[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.
- [Revisited] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era songs that are trending now [2026]
- Showa-era nostalgic songs: Popular ranking
- [Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke.
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- Thrilling to Cool Showa-Era Tunes! Classic Songs from Female Singers and Artists of the Showa Period
- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
- When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- Showa-era classic songs that brightened the 1990s
- Showa-era songs that went viral on TikTok / revival hit songs
- Hit songs in Japan in the late 1960s
- Showa-era kayōkyoku: hit songs by male singers, classic masterpieces of Japanese popular music.
[Masterpieces of Showa Kayō] Captivating Showa-era pop songs loved by younger generations (21–30)
Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji
A song where you can fully savor the overwhelming allure and coolness of Julie—Kenji Sawada, an icon of the Showa era.
Released as a single in 1977, Akuyu’s lyrics, which pursue the dandyism of a man being dumped, are truly masterful.
Even though the phrase from the title, “Do Whatever You Want,” never appears once, the lyrics convince you that no other title would fit—hats off to that power.
And on top of that, Kenji Sawada’s passionate delivery of those carefully crafted lyrics exudes an irresistible, mature charm.
An unforgettable track.
Sweet MemoriesMatsuda Seiko
When it comes to iconic songs of the Showa era, many people probably think of this one by Seiko Matsuda.
Released in August 1983, it was originally a B-side, but it shot to fame after being featured in a Suntory CAN Beer commercial.
The gentle melody pairs beautifully with Matsuda’s clear vocals, and if you take your time to listen, it’s sure to soothe the fatigue of the day.
The lyrics, which trace the memories of a bittersweet love, are something anyone can relate to.
It’s said to be one of Seiko Matsuda’s personal favorites and is often performed at her concerts and dinner shows.
younger boykyandīzu
Candies, a three-member idol group that suddenly announced their disbandment at the peak of their popularity—and whose member Ran’s line “I want to go back to being a normal girl!!” even became a buzzword—released their fifth single, ‘A Younger Boy,’ which was the group’s first hit.
With its sexy lyrics and vocals, it surely set many male listeners’ hearts aflutter at the time.
Its cute melody riding on a sprightly guitar cutting still shines with timeless charm.
It’s a quintessential Showa-era idol song that any woman pining for a younger man can’t help but relate to.
ControlKawai Naoko
This song, distinguished by its sparkling, pop-infused synthesizer sound, vividly portrays the shifting emotions of a woman in love.
Composed by Junko Yagami with lyrics by Masao Urino, it was released in June 1984 as Naoko Kawai’s 17th single and became a hit, reaching No.
7 on the Oricon charts.
Although it was released simultaneously with the album “Summer Delicacy,” it carries the unusual distinction of not being included on that album.
The lyrics, which express the complex feelings of a woman swayed by her partner’s actions, continue to resonate with listeners struggling with love, making it a beloved song to this day.
A Man’s Badge of HonorYokohama Ginbae
A masterpiece that portrays the fiery spirit of a young man forging his own path with a rebellious heart.
Released in April 1982, it is known as one of Daisuke Shima’s signature songs.
Written and composed by Johnny of Yokohama Ginbae, the work features powerful vocals and a strong sense of justice, emblematic of the 1980s tsuppari (delinquent) youth culture.
The song was used as the theme for the Nippon TV drama “Ten made Agare!” and reached No.
3 on the weekly Oricon charts.
Its lyrics carefully depict the protagonist’s resolve to stay true to his beginnings despite facing adversity, resonating deeply across generations.
It was also covered as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “From Today, It’s My Turn!!,” which boosted its popularity among younger audiences.
For example, it’s beloved as a cheer song in high school baseball and has been used as a walk-up song by professional baseball players—an anthem that pushes forward those striving toward their dreams.
applausechiaki naomi
Naomi Chiaki’s “Kassai” (Applause) sings of pressing forward without looking back on the path one has chosen, even after losing someone important.
Released in 1972, the song drew renewed attention when it was featured in Suntory’s BOSS coffee commercials starring Tommy Lee Jones as the alien “Jones.” Although the song was originally created as a fictional story, its lyrics closely mirror an experience Naomi Chiaki actually went through.
It’s a song whose words, filled with resolve and determination, resonate deeply.
Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten
Tokino Nagare ni Mi wo Makase (I Entrust Myself to the Flow of Time), sung by Teresa Teng, is a song about devoting one’s life to loving a single person.
Released in 1986, it became a massive hit, winning the Grand Prix for three consecutive years at both the Japan Cable Awards and the All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards.
It has been covered by artists such as Chara and Takeshi Tsuruno, as well as musicians from Hong Kong and South Korea.
Its passionate message—unable to imagine a reality where they can’t be together, pledging one’s life and asking to stay together forever—will surely resonate with younger generations too.