Unrequited love songs from the Showa era. Those nostalgic classics.

To my distant loverSaijō Hideki

Hideki Saijo — To a Distant Lover

A heartwarming medium-tempo ballad by Hideki Saijo that poignantly sings of his feelings for the lover he left behind in his hometown after moving to the city.

Released in November 1978, the song reached No.

8 on the Oricon chart.

With a powerful voice, it gently embraces the yearning for a dear one far away and the hope for the arrival of spring.

The strong will to reunite with his lover after a long winter resonates with a beautiful melody, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

This work stands as a classic that conveys the preciousness of love that remains unchanged despite distance, offering comfort to everyone living apart from their loved ones.

Love Dial 6700Fingā 5

Finger Five - Love's Dial 6700

A signature song by Finger 5, featuring a catchy melody that begins with a telephone ring and a bright, poppy ensemble.

Released in December 1973, it became a massive hit, topping the Oricon charts for four consecutive weeks.

It was also used as insert music in Ultraman Taro and Dokonjo Gaeru, and remains beloved by many.

The lyrics, expressing a boy’s pure feelings as he tries to confess his love before graduation, beautifully capture the excitement and bittersweetness of young romance.

It’s a recommended track not only for those who’ve experienced unrequited love, but also for anyone who wants to remember the innocence of first love.

And then I’m at a lossŌsawa Yoshiyuki

And then I'm at a loss

A signature work by Yoshiyuki Ohsawa, known as one of the iconic songs of the Showa era.

Its lyrics, which depict a heartrending farewell, and its deeply moving melody have resonated with many people and kept the song beloved for years.

Released in September 1984, it reached No.

6 on the Oricon charts and became a major hit with sales of 282,000 copies.

It is included on the album “CONFUSION,” and there is also a version with an arrangement slightly different from the single.

If you’re feeling the loneliness of parting or anxiety about the future, listening to this song may soothe your heart.

It’s also highly recommended for anyone who has experienced a goodbye with someone dear.

loveMatsuyama Chiharu

love

Released in 1980, Chiharu Matsuyama’s work is a masterpiece that portrays the sorrow of heartbreak and a woman’s feelings.

It delicately expresses the emotions of a woman who keeps waiting, and its lyrics that resonate with many are truly captivating.

Featured on the albums “Kishōtenketsu II” and “Tabidachi,” it has become one of Matsuyama’s signature songs.

While weary from love, it powerfully conveys the complex emotion of continuing to love, creating a song that deeply touches listeners’ hearts.

It’s a perfect piece for those who have experienced heartbreak or are troubled by love.

You’ll surely find comfort in Matsuyama’s voice, which feels as if it’s right by your side.

Our FailureMorita Doji

Our Failure / Doji Morita

A song that has long been cherished by many as a classic from the Showa era.

It features a translucent vocal tone and lyrics that resonate deeply, beautifully portraying the fragility of youth and the growth that comes through failure.

Released in November 1976, it was later chosen as the theme song for the 1993 TV drama “Koko Kyoshi” (High School Teacher), becoming a major hit with around 900,000 CD sales.

The lyrics depict concrete scenes—time spent in an underground jazz café, a Charlie Parker record found in a room—quietly conveying the former selves of the narrator and their counterpart, as well as the surrounding atmosphere.

It’s a recommended track for those who have experienced heartbreak or who want to reflect on their past.

Your NameOrii Shigeko

Film: Your Name, Showa 28 (1953) Keiji Sada / Keiko Kishi; Song: Shigeru Orai; Lyrics: Kazuo Kikuta; Music: Yuji Koseki

This is the theme song from a film that was a huge hit about 60 years ago.

The part about leaving things to fate seems to have something in common with the 2016 film Your Name., but it appears there’s no connection at all.

For people above a certain age, when they hear “Your Name,” I imagine this older film is the one that comes to mind.

Love is vulnerable.Hide to Rozanna

Love is vulnerable.

The classic Showa-era hit “Love Is Fragile” is a duet whose wonderful vocals by Hide and Rosanna resonate deeply.

It expresses the joy and pain felt in a loving relationship, as well as the deepening affection, all carried by a beautiful melody.

Released in 1970 and reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts, the song has been covered by many artists and continues to be loved across generations.

When you want to reminisce about someone special, why not listen to this song? Wrapped in gentle voices, you can spend a heartwarming moment.