[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!
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- 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)
You are 1000%.1986omegadoraibu
Released in 1986 as 1986 Omega Tribe’s debut single, it became a big hit as the theme song for the school drama “Shin Nettchū Jidai Sengen.” Taking the baton from Kiyotaka Sugiyama, Carlos Toshiki’s crystal-clear vocals are a perfect match for the fresh, breezy ’80s pop sound.
The shimmering, sunlit sea and the refreshing breeze you can feel in the music also seem to connect with today’s city pop trend.
Dive headfirst into a world of effervescent summer romance.
You’re Kiwi, Papaya, and Mango, aren’t you?Nakahara Meiko
The song drawing renewed attention thanks to TikTok dance videos is “Kimi-tachi Kiwi Papaya Mango da ne.” It’s a track released by Meiko Nakahara in 1984.
Written specifically for Kanebo’s summer campaign, the lyrics are a romantic and exotic portrayal of a summer romance.
Incidentally, because the melody features dramatic pitch changes, it’s often chosen as a challenge piece for “I tried singing” videos, where delivering it well really stands out.
[Spotlight Again] A Collection of Popular and Classic Showa-Era Songs Trending Now [2026] (31–40)
Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi
Hiromi Ohta’s biggest hit, “Momen no Handkerchief” (“Cotton Handkerchief”), is a classic whose enduring popularity is evident from the wide range of famous artists who have covered it—regardless of genre—such as Keisuke Kuwata, Ringo Sheena, Yoshimi Tendo, and Ikimonogakari.
It tells the story of a long-distance romance between a man who leaves for the city and a woman who waits for his return in the countryside, ending in sadness.
The choice of “momen” (cotton) rather than a more refined fabric evokes an image of a simple, single-hearted woman, and the final scene of her wiping away tears tightens the chest with sorrow.
School HeavenFingā 5
Released in 1974, Finger 5’s “Gakuen Tengoku” is a classic that straightforwardly sings about a boy who’s head over heels for the heroine of his class.
The song is famous for its memorable opening calls—“Are you ready?” and “Hey hey hey heeey!”—and has been covered by many artists.
Notable versions include Kyoko Koizumi’s 1989 cover, Shingo Mama (played by Shingo Katori) in 2001, and Dream5 in 2011.
Loved and passed down through the generations, the song continues to be sung across eras.
Lonely Tropical FishWink
This song, with its fresh sound incorporating Eurobeat that was popular overseas at the time, was released in 1989 as Wink’s fifth single.
It opens with synthesizer tones, kicks off with a beeping, game-like sound, and features catchy, repeated phrases that really stick with you.
Back then, despite wearing cute outfits, they were the idols who didn’t smile.
Their signature spin into a striking pose and their gently swaying choreography were performed with unwaveringly blank expressions—performances that still feel innovative today.
Be sure to pay attention to Japan’s unique originality in combining idols with Eurobeat.
Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji
This was Kenji Sawada’s 19th single, released in May 1977.
It’s a classic Showa-era hit that won the Grand Prize at the 19th Japan Record Awards that same year and became one of Sawada’s signature songs.
His performance of tossing his hat during the chorus was also memorable.
I was in elementary school at the time, but I remember putting on makeup like Sawada himself and singing it at a class party, earning a huge round of applause (haha).
Of course, I faithfully recreated the hat-tossing bit too.
It wasn’t a soft felt hat like his, though—it was a baseball cap (haha).
Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii
Released in June 1977, this song is widely recognized as one of Pink Lady’s signature hits.
Set against a summery seaside backdrop, it’s a catchy pop track that vividly portrays the emotions of a woman falling in love, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.
It became Pink Lady’s first million-selling single and has continued to be cherished across various media for many years; today, it’s reportedly popular with younger generations as well through platforms like TikTok.
In 2005, it was even used as the theme song for Episode 2 of the NTV Wednesday 10 p.m.
drama “Otona no Natsuyasumi,” showing its cross-generational appeal.
It’s a perfect pick for the beach season—highly recommended as background music for seaside dates and creating summer memories.