[Today's Recommended Nostalgic Songs] Memories from those days come flooding back! A collection of gem-like classics

applausechiaki naomi

Naomi Chiaki / Applause [Official Audio]

Known as one of Naomi Chiaki’s signature works, this song moves many listeners with lyrics that portray a singer who shines onstage while bearing deep sorrow.

Released in September 1972, the track won the Japan Record Award that same year.

Its dramatic vocal performance and rich emotional expression were highly acclaimed.

This piece is perfect for those in a complex state of mind, as if feeling both the joys and sorrows of life at once.

Its heartfelt lyrics and Naomi Chiaki’s powerful voice will resonate with listeners, offering comfort and courage.

windhashida norihiko to shuuberutsu

Kaze by Norihiko Hashida & The Shoebelts

Released in 1969 (Showa 44).

Even within folk music there are different genres—some anti-war, others about everyday life—and among them, Norihiko Hashida’s songs stood out for their wistful quality, using nature as a theme.

His beautiful melodies helped further popularize folk music among the masses.

Afterward, Hashida continued to change members and group names, producing numerous hit songs.

The Never-Ending SongTHE BLUE HEARTS

Unending Song (with Lyrics)

Being a misfit in society is overwhelmingly more sad than not, but when it comes to listening to this song, it’s designed so that people who have lived in such circumstances come out ahead.

There’s probably no other song where slang like “piece of crap” or “scum” sounds this gentle.

Boat SongYashiro Aki

Aki Yashiro / Funauta (Boat Song)

One of the quintessential masterpieces of the Showa era, this gem of a ballad resonates in the hearts of many.

Sung by Aki Yashiro, whose unique phrasing and emotionally rich voice are its allure, the song was released in May 1979.

Its lyrics vividly depict the atmosphere of an izakaya, delicately expressing a lingering longing for a former lover.

The piece became even more widely remembered when a scene featuring Yashiro herself singing it was included in the 1981 film “Station.” It’s the perfect song for savoring a quiet drink or immersing yourself in nostalgic memories.

It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Uchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five

Nagasaki Was Rainy Again Today (High Quality) — Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five

Showa-era songs often included many local-themed tunes, and this one drew attention because its title was unusual.

While many songs of the time were mellow mood numbers sung tenderly, Kiyoshi Maekawa’s powerful vocals were also a factor in its success.

Although Maekawa is often seen as the quiet type, he also ventured into comedy sketches with Kinichi Hagimoto, and this different side of him became popular.

Fortune-telling for womenMinami Yuji to Furuseiruzu

Yuji Minami and Fullsails: Woman Fortune-telling

Released in 1970 (Showa 45).

When I heard “Onna Uranai” (Woman’s Fortune-telling), I could hardly remember who sang the song, but as soon as I saw the lyrics, it all came back to me.

The delivery is calm and matter-of-fact, but the lyrics are quite unique, and the impact of the opening lines is really striking.

A mole on the chest seems like something anyone could have, doesn’t it?

It might make it in time.yoshida takurou

Takuro Yoshida Might Make It in Time 1992

This song, packed with words that seem to trace unvarnished feelings lifted from everyday life, gives courage—not from a lofty perch but shoulder to shoulder—to people who, in lives where the only thing they know for sure is that they aren’t fulfilled, are stewing in frustration, helping them break free together.