and Yujiro’s rich, velvety low voice, gripping the listener’s heart.
After the movie’s release, the song was issued as a single coupled with “Ore wa Matteru ze” (“I’m Waiting”), and was later included on the classic album Yujiro Ishihara Cinema: A Collection of Unforgettable Movie Theme Songs.
It’s recommended for those who want to feel the heat of the Taiyozoku generation of the time, or for nights when you want to sink into the Showa-era mood-kayō atmosphere.
Summer Songs of the Showa Era | A comprehensive introduction from nostalgic Japanese hits to timeless favorites (31–40)
The sun is crying.ishida ayumi
While centered on the motif of the sun, this classic vividly conveys a certain bittersweet emotion.
For Ayumi Ishida, it was her first single after moving to Columbia Records, released in June 1968.
Jun Hashimoto’s richly expressive lyrics are fused with Kyohei Tsutsumi’s sound, which boldly incorporates a GS-style rhythm and the then-innovative harpsichord, allowing Ishida’s emotional yet cool vocals to truly blossom.
Peaking at No.
18 on the Oricon chart, the track laid the groundwork for her subsequent big hits, and it’s no exaggeration to call it a song that symbolizes summer in the Showa era.
I highly recommend it to anyone looking for slightly wistful background music for a summer drive, or to those who want to experience the sophisticated pop of the time.
Shinin’ On-kun is sad.rukku
LOOK is a rock band that was active from 1985 to 1988.
Their career lasted only three years, but they left behind classic songs that represent the 1980s.
One of them is “Shinin’ On Kimi ga Kanashii.” The song portrays a man walking along a beach at night, reminiscing about memories with the one he loves.
Rather than a typical summer song, it’s more about recalling summer, so it’s a good listen during the change of seasons.
Let it stir your thoughts about those wonderful days.
The Little MermaidNagayama Miho
A heartrending love story set on a summer beach.
Miho Nakayama’s translucent vocals vividly portray the image of a mermaid shimmering in the cold sea of the big city.
Released in July 1988 and used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Wakaokusama wa Udemakuri!”, the track topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and ranked high on the year-end chart.
Its pop, melodious composition reflects the trends of the time while showcasing a unique sensibility.
Highly recommended for those with hearts swayed by love or anyone wishing to bask in summer memories.
Summer-colored DiaryHori Chiemi
This song, often considered one of Chiemi Hori’s signature tracks, offers a refreshing portrayal of youthful first love.
Released in June 1983, it became a hit, reaching No.
6 on the Oricon chart.
It also ranked on TBS’s “The Best Ten” and Nippon TV’s “The Top Ten,” resonating with many listeners.
The song features a bright, sparkling melody and lyrics that evoke the brilliance of early summer, overlaying the feelings of being in love with the pages of a diary.
Symbols like the sea, the sun, and freedom appear frequently, conveying both the bittersweetness and the joy of youth.
It’s a perfect track for summer memories or as a companion on a drive.
Be my bride.Kayama Yūzō
It’s one of the signature songs of Yuzo Kayama, who is affectionately known by the nickname Wakadaisho.
Its success even led to the production of a kayō film based on the song.
The piece was composed under the name Hachiro “Dan Atsusaku,” Kayama’s pen name for composing.
It is sometimes performed in a ukulele-and-vocal style, showcasing Kayama’s talent as a ukulele player.
The light, tropical ukulele timbre and the guitar’s floating tones—like drifting on waves—leave a striking impression.
Set to a refreshing sound, the song portrays passionate love, evoking a sense of rising emotion.
