Nostalgic yet new! Songs that made a comeback and became revival hits on TikTok
We live in an era where social media is essential if you want to stay on top of what’s new and trending.
Among them, TikTok is a must-have platform, especially for younger generations.
There are countless songs that went viral on TikTok and found a second wave of popularity.
In this article, we’ll introduce songs released from the Showa to Heisei eras that achieved revival hits thanks to TikTok.
Among these hit songs, many were actually popular even earlier and have cover versions as well.
Try comparing the original tracks with the cover versions and enjoy the differences.
- Heisei-era hit songs gaining popularity on TikTok
- [Revisited] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era songs that are trending now [2026]
- Showa-era songs that went viral on TikTok / revival hit songs
- A revival hit driven by social media! Heisei-era masterpieces that are resonating with Gen Z today
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
- A Showa-era song that had a revival hit on YouTube Shorts
- Popular songs on TikTok
- [Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
- An addictive song used on TikTok
- Hits that resonate across generations! Popular 1990s songs on TikTok
- Cute! Various adorable songs that trended on TikTok
- Revival among the youth? Japanese dance music that was a hit in the 1980s. Showa-era dance tracks.
- Pick up the songs that went viral on social media! Reiwa-era dance numbers
Nostalgic yet new! Songs that re-broke on TikTok—a revival hit (21–30)
Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko
A gem of a love song that portrays the aching feelings of a woman in love.
With moving lyrics by Reiko Yukawa and a beautiful melody composed by Akiko Kobayashi herself, this work harmonizes perfectly to vividly depict the delicate emotions of a woman suffering from a forbidden love.
Released in August 1985, it was also used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Friday Wives.” It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart seven times and became a massive hit, ranking third on the 1985 year-end chart.
Even today, it continues to be beloved by people of all ages as a song that stays close to the hearts of those who harbor secret affections and wavering emotions.
Message of RougeMatsutoya Yumi
This is a song distinguished by its lively rhythm and refreshing melody.
The story of a woman who discovers her boyfriend’s infidelity, leaves a message written in lipstick on the bathroom mirror, and boards a train to visit his mother is bold and humorous, making it especially appealing.
While it carries a cautionary message about cheating, it also presents a positive, strong female figure—one of Yumi Matsutoya’s masterpieces.
Released in February 1975 and included on the album COBALT HOUR, the track features chorus contributions from Tatsuro Yamashita and others, resulting in a vibrant sound.
In 1989, it was chosen as the opening theme for the film Kiki’s Delivery Service, and it has continued to be loved across generations.
With its bright and cheerful tone expressing powerful feelings toward a lover, this song gently encourages women struggling with romance and is highly recommended to many listeners.
Summer MemoriesKetsumeishi
This is a classic Ketsumeishi song whose somewhat wistful yet warm melody seeps into the heart, evoking the days of summers gone by.
Casual conversations on trips with friends and those sudden moments of excitement come vividly back to life, as if they happened just yesterday.
Released in July 2003, the track reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It’s also included on the acclaimed album “Ketsuno Police 3,” became widely known as a Vodafone commercial song, and has even been selected as the official song for the Japan Camping Car Show 2025.
Beyond its popularity on TikTok, it’s the perfect tune for belting out together on a summer drive or for walking alone along the beach at dusk, lost in memories.
F.L.YsupeKUTORAMU
A gem of a brass rock number that captures a yearning for dreams and adventure with a breezy, sky-soaring vibe.
Its funky rhythm and brass section breathe fresh air into a wearied everyday life.
True to SPECTRUM’s reputation for entertainment, you can glimpse their flair for showmanship—bold, armor-like costumes and dance-infused performances.
Included on the March 1980 album “OPTICAL SUNRISE” and released as a single the same month, the track gained worldwide attention after being used on TikTok starting in December 2024, surpassing 100 million total views by January 2025.
Recommended for anyone who wants to break free from real-world constraints and take the first step toward a new adventure.
It gently supports the desire for freedom and nudges you toward unseen worlds.
Cat, meow meow meowanonenone
This song tells an adventurous story about animals who aren’t satisfied with the status quo and set out into a new world.
Released by Anonenone as a single in February 1979, it’s a track packed with humor and pop charm.
The B-side features Yanyan Rock, the theme song for TV Tokyo’s program Yanyan Utau Studio.
Peaking at No.
42 on the Oricon chart, the song has been covered by many artists.
In October 1994, Tatsuo Kamon and Noburo Harada released a newly arranged version.
In 2013, the duo Fuku to Kanon—Fuku Suzuki and Kanon Tani—performed it as the ending theme for be-Ponkikkies.
It’s also trending on TikTok and YouTube Shorts, where users post it with comical choreography.
In conclusion
We introduced songs that experienced a revival hit thanks to TikTok. For those from the generation when they were originally popular, they’re nostalgic; for those hearing them for the first time, many will feel fresh, especially with the context of the era in which they were hits. We hope listening to a variety of tracks expands your musical world and brings you a joyful time!