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

When you hear nostalgic old hits, a flood of memories comes back—events from your school days, bittersweet romances, and more.

In this article, we’ve gathered a selection of “Today’s Recommended Nostalgic Songs,” perfect for listening right now!

Of course, which songs feel nostalgic can vary widely by generation.

Here, we’ll keep updating the featured tracks daily and introduce timeless classics that resonate with listeners of all ages.

So whenever you’re in the mood for some nostalgia, drop by and take a listen!

[Today's Recommended Nostalgic Songs] Memories from those days come flooding back! A collection of gem-like masterpieces (1–10)

I miss you so muchSono Mari

Mari Sono – Longing to See You, Longing to See You
I miss you so muchSono Mari

Released in 1966 (Showa 41).

Although the footage is quite old and in black and white, Mari Sono was very popular among men at the time.

Her unique singing style may have conveyed a certain sensuality.

She sang without opening her mouth much, and her subtle vibrato in the high notes became her hallmark.

Songs expressing the pain of unrequited love were huge hits.

Love MemoryMatsuzaki Shigeru

Shigeru Matsuzaki “Memory of Love” autumn 2008
Love MemoryMatsuzaki Shigeru

This song lets you sink into a very deep, reflective mood, and I’ve heard it was even used as the march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

I love this song too, and its lyrics are meaningful—centered on love and death—so it also portrays a sorrowful side.

Maiden’s SpringAwaya Noriko

This is a song by Noriko Awaya, a pioneer of chanson in Japan who was also affectionately known as the “Queen of Blues.” Otome no Haru (Maiden’s Spring) was released in 1934 (Showa 9), with music by Yuji Koseki and lyrics by Yoshifumi Shimada.

Strongly imbued with the atmosphere of the Showa era, its gentle sound by the Columbia Orchestra is striking, evoking the warmth of spring.

The lyrics depict a woman in scenes related to spring, expressing moments such as gazing into the distance in contemplation and shedding tears.

[Today's Recommended Nostalgic Songs] Memories from those days come flooding back! A collection of gem-like classics (11–20)

UFOpinku redii

Speaking of classic Showa-era hits, this song is indispensable.

Its unique lyrics about a romance with an alien and its catchy melody are irresistible.

The fresh storyline—of a woman bored with Earth men who falls in love with an extraterrestrial—sparks listeners’ imaginations.

Released in December 1977, it became a massive hit, selling about 1.55 million copies.

It also won the 20th Japan Record Award, dominating the music scene of the time.

The song was used in a Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O.

commercial and remains beloved across generations.

It’s highly recommended for fans of sci-fi films and those interested in innovative lyrics.

The Ten CommandmentsNakamori Akina

Akina Nakamori Live: The Tenth Commandments · 1984
The Ten CommandmentsNakamori Akina

As if to rewrite the era of bright, cutesy idols, she put forward a cool, sharp style and, as though perfectly suited to a time when delinquents were popular, provoked with edgy words that felt like a kick to the backside of spineless men.

She was also well known for her diaphragm-driven, from-the-gut vocal delivery.

foreignerKUBOTA Saki

Saki Kubota "Ihōjin" Animated Music Video
foreignerKUBOTA Saki

Kubota Saki’s debut single, released on October 1, 1979.

It was used in commercials for Sanyo Electric’s “Kukkiri Tate 7” color TV and for solar power.

Hailing from Kunitachi City, Kubota is said to have written the song in a spontaneous moment while riding the Chuo Line.

The scenery of children playing as seen from the train is woven into the lyrics.

Its exotic melody and wistful vocals move our hearts, don’t they? A timeless classic that never fades.

Boat SongYashiro Aki

Aki Yashiro / Funauta (Boat Song)
Boat SongYashiro Aki

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.