[Showa TV Special] Beloved Classic Shows & Heroes of Our Memories
Ultraman, Taiyo ni Hoero, It’s 8 O’Clock! Everyone Gather ’Round!—the Showa-era airwaves were full of timeless classics loved across generations.
From nostalgic tokusatsu heroes born during the transition from black-and-white to color TV, to dramas packed with laughter and emotion, and variety shows everyone knew—countless works with a unique Showa charm remain with us today.
Whether you remember those days or are discovering them for the first time, let’s explore a selection of unforgettable, gem-like programs that will stay with you.
- Special feature on popular anime from the Showa era. Looking back at the hit shows of the time!
- The nostalgic world of Showa-era films. Revisiting masterpieces that linger in the heart.
- [For Seniors] How many can you get right? Let’s have fun with a nostalgic Ultraman quiz
- A nostalgic feature on Showa-era magazines: looking back at the popular magazines of the time.
- Nostalgic cars from the Showa era: A special feature on memorable classic cars spotted on street corners
- A must-see for the Showa generation! Nostalgic popular snacks from the old days
- A roundup of nostalgic Showa-era home appliances, including rare ones you don’t see anymore!
- [For Seniors] Nostalgic quizzes that bring back memories! Showa-era entertainment and sports questions
- [For Seniors] Nostalgic! Showa-Era Quizzes Recommended for Reminiscence Therapy
- An encouraging song we want people in their 80s to hear. A cheer song from the Showa era.
- Nostalgic foods of the Showa era. Let’s trace the memorable flavors and the memories they evoke.
- [For Seniors] Recommended for Brain Training! Nostalgic Showa-Era Quiz
- Recommended love songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic love songs that colored the Showa era
[Showa TV Special] Beloved Classic Shows & Heroes of Our Memories (1–10)
Mito Kōmon
Mito Kōmon is a classic period drama that aired for many years starting in 1969.
It tells the story of Lord Tokugawa Mitsukuni of Mito and his companions as they travel across Japan, punishing evildoers and helping the people they meet.
The highlight of each episode is the scene where, with the famous line “Do you not see this crest?”, they reveal the seal case and bring villains to justice.
Its straightforward tales of good triumphing over evil and the warm, human interactions among the characters have endeared it to audiences across generations.
I hope it will continue on as a quintessential Japanese period drama.
Shōten
Shoten is Japan’s longest-running variety entertainment show, which began airing in 1966.
It’s a staple of Sunday evenings.
The main attraction is the ogiri segment, where rakugo performers deliver humor-filled answers to prompts, bringing plenty of laughs.
While the host and members have changed over the years, the show’s charm has remained constant.
It’s a Sunday classic the whole family can enjoy.
By the way, on New Year’s, they hold a special ogiri that’s different from the usual format.
NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen (NHK Red and White Song Battle)
Kōhaku Uta Gassen (NHK Red and White Song Battle) is a music program broadcast on New Year’s Eve.
Japan’s leading singers split into the Red and White teams and compete.
Since television broadcasts began in 1951, it has long been beloved by many viewers.
Highlights include lavish stage productions and collaborations between artists across generations, making it a special event families can enjoy together to wrap up the year.
Beyond the performances themselves, the choices of hosts and judges and the evolving production are also noteworthy.
As a beloved national program indispensable to Japan’s New Year’s celebrations, it will continue to bring excitement and smiles to many people.
[Showa TV Special] Beloved Classic Programs & Heroes of Our Memories (11–20)
The NHK morning drama series ‘Oshin’
The serialized TV drama Oshin is a classic NHK production that aired in 1983.
It portrays the tumultuous life of a woman named Oshin, who lived through the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras.
Sent out to work as a child, she grows strong and resilient as she overcomes countless hardships—an image that deeply moved many viewers.
It remains a timeless, tear-jerking masterpiece that is still talked about today.
For many people, the term “morning drama” immediately brings Oshin to mind.
Incidentally, the series is also popular overseas.
NHK Nodo Jiman
NHK Nodo Jiman is a singing contest program that tours all over Japan, where everyday people confident in their singing take the stage and perform a song of their choice.
The rules are simple: you sing before the judges, and the sound of a bell determines whether you pass or fail—but that simplicity makes it all the more thrilling.
Each episode offers rich human drama.
The unique local atmosphere and the individuality of the participants shine through, often creating heartwarming moments.
It has long been loved as a classic Sunday lunchtime show that the whole family can enjoy.
I see! The World
Naruhodo! The World was a quiz show that served as the face of Fuji TV for nearly 20 years.
In addition to the big-name guests who appeared every week, the lively banter between hosts Kinya Aikawa and Eriko Kusuda was a joy to watch, and sometimes their chatting would keep going, leaving the quiz itself almost as an afterthought.
It’s even said to have created the template for today’s variety shows: “turning unusual phenomena from around the world into quiz material and having celebrities give humorous answers.” Special editions were produced well into the Heisei and Reiwa eras, which shows how well the format still fits living rooms today.
Welcome, newlyweds!
A long-running, viewer-participation show that’s been on the air since 1971 (Showa 46).
In an era when many viewer-participation programs have ended—perhaps because it’s hard to make unpredictable everyday people shine on TV—this long run makes it a truly unique show.
The gag “Irasshaaaai!” delivered by Sanshi Katsura as he slicks back his hair was born here.
The hosts have been refreshed with Takashi Fujii and Sakura Inoue taking over, but the classic “Zukkoke Chair” is still around.
It’s a heartwarming program recommended for both longtime and new viewers.