[Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
Nowadays, thanks to the internet, vinyl records, and other avenues, Showa-era pop songs have become popular with younger generations.
Here are some classic Showa hits that are especially loved by today’s youth!
We’re highlighting timeless songs that have been sung for decades, tracks that saw revival hits, and—city pop included—songs that are gaining fresh momentum by going viral on TikTok.
Many of these tracks are danceable, but part of the charm of Showa pop is how beautifully it lets you relax and sink into the music.
Let’s focus on that unique appeal of Showa-era pop.
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[Masterpieces of Showa-Era Kayōkyoku] Captivating Showa pop songs loved by younger generations (61–70)
metropoliskurisutaru kingu
An anthem of youth depicting young people chasing their dreams in the big city.
With a powerful message and memorable melody, this song captured the hearts of many listeners.
Released in November 1979, it became a massive hit, selling over a million copies despite being a debut single.
It also gained popularity as a commercial jingle and was featured in a Kirin Beer commercial in March 2018.
It’s a song that gives you courage—perfect for anyone pursuing their dreams or seeking the bravery to dive into a new environment.
High School LullabyImokin Torio
As a song that vividly captures the youth of the Showa era, this Imo Kin Trio track won the hearts of many listeners.
Its lyrics, which feel like a snapshot of high school life, beautifully portray the sweet-and-sour pangs of first love and the innocence of early flirtations.
Released in August 1981, it enjoyed explosive popularity, topping the Oricon weekly chart for seven consecutive weeks.
The fresh arrangement incorporating techno sounds also resonated with the youth of the time.
Anyone who has felt the ache of unrequited love or the thrill of a budding romance will surely be moved.
It’s a song recommended not only for adults nostalgic for their teenage years, but also for young people living in the present.
Spring of the AccordionNakano Tadaharu
A signature song by Tadaharu Nakano, one of the great singers of the Showa era.
With accordion tones gently heralding the arrival of spring, this piece’s sprightly melody evokes a season filled with hope.
Included on the album “Onko Chishin: Showa no Meikashu Tadaharu Nakano,” released in July 2021, it’s a track that conveys the atmosphere of the Showa period to the present day.
It’s the kind of song that makes you want to head out for a walk in the cheerful spring weather.
We especially recommend it to those starting a new chapter in life or looking for a fresh start.
To my distant loverSaijō Hideki
A heartwarming medium-tempo ballad by Hideki Saijo that poignantly sings of his feelings for the lover he left behind in his hometown after moving to the city.
Released in November 1978, the song reached No.
8 on the Oricon chart.
With a powerful voice, it gently embraces the yearning for a dear one far away and the hope for the arrival of spring.
The strong will to reunite with his lover after a long winter resonates with a beautiful melody, leaving a deep impression on listeners.
This work stands as a classic that conveys the preciousness of love that remains unchanged despite distance, offering comfort to everyone living apart from their loved ones.
Lips NetworkOkada Yukiko
A signature song by Yukiko Okada with lyrics by Seiko Matsuda and music by Ryuichi Sakamoto, expressing a sweet yet heartrending love.
It captures the feelings of a woman who is both forward and cautious, brought to life by a pure, graceful voice that truly moves the listener.
Used as Shiseido’s spring campaign CM song in January 1986, the track debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Blending maidenly sentiment with a modern sound, it stands as an emblematic piece of the 1980s.
Recommended for those who want to relate to the feeling of being in love or who are interested in Showa-era idol pop.
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.
poppy flowerAgunesu Chan
This was Agnes Chan’s Japanese debut single, depicting the pure feelings of a girl who tells her fortune in love using poppies blooming on a hill.
Her clear, gentle voice weaves together her thoughts, worries, and loneliness for a lover who has gone off to a distant city.
Released in November 1972, the song became a major hit, reaching No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
She also performed it at the 24th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1973, which helped ignite her popularity.
It remains beloved by many today as a heartwarming song that evokes the arrival of spring and is perfect for reminiscing about bittersweet memories of first love.