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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)
It’s 8 o’clock! Everyone gather!
It’s 8 O’Clock! Everyone Gather! was a legendary sketch comedy variety show that aired from 1969 to 1985.
The Drifters delivered a weekly live broadcast of comedy that captivated audiences.
With slapstick antics by Ken Shimura and Chosuke Ikariya, sketches featuring star-studded guests, and classic catchphrases like “Kato-chan, pe!” the show was packed with memorable moments enjoyed by all generations.
Even after it ended, reruns have aired regularly, keeping it popular among audiences who didn’t watch it in real time.
Sazae-san
Sazae-san is an anime based on the original work by Machiko Hasegawa, and since it began airing in 1969, it has brought family togetherness to Sunday evenings.
Centered on Sazae, who is clumsy yet cheerful and energetic, the stories depict the everyday lives of characters like Katsuo, Wakame, and Tara-chan, mixing laughs with moments that make you think.
It’s beloved across generations, and its simple, warm atmosphere is part of its charm.
By the way, the rock-paper-scissors segment at the end started in October 1991.
Mr. Kinpachi in Class 3-B
“Mr.
Kinpachi in Class 3-B” is a school drama that began in 1979.
It portrays the daily lives of teacher Kinpachi Sakamoto and his junior high school students.
The series confronts adolescent struggles, family issues, and social problems head-on, and the way Mr.
Kinpachi supports each student individually moved many viewers.
The famous line that begins with “The character for ‘person’…” is widely known, and the show is a moving work that brings both tears and laughter.
It’s a memorable masterpiece passed down across generations.
With many related series and specials, it’s also enjoyable to keep watching in sequence.
The Best Ten
“The Best Ten” was a legendary music ranking show that aired from 1978 to 1989.
Based on viewer postcard votes and other inputs, it presented a weekly Top Ten format with popular singers appearing live on air.
The witty hosting by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi and Hiroshi Kume, as well as the “remote broadcast system” that let artists appear from virtually any location, were also key reasons for its popularity.
Memorable segments like “This Week’s Spotlight” left a strong impression, too.
It’s a program that’s indispensable when talking about the Showa-era music scene.
Ultra Q
Ultra Q is a tokusatsu television drama produced by Tsuburaya Productions that began airing in 1966.
It can be considered the origin of the Ultraman series.
Each episode features monsters, aliens, and paranormal phenomena, depicting people confronting mysterious incidents.
With a unique worldview that blends science fiction, horror, and mystery, its groundbreaking visual effects and storytelling were widely discussed at the time.
Its eerie atmosphere, enhanced by black-and-white visuals, is also a major draw, and it continues to enjoy a devoted fan base today.
Bark at the Sun
Taiyo ni Hoero! was a detective drama that aired from 1972 to 1986.
Set in the Nanamagari Precinct of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, it portrayed the exploits of a team of distinctive detectives.
Centered around the “Boss,” played by Yujiro Ishihara, a succession of young detectives known by nicknames like “Jeans,” “Macaroni,” and “Lord” appeared, and each of their episodes captured viewers’ hearts.
Passionate human drama, tense action, and tear-jerking finales—this series is still remembered as a quintessential Showa-era detective drama.
Kazuyoshi Morita Hour: Waratte Iitomo!
“Morita Kazuyoshi Hour: Waratte Iitomo!” was a daytime variety show that aired from 1982 to 2014.
The host was Tamori.
Its fresh format of broadcasting live every weekday, along with day-specific regulars, star-studded guests, and signature segments, made it very popular.
Segments like “Telephone Shocking” and the “Circle of Friends” are likely familiar to everyone.
By the way, from the first broadcast to the final episode, there were a total of 8,054 episodes—an astonishing number, isn’t it?