Showa-era songs that went viral on TikTok / revival hit songs

Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Oginome Yōko

Yoko Oginome / Dancing Hero (Eat You Up) MV [New Dance Ver.]

This disco-influenced song, released in 1985 (Showa 60), is a cover of a British singer’s track and became Yoko Oginome’s seventh single.

It won numerous music awards and ranked 12th on the Oricon year-end chart.

It also gained attention through use on television programs.

In 2017, it was thrust back into the spotlight thanks to a performance by the Tomioka High School Dance Club in Osaka Prefecture, leading to a revival hit.

The lyrics depict a night of parties and romance, expressing a longing for a dreamlike, one-night encounter.

It’s the perfect track for anyone looking to fire up a dance party!

MakebaJAIN

Jain – Makeba (Official Video)

A genre-defying track that skillfully fuses African rhythms with electronic sounds.

It’s a song that showcases the talent of Jain, who rose from France to global acclaim.

Created as an homage to the legendary South African singer Miriam Makeba, it was released in October 2016.

Carrying a universal message that transcends racial and cultural boundaries, it moves the hearts of listeners.

In 2023, it exploded on TikTok, inspiring as many as 9 million videos.

This up-tempo, energetic song is perfect for anyone looking to be moved.

With dance-floor-igniting rhythms, it’s sure to get your body moving before you know it.

Tsubpari High School Rock ’n’ Roll (Going-to-School Edition)Yokohama Ginbae

Tsubpari High School Rock ’n’ Roll (Going-to-School Edition)

This is a single released in January 1981 that portrays the relationship between a headstrong high schooler and their parent with lively rock ’n’ roll.

The lyrics follow a 7-7-7-5 meter, creating a pleasing sense of rhythm and comically expressing the inner world of a rebellious youth.

While it vividly depicts the style and behavior of a delinquent, it’s also a nuanced work that reveals glimpses of care for the mother and a search for one’s own way of life.

It has remained beloved across generations, appearing in a 2008 commercial for Suntory’s canned chuhai “Calori.” and covered in a 2011 Asahi Soft Drinks “Jurokucha” ad featuring Yui Aragaki.

Today, it’s a trending track for posting dance videos on social media with simple, modern choreography.

Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko

“Falling in Love ~Fall in love~” Akiko Kobayashi (VINYL)

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.

Cat, meow meow meowanonenone

Anone-none – Cat, Nyan Nyan Nyan

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.

Message of RougeMatsutoya Yumi

Rouge's Message – Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya) (Full)

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.

Romantic Flightkome kome CLUB

JAL Okinawa Campaign Summer Rikyu 1990 Theme Song: "Kome Kome Club - Roman Hikou"

This song captures the spirit of adventure in love and dreams, carried by a light, upbeat rhythm, and expresses the feeling of taking off into the unknown with a free spirit.

Crafted by Kome Kome Club, who blend a funky sound with a positive message, it was released in April 1990 and is known as one of the group’s signature works.

It also drew attention as the tie-in song for JAL’s “Okinawa Travel” campaign and topped the Oricon weekly chart.

With its highly entertaining, stage-ready flair, the track delivers a sense of exhilaration and refreshment, as if you’re soaring through the sky.

Even today, it remains a beloved song across generations.