How many do you know? Timeless youth songs released in the Showa era
No matter the era or the person, everyone has memories of their youth.
Of course there are fun memories, but many of us also carry in our hearts bittersweet moments and tender first loves—those scenes that feel quintessentially youthful.
So this time, we’re introducing some classic youth songs born in the Showa era.
From singer-songwriters and bands to kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), we’ve selected a wide range from the long span of the Showa period.
Be sure to check them out and feel the breeze of the times!
- A roundup of classic Showa-era kayō songs: a comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations.
- [2026 Edition] Songs Loved by People in Their 60s: Classic Hits from Their Youth
- A collection of uplifting, youth-themed songs — timeless tracks that set your heart on fire
- Coming-of-age songs for your 50s: heart-thumping × heartwarming classics and popular tracks [2026]
- [2026 Edition] Youth Anthems for Your 40s! A Roundup of Popular Heart-Pounding × Heartwarming Songs
- [For adults too] Youth songs that let you look back on your memories
- A classic from the good old days! A famous birthday song born in the Showa era.
- Relive those feelings from back in the day! Youth anthems recommended for the Yutori generation
- Showa-era love songs: A roundup of timeless love songs cherished across generations
- [Showa-Era Graduation Songs] Nostalgic? Emotive? A curated selection of timeless classics loved across generations
- Showa-era friendship songs: A roundup of classic oldies about friends
- Recommended youth songs for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic classics
- Showa-Era Wedding Songs: A Timeless Collection to Grace Your Ceremony
How many do you know? Timeless youth songs released in the Showa era (11–20)
contrailArai Yumi
The story of a boy drawn on a white slope reflects Yumi Arai’s inner landscape from her youth.
With a clear, crystalline voice and beautiful piano lines, she gently sings of a longing for the heavens and a parting from the earthly world.
Inspired by feelings for a classmate from her elementary school days, the piece takes flight on a fragile yet refreshing melody, brimming with the radiance of life and hope for liberation.
Released in November 1973 as the title track of the album “Hikōki Gumo,” it drew renewed attention in 2013 as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s “The Wind Rises.” It is a gem of a song that tenderly supports those who have experienced the loss of someone dear, as well as young people standing at a crossroads in life.
That wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu
A gem of a folk song, filled with longing and nostalgia in search of a lost love.
It gently embraces shifting emotional distances and reflections on youth gone by.
The warm sonic world woven by the soothing resonance of the acoustic guitar and a refined arrangement beautifully captures the farewells and hoped-for reunions we all encounter in life.
Since its release in May 1971, it has been beloved as a staple for school events and graduation season, and has been widely used as incidental music in dramas and variety shows.
When you want to linger in memories with someone dear, why not immerse yourself in its soul-stirring vocals and poetic world?
Listening to OliviaAnri
A melody that gently envelops the lingering ache of a bittersweet romance, paired with refined musicianship, resonates deeply in the heart.
The lyrics, which carefully depict a woman healing her delicate emotions after a breakup while listening to Olivia Newton-John’s songs, have struck a chord with many.
With Anri’s clear, translucent vocals giving the piece a sophisticated, urban feel, it was released in November 1978 and included on the album “Anri.” In 2008, it was also featured as an insert song in the Nippon TV drama “Saito-san,” cementing its status as a timeless classic loved across generations.
This warm ballad offers comfort to those trying to recover from the pain of heartbreak and to anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.
In conclusion
How was it? This time, we introduced youth songs born in the Showa era.
They’re all tracks that reflect a backdrop and atmosphere distinct from the Heisei and Reiwa periods.
Of course, many songs portray emotions that are no different from those of today, so I hope you’ll find something that resonates with your heart.