[Revisited] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era songs that are trending now [2026]
The Showa era gave birth to countless timeless classics loved across generations.
Now, those masterpieces from the Showa period are once again in the spotlight.
They’re gaining attention as they’re used on social media and video platforms like TikTok and YouTube, and as various artists and actors release cover versions.
In this article, we’ll introduce Showa-era songs that are trending right now!
For those who listened in real time back then, it’ll be nostalgic; for younger generations who didn’t experience the era, it might help you think, “So these are the songs that are trending on social media.”
Be sure to find your own favorite Showa tune!
- [Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- Showa-era nostalgic songs: Popular ranking
- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
- [Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke.
- So nostalgic it feels new? Showa retro classics that colored Japan’s period of rapid economic growth
- A Showa-era song that had a revival hit on YouTube Shorts
- A classic Showa-era kayōkyoku song sung by a female vocalist. A nostalgic tune passed down through the years.
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- Karaoke Popularity Ranking by Generation [50s] [2026]
- Popular 80s hits for karaoke. Sing kayōkyoku and pop songs!
[Spotlight Again] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era songs trending now [2026] (21–30)
bullseyeYamamoto Rinda
Linda Yamamoto, who took the nation by storm as a quintessential idol singer of the Showa era.
When her signature song was released in 1973, it became popular with people of all ages.
Its memorable phrase that begins with “Urara, urara” instantly captured listeners’ hearts and was even embraced as a baseball cheer song, earning affection across a wide audience.
The song’s appeal lies in its lyrics, which portray a confident, self-assured woman.
They express a strong will to make the most of one’s allure and obtain whatever one desires, offering courage to those who listen.
It’s a recommended track when you need a boost of support or want to regain your confidence.
ambushIshikawa Hitomi
Written and composed by Yumi Arai and arranged by Masataka Matsutoya, this song was originally created for Seiko Miki, with lyrics woven from her real-life experiences.
In 1981, Hitomi Ishikawa released a cover that became the biggest hit of her career.
Thanks to Ishikawa’s pure image and translucent voice, it’s easy to overlook, but the content is, by Matsutoya’s own admission, a song about a stalker! While the feelings of peeking into a café or lying in wait on someone’s way home out of a desperate desire to make them turn around may be somewhat understandable, it’s best to keep such behavior confined to the realm of imagination.
Playback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe
This is the 22nd single by the legendary Showa-era idol, Momoe Yamaguchi.
The lyrics were written by Yoko Aki and the music was composed by Ryudo Uzaki.
The song has been covered by artists such as Masafumi Akikawa and Keisuke Kuwata, sung by characters in the TV anime Space Battleship Yamato, and used in commercials.
Even after Yamaguchi’s retirement, it has been cherished for many years as a classic and continues to be sung.
The lyrics feature a number of striking lines.
Combined with Yamaguchi’s cool image, they may come across as stylish—but if you actually use them, they might start a fight! Please be careful.
The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi
A sorrowful love song in which Yasushi Nakanishi’s straight, high-toned voice pierces the heart.
After a long run, it sold 900,000 copies in 1998—six years after its release—becoming his biggest hit.
It has been covered by major artists such as Kumi Koda, Anri, and Hiroshi Itsuki, and Nakanishi himself re-recorded it as a bonus track for his 2007 cover album.
A painful farewell to someone loved so deeply that forgetting seems utterly impossible.
Many listeners may find themselves empathizing with that uncontainable sorrow.
Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko
“Mata Au Hi Made” is a song released in 1971 by Kiyohiko Ozaki, known for its beautiful and masculine melody.
It was later covered by Takumi Kitamura—known as the vocalist of DISH//—in 2021, and by the idol group Momoiro Clover Z in 2022.
One reason the song remains popular today may be the chorus, which features sustained, higher notes in chest voice that let artists showcase their vocal ability.
By the way, since it requires solid vocal power, it’s also a great choice as a vocal training piece!
EnchantedJudi Ongu
This is one of Judy Ongg’s signature songs, which became a massive hit with total sales of two million copies.
It was used in a commercial for an underwear brand, and at first the singer’s name was withheld at the production company’s request.
After the commercial aired, record stores were flooded with inquiries asking, “Who’s singing that song?” Her name was later officially announced.
Speaking of Judy Ongg performing this song, the striking image is her pure white costume that spreads like wings when she extends her arms.
It’s been frequently parodied on impression and comedy shows, and as both a piece of music and a performance, it remains a beloved classic across a wide audience.
Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi
When it comes to songs that evoke Yokohama, it has to be this one! Released in 1968, it was Ayumi Ishida’s 26th single.
It sold a total of 1.5 million copies and earned her first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
As an iconic song representing Yokohama, it has also been used as the approaching train melody at Keikyu’s Yokohama Station since December 2008, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Port of Yokohama.
This song exudes a mature atmosphere, calling to mind the nighttime view of Yokohama’s harbor.
The sultry vocals perfectly match the lyrics, which evoke an alluring woman who clings closely to her man and never lets go.