![[Revisited] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era songs that are trending now [2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/nuU2YHtxMik/maxresdefault.webp)
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] (1–10)
Midnight Door ~ Stay With MeMatsubara Miki
“Midnight Door ~Stay With Me” is a song with slightly bittersweet lyrics that carries a city pop vibe.
Released by Miki Matsubara in 1979 as her debut single, it became a hit, selling 300,000 copies.
True to the title “Stay With Me,” the song expresses a woman’s plea to keep her lover from leaving, setting it apart from typical breakup songs with a sorrowful tone.
It makes frequent use of seventh chords, which create a languid, wistful atmosphere—what we might now call an “emo” feel.
That might be one of the reasons the song has been drawing renewed attention lately!
Friday ChinatownYasuha
Lately, city pop—known for its stylish, urban vibe—has been drawing renewed attention, and many artists are releasing city pop tracks.
A pioneering song in that genre is “Friday Chinatown.” Released in 1981 by Yasuha, it features chic arrangements with jazz and fusion elements, and it still sounds fresh today.
If you’re into today’s city pop, it’s definitely a track worth checking out.
Love Song of LumMatsutani Yūko
This is a pop tune that sings of the thrill and heartache of first love.
Released as a debut single in October 1981, it was performed by Yuko Matsutani as the opening theme for the anime Urusei Yatsura.
The heroine’s single-minded passion for love and her complex feelings over her partner’s fickleness are conveyed through a breezy melody and striking syncopation.
Although it served as an image song for the anime, it adopted an innovative approach during production by omitting character names from the lyrics, capturing the hearts of many as a universal love song.
Its catchy rhythm and sweet, wistful vocals sound as if they’ve turned a lovestruck woman’s emotions directly into music.
It’s a track that still resonates with today’s youth.
Tears aren’t just for show.Nakamori Akina
A classic from the Showa era is capturing attention once again.
Known as one of Akina Nakamori’s signature songs, this gem was written and composed by Yosui Inoue.
Released in November 1984, it sparked a major response, including reaching No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
The lyrics portray the loneliness and heartache felt within human relationships, prompting deep reflection on the meaning of tears.
Marking a turning point from idol to artist, this work fully showcases Nakamori’s vocal prowess and expressive talent.
It’s a recommended song for those who have experienced parting with someone dear, or for anyone wishing to confront their own emotions.
Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya
As classic songs from the Showa era gain renewed attention on social media, this track by Mariya Takeuchi is once again capturing the hearts of younger listeners.
Featured on her acclaimed 1984 album “VARIETY,” the song is distinguished by its smooth, sophisticated sound and lyrics that portray the emptiness of romance.
Tatsuro Yamashita’s arrangement also shines.
In 2021, it was reissued on 12-inch vinyl, accompanied by a new music video.
The lyrics, which depict the feelings of a woman repeating superficial relationships, continue to resonate with many people today.
It’s a must-listen for anyone struggling to recover from heartbreak or feeling lonely in the city at night.
Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Oginome Yōko
Released in 1985 as Yoko Oginome’s seventh single, this song became her biggest hit, surpassing 700,000 copies sold.
It was included on her 30th anniversary album released in 2014, and around 2015 comedian Nora Hirano began using it as her entrance music.
In 2017, the dance club of Osaka Prefectural Toin High School drew attention with their “Bubble Dance,” performed in outfits and makeup reminiscent of Japan’s bubble era, leading to a revival hit.
Even for generations who never knew the bubble period, just hearing the intro conjures images of shoulder-padded suits and tightly permed bangs—a true anthem of its time.
Tsubpari High School Rock ’n’ Roll (Going-to-School Edition)Yokohama Ginbae
This is a single released in January 1981 that portrays the relationship between a headstrong high schooler and their parent with lively rock ’n’ roll.
The lyrics follow a 7-7-7-5 meter, creating a pleasing sense of rhythm and comically expressing the inner world of a rebellious youth.
While it vividly depicts the style and behavior of a delinquent, it’s also a nuanced work that reveals glimpses of care for the mother and a search for one’s own way of life.
It has remained beloved across generations, appearing in a 2008 commercial for Suntory’s canned chuhai “Calori.” and covered in a 2011 Asahi Soft Drinks “Jurokucha” ad featuring Yui Aragaki.
Today, it’s a trending track for posting dance videos on social media with simple, modern choreography.