Showa-Era Wedding Songs: A Timeless Collection to Grace Your Ceremony

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Music writer / guitarist / Certified web writing practitionerHoshino Takashi
Drawing on over 30 years of experience with guitars and bands since my high school days, I specialize in music-related articles and have handled many feature pieces to date. While my tastes lean toward genres like hard rock and heavy metal since I first picked up the guitar, I make a point of listening to a wide range of styles, both Japanese and Western, on a daily basis. I began working as a freelance writer in 2018. I hold a Web Writing Practical Certification, and in addition to writing, I’m also studying video editing. In my private life, I’m raising an elementary school child and stay active while supporting their extracurriculars, such as parkour and dance.

When you hear the term “wedding song,” what kind of music comes to mind? At wedding ceremonies and receptions, songs that create a joyful atmosphere befitting the special day—bright melodies and lyrics that lift your spirits—are especially popular.

However, it’s also true that bittersweet feelings can arise behind the grand event of a wedding, and in the Showa era many songs were released that captured those emotions.

So this time, we’ll introduce wedding songs that colored the Showa period.

From tracks that radiate happiness to ones that tug at your heartstrings, we’ve selected a wide range—be sure to check them out!

[Showa Wedding Songs] A Timeless Collection of Classics to Grace Your Wedding (21–30)

Green Daysofukōsu

Green Days

Green Daysofukōsu

If there’s a song that gently looks back on beautiful times gone by—bittersweet yet warm—it’s this one.

Released in September 1984 by the popular band Off Course, it was written and composed by Kazumasa Oda.

Also known as a cut from the acclaimed album “The Best Year Of My Life,” it features a sophisticated, piano-centered ensemble.

The lyrics carefully depict emotions so overflowing they defy words and the radiance of days spent with someone precious, quietly resonating in the listener’s heart.

How about playing it during a wedding reception at a moment to pause and express gratitude, or as the background music for a profile video reflecting on your journey so far? Alongside unfading memories, let this song carry your deepest love.

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Sometimes, old storiesKatō Tokiko

Porco Rosso @ Sometimes, Old Stories Tokiko Kato Hayao Miyazaki Porco Rosso Japanese Anime Music Instrumental Flying Crimson Pig Hero Japanese Animation

Sometimes, old storiesKatō Tokiko

This is a ballad for adults that brings back fond memories the moment you hear it.

Created by Tokiko Kato, known as a singer-songwriter, it was included on the album “MY STORY/Toki ni wa Mukashi no Hanashi wo,” released in September 1986, and was issued as a single the following year.

You may also know it as the ending theme of the 1992 film Porco Rosso.

Set to a beautiful waltz of piano and strings, the song looks back on youthful dreams and setbacks, and conversations with friends.

If you play it at a wedding—on the day of a new beginning—during a moment of gratitude to the parents who raised you, the venue is sure to be filled with warm tears.

Why not choose this classic, which conveys both the weight of life and a sense of hope, for your most meaningful moments?

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RunawayShaneruzu

Masayuki Suzuki – Runaway / REAL TIME THE FIRST TAKE

RunawayShaneruzu

This is the debut single by the music group Chanels, who took the nation by storm with their black-painted visuals and authentic choral work.

Set to a lively doo-wop rhythm, it expresses a strong resolve to live with a loved one even if it means making the whole world an enemy.

Released in February 1980, the song quickly became a sensation after being featured in a Pioneer boombox commercial, and went on to sell over 1.1 million copies.

Its irresistible, body-moving excitement has also made it a wedding staple, often performed as a fun group routine by friends of the bride and groom in matching outfits.

It’s the perfect song to play when you want to celebrate a couple’s new journey in a lively and grand way.

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Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda “Lapis Lazuli-Colored Earth” Official Music Video

Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko

On the grand stage of a wedding, Seiko Matsuda’s classic “Ruriiro no Chikyuu” (Jewel-toned Earth) envelops the venue with profound emotion.

Through expansive motifs of dawn, the sea, and the Earth itself, this piece depicts hope for the future and universal love, shining perfectly for two people taking their first step together.

Though not released as a single, it was included on the June 1986 album “SUPREME,” and it has continued to be loved across generations—for example, it was used in April 2010 as astronaut Naoko Yamazaki’s wake-up call.

Its gently conversational vocal style is sure to bring tears during moments like the candle service or expressions of gratitude to parents.

It’s a song we highly recommend for the couple embarking on their long journey together.

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Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda “Red Sweet Pea” (from Seikoland: Budokan Live ’83)

Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko

With an intro that vividly conjures hints of spring and seaside scenery, this Showa-era pop masterpiece delicately portrays the shifting emotions of a woman in love.

The golden duo of lyricist Takashi Matsumoto and composer Keisuke Kureta—better known as Yumi Matsutoya—brings out the full charm of Seiko Matsuda’s vocals.

Released in January 1982 as her eighth single and included on the acclaimed album Pineapple, the song has retained its brilliance for over 40 years, even being featured in a Fujifilm commercial in 2023.

Its melody, brimming with pure feeling, is perfect for wedding dress changes or moments of expressing gratitude to parents.

As a timeless classic beloved across generations, it’s wholeheartedly recommended for couples hoping to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

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