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 everything from nostalgic Japanese hits to timeless favorites (41–50)
BoyhoodInoue Yosui
One of the quintessential summer hits of the Showa era is “Shonen Jidai,” released by Yosui Inoue in September 1990.
Its lyrics are beautiful and the melody is easy to sing, so it’s even included in junior high and high school music textbooks.
Another charm of this song is how the season changes as the verses progress.
It begins just after summer has passed, moves to the height of summer in the second verse, and returns again to the time after summer in the final section.
If you get the chance, listen with that in mind.
Morning of the PegasusIgarashi Hiroaki
The clear tones of the acoustic guitar and piano are striking, and just hearing the intro gives you a refreshing, cleansing feeling, doesn’t it? This is the song that brought Hiroaki Igarashi, hailing from Hokkaido, wider recognition, and it perfectly captures the breezy atmosphere of the early 1980s.
The lyrics, which sing of setting off toward a future full of dreams and hope, carry a gentle warmth that gives listeners an encouraging nudge.
Released as a single in 1980 and included on his debut album NORTHERN LIGHTS – Hokuto Shichisei, this work stands as a representative piece from Igarashi’s early career.
It was also aired on NHK’s Minna no Uta, which likely helped it become widely beloved.
It’s the kind of song that can give you a refreshing boost when taking a new step forward or on a morning when you’re feeling a bit low.
It may even make some listeners’ hearts ache with nostalgia as they remember summers from back then.
The Days of Rainbows and Sneakerschūrippu
Tulip is a band known for incorporating elements of Western pop into their style.
Their song “Niji to Sneaker no Koro” centers on the theme of a summer heartbreak.
Its lyrics notably revolve around sneakers.
At first listen, you can tell the male narrator is wondering what became of the sneakers he gave his ex.
As you listen more closely, it becomes clear that the white sneakers serve as a metaphor for their relationship—the way they get dirty mirrors the way the relationship falls apart.
It’s a song distinguished by its nuanced, evocative use of metaphor.
miragekurisutaru kingu
A Crystal King song set against the midsummer sea that portrays a passionate romance.
Released in April 1980, it became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon chart.
Showcasing the full appeal of their twin vocals, the track conveys a powerful longing for a lover—greater than life or even the future.
The lyrics, imbued with a wish to make moments with a beloved last forever under the glittering summer sun, are perfect for those who want to revel in summer memories.
It’s a song that makes you want to listen while gazing at the blue ocean.
A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR
When it comes to classic summer scenes of the Showa era, you can’t leave out this song! This Rats & Star track has a comfortable Latin rhythm that feels like it turns the very heat of summer into music.
Released in April 1983, it became a massive hit, topping the Oricon charts.
Set on a summer beach, it briskly depicts a “stylish incident” sparked by an enchanting woman.
Listeners are sure to be captivated by the charm of the “dashing woman” who appears in the lyrics.
How about making summer memories by listening to this song at the beach or by the pool? It’s sure to become a wonderful page in your summer story!
Southern WindNakamori Akina
It’s a song with a charming tropical vibe and Akina Nakamori’s crystal-clear vocals that leave a strong impression.
Released in April 1984, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for three consecutive weeks and also held the No.
1 spot on the TV music show “The Best Ten” for two weeks.
The lyrics, depicting a solo trip to a tropical resort, reflect Japan’s social backdrop at the time and symbolize a woman freely enjoying romance.
They portray a sense of liberation, fleeting encounters, and the dangerous temptations that lurk within, offering listeners an escape into the extraordinary.
With its refreshing sound that makes you forget the summer heat, it’s perfect for a seaside drive—you’ll find yourself wanting to roll down the window and feel the sea breeze.
Mr. Summertimesaakasu
Mr.
Summertime by Circus, a mixed-gender vocal quartet that debuted in 1978, is a classic known for its bossa nova–tinged, bittersweet lyrics.
In fact, the song is a cover of Une Belle Histoire, released in 1972 by Michel Fugain & Le Big Bazar, with Japanese lyrics added.
The lyrics tell the story of a woman who has been unfaithful and regrets it, and listening to it fills you with a heartrending sense of sorrow.