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 from nostalgic Japanese hits to timeless favorites (31–40)
Equator Girl: Dokki!Yamashita Kumiko
Kumiko Yamashita is known for songs that incorporate New Music and City Pop.
Her hit “Equator Girl Doki!” was released in 1982, with lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Haruomi Hosono.
It’s memorable for her delivering cute phrases over soft, airy synth tones.
The song portrays a youthful love that makes your heart flutter just by being near someone you like.
It conjures images of lovers swept up in a passionate romance under the blazing sun.
Summer MissSakakibara Ikue
This is Ikue Sakakibara’s biggest hit, beloved alongside Yukiko Shimizu and Mizue Takada as part of the “Fresh Trio.” Its light, fast-paced sound is striking, vividly conveying the rising excitement as summer approaches.
Though it’s an idol song with a cute image, it’s unique in that the lyrics are written from a male perspective.
While weaving in words that evoke summer, it praises the young lady and straightforwardly sings of being in love.
Midsummer RainRebekka
It’s a track that conjures up the languid air after a sudden evening shower and the sight of rain-soaked asphalt.
NOKKO’s emotionally rich vocals evoke a bittersweet, end-of-summer melancholy and an air of ennui.
The lyrics sketch fragmentary scenes and inner landscapes brought on by summer rain, likely resonating with listeners’ own summer memories.
The spatial sound processing reminiscent of reggae and dub lends it a distinctive, floating feel.
Released in November 1987 as the B-side of the single “NERVOUS BUT GLAMOROUS,” the song also appears on the album “Poison.” That album won Artist of the Year (Japanese music category) at the 2nd Japan Gold Disc Awards.
It’s the perfect song for a sultry summer night—when you’re lost in thought listening to the rain, or when you want to sink into a sentimental mood.
“Goodbye is an August lullaby.”Yoshikawa Koji
A song that vividly captures the end of a summer in the ’80s, where a sense of exhilaration and bittersweet emotion coexist.
It’s one of Koji Kikkawa’s early hit singles, released in June 1984, and is also known for peaking at No.
6 on the Oricon weekly chart.
The charm of this track lies, above all, in its soundscape that conjures up images of racing along a seaside road at summer’s end, paired with lyrics that tighten around the heart.
It portrays a protagonist on the verge of parting, putting on a brave face while still caring for the other person—stirring the listener’s emotions.
The use of synthesizers and an effect that mimics the sound of shattering glass is striking, bringing a fresh breeze to the music scene of the time.
Also featured on the album LA VIE EN ROSE, this gem is perfect for those who want to sink into reflection as summer fades or lose themselves in a poignant melody.
Angel’s TemptationMayuzumi Jun
Among the many hit songs that vividly colored summers in the Showa era, there are surely plenty of people who remember this classic, powerfully sung by Jun Mayuzumi, most of all.
Released in May 1968, the track blends a lively Group Sounds-style rhythm with a subtly exotic Hawaiian flavor—an ideal tune to heighten the mood of a summer resort getaway.
Jun Mayuzumi’s punchy yet coquettish vocals hint at a sweet and dangerous romantic game, captivating countless listeners.
The song won the 10th Japan Record Award, she starred in a film of the same title, and she also performed it on NHK’s year-end Kohaku Uta Gassen—proof of the fervor it stirred at the time, which has since become the stuff of legend.
It’s perfect for a summer drive, and a must-listen for anyone who wants to feel the atmosphere of that era.
Summer Songs of the Showa Era | A comprehensive introduction to everything from nostalgic Japanese hits to timeless favorites (41–50)
RIDE ON TIMEYamashita Tatsuro
This song features a poppy, upbeat melody that evokes the refreshing breeze of summer.
Tatsuro Yamashita’s clear, crystalline vocals conjure images of blue skies and the sea.
Released as a single from the September 1980 album “RIDE ON TIME,” it became his first Top 10 hit on the Oricon charts.
It also drew attention as the tie-in song for a Maxell cassette tape TV commercial.
With an uplifting message that lights a spark in the heart and sets the spirit soaring, it’s sure to gently encourage anyone taking a new step forward.
Why not enjoy it as driving music while reminiscing about your summer memories?
South Wind – SOUTH WIND –Ōta Hiromi
If you want to savor an open, summery vibe, Hiromi Ohta’s “Minamikaze – SOUTH WIND -” is perfect.
Released in 1980 as her 17th single, it was used in a commercial for Kirin Beer’s “Kirin Orange” at the time.
Its refreshing sound, fitting for a soft drink commercial, puts you in a pleasant mood.
The lyrics, told from the perspective of young people who can’t wait for summer, feel charmingly fresh.
Definitely give “Minamikaze – SOUTH WIND -” a listen and soak up the summer atmosphere!
