Showa-era songs that went viral on TikTok / revival hit songs
Showa-era masterpieces are suddenly popular and gaining attention on TikTok as “emoi” (emotionally moving).
Thanks to the spread of social media, people who didn’t experience these hits when they first came out can approach them with a different sensibility—and a fresh feeling.
I’d like to introduce some Showa songs that went viral after being used in TikTok dance videos, as well as tracks being highlighted as must-listen songs right now.
It’s a reminder that true classics get rediscovered and continue to spread over time.
Whether you’re from that generation or not, please give them all a listen!
Showa songs that went viral on TikTok – revival hit songs (1–10)
Playback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe
A signature hit by Momoe Yamaguchi—an idol from the Showa era whose image differs a bit from today’s idols.
Following “Akai Shogeki,” it sold over 500,000 copies.
Thanks to a TikTok trend where the performer glares at the camera and then, without changing expression, goes straight into the choreography, many young people today know this song.
When she performed it on NHK, it made news that the lyric mentioning “Porsche” was changed to “car.” A nostalgic track distinguished by its cool, well-placed breaks.
FANTASYNakahara Meiko
Let me introduce a positive break-up song, “FANTASY.” It’s a track sung by singer-songwriter Meiko Nakahara, included on her second album, “Cinderella Until 2 O’Clock – FRIDAY MAGIC -.” The lyrics portray a woman who, after a breakup, finds her way to a new love.
The song is dance-themed, with a relaxed, groovy sound you can move to.
It’s also a track that lends itself well to adding your own original choreography.
Fly-day ChinatownYasuha
“Furaidi Chinatown” has been going viral on TikTok too, hasn’t it? It’s a track by singer-songwriter Yasuha, included on her 1981 album Yokohama Gensō (Yokohama Fantasy), which features songs themed around Yokohama.
The exotic, foreign-flavored lyrics and the alluring, sultry sound have earned widespread support.
I hope you’ll savor its mysterious atmosphere.
By the way, the “Furaidi” in the title isn’t “Friday,” but a coined word derived from “to fly.”
Midnight DoorMatsubara Miki
When it comes to city pop that’s gone viral on TikTok, many people probably think of “Mayonaka no Door – Stay With Me.” It’s a song released in 1979 by singer Miki Matsubara.
Set to a moody, chorus-tinged sound, it portrays the loneliness of a woman spending the middle of the night alone.
The sophisticated vibe—featuring elements like a trumpet solo—may be one reason for its enduring appeal.
Incidentally, on TikTok, a cover by Indonesian singer Rainych has also been drawing attention.
After all, I’m an idolKoizumi Kyoko
This song is known as a quintessential work of 80s idol pop.
The lyrics, which begin with a scene of jumping out of a red convertible, depict the everyday life and emotions of an idol.
The phrase “pure, proper, and beautiful” underscores the importance of image management for idols.
Released in November 1985, it was also used in a commercial for Fuji Photo Film’s “Cardia.” In 2006, it was featured in a Fuji Heavy Industries commercial for the Subaru Stella.
Kyoko Koizumi’s clear and charming vocals remain as captivating as ever.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to look back on the idol era or are interested in 80s music.
Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya
This song is packed with the charm of Mariya Takeuchi.
It delicately portrays the feelings of a woman hurt by past love, resonating deeply with listeners.
The protagonist lives a life with days and nights flipped, dancing the nights away at the disco.
Even as she maintains superficial relationships, her quiet yearning for true affection comes through poignantly.
Included on the 1984 album “VARIETY,” the track was produced by Tatsuro Yamashita.
In the late 2010s, it exploded in popularity overseas, and a new promotional video was created in 2019.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you feel lonely or when your heart is wounded.
4:00 A.M.Ohnuki Taeko
Taeko Onuki is active as a singer-songwriter.
From her third album, MIGNONNE, I’d like to introduce 4:00 A.M.
It’s a pop song with a jazzy vibe, depicting a woman at four in the morning debating whether to ask the person she loves to stay.
Beyond her beautiful vocals, the instrumental interlude is outstanding.
Its rich, full-bodied sound heightens the sense of melancholy.
Don’t just listen to it on TikTok—give the full track a try.