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

Waltz of StarlightSen Masao

Waltz of the Starlight — Masao Sen — Guitar Solo Cover

A summer love song said to reflect its historical background is “Hoshikage no Waltz.” This piece was released by enka singer Masao Sen.

Set to a gentle, subdued sound, it gives voice to the sorrow of a man and woman who don’t want to part but must.

Another hallmark is its focus on the moments just before and after the separation, delving deeply into their emotional states.

That makes it easy to empathize with.

In fact, two versions were released in the 1960s, so try finding the one that holds the most memories for you.

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A Letter Waiting for Springyoshida takurou

A Letter Waiting for Spring

This is a classic song by Takuro Yoshida that portrays a man and a woman, far apart from each other, sharing their feelings through letters.

Released in October 1979, it peaked at No.

52 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Inspired by real letters exchanged between director Shunichi Jinyama and his wife Naoko, the song conveys the ache of longing, carried by Yoshida’s warm voice and melody.

Included on several renowned albums, such as ONLY YOU 〜since coming For Life〜 and Yoshida Takuro Best 60, it remains beloved across generations.

It is a song that resonates with those in long-distance relationships or anyone whose heart is filled with thoughts of someone dear, evoking a gentle tenderness and wistfulness like waiting for the arrival of spring.

I Want to See You ~Missing You~Matsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda – I Want to See You ~Missing You~ (from Seiko Matsuda Concert Tour 2019 “Seiko’s Singles Collection”)

A gemlike love ballad that sings of the pain of heartbreak everyone experiences at least once and the longing for a reunion.

The tender, heartrending lyrics penned by Seiko Matsuda herself are etched deeply in the heart along with nostalgic memories.

Each time her sweet, soft voice rings out over the gentle melody, memories of a past lover come flooding back.

Released in April 1996, this song drew major attention as the ending theme for “Beat Takeshi’s TV Tackle” and as a Canon commercial song.

It’s the kind of nostalgic love song you’ll find yourself softly humming on nights when you recall the warmth of someone you once loved, immersing yourself in the feelings of those days.

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.

Song of Seeing Spring OffNoguchi Goro

Soushunkyoku

A poignant ballad that delicately portrays the moment spring slips away.

Goro Noguchi’s soaring vocals beautifully capture the bittersweetness of youth and the resolve to set out on a new journey.

Released in December 1978, the song reached No.

14 on the Oricon chart and No.

8 on The Best Ten, and it ranked 46th on the 1979 year-end chart.

Created by the duo of Yū Aku and Kyōhei Tsutsumi, it tells a story of a man and a woman set on a rainy spring day.

With Noguchi’s tender, empathetic singing, this track deeply moves listeners with its portrayal of a heartrending relationship.