[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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[Spotlight Again] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era songs currently trending [2026] (41–50)
Last Summer WhisperAnri
Anri’s signature song, released in November 1982, is attracting renewed attention after 40 years.
Featured on the classic album Heaven Beach, a symbol of city pop’s golden era, this gem was written and composed by Toshiki Kadomatsu.
Anri’s clear, airy vocals trace the bittersweet feelings of a late-summer romance.
In 2020, R&B singer Genevieve sampled it in Baby Powder, introducing its allure to a new generation.
It’s a track you’ll want to play on nostalgic nights or at the turn of the seasons.
[Back in the Spotlight] A Roundup of Popular and Classic Showa-Era Songs Trending Now [2026] (51–60)
younger boykyandīzu
This song portrays the bittersweet feelings of love and the gentle gaze of someone watching over a slightly stubborn and self-willed younger man.
The perspective—a woman observing a man’s awkwardness—is striking, and it deftly captures a relationship with a subtle age gap where the feelings of love can’t be accepted straightforwardly.
Released in February 1975 as Candies’ fifth single, the track broke into the top 10 on the Oricon charts and served as a springboard for their first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It was also featured in the 2007 film “Little DJ: A Small Love Story,” reaffirming its charm.
The song has been covered by various artists and idols and remains beloved across generations.
It’s recommended for those who want to feel the nuances of an age-gap romance, the purity of being in love, or to bask in nostalgic memories of youthful days.
Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten
Among the many masterpieces that sing of deep love, this is a particularly moving song.
It deftly depicts the evolving landscapes of love over time, and through its exquisite melody and exceptional expressiveness, it showcases Teresa Teng at her very best.
The song beautifully portrays unconditional love for someone dear, along with the self-sacrifice that springs from it, gently enveloping the listener’s heart.
Released in February 1986, it was also included on the album “Toki no Nagare ni Mi o Makase” (I Only Care About You).
It achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Grand Prix at the 19th Japan Cable Radio Awards for the third consecutive year, and it also received the Gold Award at the 28th Japan Record Awards.
Even today, it is widely covered by many artists and cherished across generations.
It is a recommended listen when you are thinking of someone special or wish to spend time in a calm, peaceful mood.
Why not immerse yourself in memories with a loved one and enjoy a heartwarming moment?
Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho
Released in 1992, this duet by Miho Nakayama and WANDS gained attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Dareka ga Kanojo o Aishiteru” (“Someone Loves Her”).
Their sweet yet heartrending vocals leave a strong impression, and the love story—beginning with imagery that evokes the end of summer—strikes a chord.
Its message of a fateful reunion and the resolve to keep dreaming with a passion hotter than anyone’s blends perfectly with the drama’s narrative.
The song was also a commercial success, topping the Oricon weekly singles chart and selling over one million copies within just 20 days of its release.
Even now, thanks to frequent use on television and numerous artist covers, it remains widely recognized across generations.
Highly recommended for those who want to resonate with powerful feelings for a loved one and the pure determination to pursue one’s ideals.
Heartbroken over JuliaChekkāzu
Formed in 1980 in Kurume, Kyushu during the heyday of rock bands, the Checkers took Japan’s music scene by storm in no time with their fresh sound that mixed rock ’n’ roll, doo-wop, and a 1950s vibe with saxophone.
“Julia ni Heartbreak” is one of their signature songs, memorable for its catchy melody and the poignantly resonant sax.
The lyrics, which speak of losing something precious after moving to the big city, carry a melancholy tone that lets you savor the fleeting nature and beauty of youth.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced a number of popular Showa-era songs—what did you think? They’re all wonderful tracks, full of a unique melancholy, groove, and excitement that’s distinct from Heisei and Reiwa music.
I believe Showa songs have something that resonates with today’s youth precisely because the times have come full circle.
If you’ve found a favorite, try incorporating Showa music into different moments—like karaoke or as background music when you’re out and about!