[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 Loved by Younger Generations (11–20)
Love FugueZa Pīnattsu
Known as a classic of the Showa-era kayōkyoku, this song has captured many hearts with its beautiful melody and wistful lyrics.
Portraying the end of a romance with sorrowful yet graceful imagery, it was released in August 1967 and holds an important place in Japanese pop culture.
Lyricist Rei Nakanishi expressed the feeling of chasing after someone who is leaving by likening it to the musical form of a fugue.
The piece has since been covered by various artists and passed on to new generations of listeners.
It’s recommended for times when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or when you’re carrying a bittersweet longing for love.
I like you, I like you—I love you.Togawa Jun
Jun Togawa’s music is known for its distinctive worldview and expressive power.
This work, which depicts extreme expressions of affection and explosive, intense emotions, may at first seem like a love confession, yet it portrays a form of love with violent and obsessive aspects.
Released in November 1985 as the title track of its album, it was produced and art-directed by Togawa herself.
Its title, inspired by the works of R.
D.
Laing, and its unique vocals are particularly notable.
In recent years, it has become a viral hit among overseas TikTok users, gaining a new fan base.
Highly recommended for those who resonate with fierce emotional expression or who want to explore fresh facets of Showa-era kayō music.
You’re Kiwi, Papaya, and Mango, aren’t you?Nakahara Meiko
For those who spent their youth around the time this song became a hit, it’s surely a deeply nostalgic track that could be called a true monument of Showa-era pop.
When I first heard the title “Kimitachi Kiwi Papaya Mango dane,” I remember thinking, “What kind of song title is that??” Apparently, the name was specified by an advertising agency.
The lyrics were written by the singer herself, Meiko Nakahara, together with the songwriting master Yukinojo Mori.
The embedded video is a cover version included on Ai Furihata’s first cover mini-album, “Memories of Romance in Summer.” It sounds fun to compare it with the original, doesn’t it?
bullseyeYamamoto Rinda
It’s a classic Showa-era hit that’s still loved in the Reiwa era—the kind of song you recognize instantly from the very first phrase.
Released in 1973 by Linda Yamamoto, known as a pioneer of “action kayō” (action-style pop), the track reached No.
14 on the Oricon charts.
Its opening line, “Urara urara uraura de,” is strikingly memorable and quickly propelled the song to popularity.
With her singing and dance performances, Linda Yamamoto cemented her status as an idol embraced by people of all ages.
The song has also found a home in the world of sports, used as a baseball cheer: it serves as a chance theme for Meiji University’s cheer squad and has been adopted by professional teams like the Chunichi Dragons and the Hanshin Tigers.
Sinbad on the Shorepinku redii
Set against a summer seaside backdrop, this song gives voice to a woman falling in love.
The protagonist’s feelings for a captivating man unfold alongside a catchy melody.
Released in June 1977, it became Pink Lady’s first million-selling single and was reissued in 1993 and 1996.
In 2005, it was selected as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Otona no Natsuyasumi,” continuing to be cherished across generations.
It’s the perfect track for seaside dates in summer or whenever you want your heart to flutter with romance.
Blending nostalgia with freshness, this Showa-era kayōkyoku classic still resonates with many listeners today.
Purple Town ~ You Oughta Know By NowYagami Junko
A refined, urban sound paired with Junko Yagami’s soaring vocals makes this a captivating Showa-era classic! Released in 1980, the song was created with inspiration drawn from life in New York, brilliantly expressing both the loneliness and the hope of city living.
It was also used as the image song for Japan Airlines’ “I♡NY Campaign” and became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
It’s a track that resonates with those seeking new hope amid the hustle and bustle of the city—perfect for a night drive or while you’re waiting to reunite with someone special.
[Masterpieces of Showa Kayō] Captivating Showa-era pop songs loved by younger generations (21–30)
Listening to OliviaAnri
Because it was released in 1978, it falls under the kayōkyoku category, but when you listen to it, it also feels like post-Heisei J-pop.
This is a song by Anri, released on the prestigious folk label For Life Records.
The Olivia mentioned in the lyrics is Olivia Newton-John, and some of her song titles are subtly quoted as well.
While it’s rare for modern songs to reference other song titles or artists by name, this technique was common in Shōwa-era kayōkyoku.
