[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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- Showa-era kayōkyoku: hit songs by male singers, classic masterpieces of Japanese popular music.
[Masterpieces of Showa-Era Kayōkyoku] Captivating Showa pop songs loved by younger generations (51–60)
Lingering Snowiruka
Iruka is a folk singer who has also been active as a picture book author, and it made headlines when she was appointed a visiting professor at Joshibi University of Art and Design in 2010.
Her third single, Nagori Yuki, known as a cover of Kaguyahime’s song, has been beloved since its release as a classic that represents spring in Japan.
Its lyrical melody, carried by delicate acoustic guitar arpeggios, is filled with a poignant sense that evokes the imagery of the song’s lyrics.
Even in recent years, artists continue to cover it, making it a ballad that stands as a landmark in J-pop history.
A Member of the Fire BrigadeRattsu & Sutā (Suzuki Masayuki)
Rats & Star, who also performed at the 2022 Fuji Rock Festival, continue to broaden their activities to this day.
Debuting in 1975 as Chanels, they played a key role in bringing Black music such as soul and doo-wop into living rooms across Japan, and “Me Gumi no Hito” was released in 1983.
Kumi Koda covered the song in 2010, and a sped-up version went viral on TikTok in 2018, drawing attention from younger audiences as well.
Their deep, resonant, and suave chorus has only grown more refined with time, evolving into an even richer masterpiece.
Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko
A gem of a love song that portrays the aching feelings of a woman in love.
With moving lyrics by Reiko Yukawa and a beautiful melody composed by Akiko Kobayashi herself, this work harmonizes perfectly to vividly depict the delicate emotions of a woman suffering from a forbidden love.
Released in August 1985, it was also used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Friday Wives.” It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart seven times and became a massive hit, ranking third on the 1985 year-end chart.
Even today, it continues to be beloved by people of all ages as a song that stays close to the hearts of those who harbor secret affections and wavering emotions.
contrailMatsutōya Yumi
A classic song by Yumi Matsutoya that was widely reappraised after being prominently featured in Studio Ghibli’s The Wind Rises.
When it was released in 1973, she performed under the name Yumi Arai.
As she herself has stated, the song was strongly influenced by the British psychedelic band Procol Harum’s masterpiece “A Whiter Shade of Pale.” And of course, the originating idea traces back to Bach’s “Air on the G String.” In 2012, Matsutoya and Procol Harum finally performed together.
It’s a melancholic yet refreshing masterpiece that bridges Kayōkyoku and J-pop.
Beautiful SpringKayama Yūzō
A fresh, vivid song that conjures up scenes of sweet, gentle romance.
Depicting a love that sprouted with the arrival of spring, this piece is warmed by Yuzo Kayama’s soft vocals.
Released in April 1968, it was included on the album “Kimi no Tame ni” alongside tracks such as “Kimi to Itsumademo.” Beloved by many as a song that symbolizes the refreshing youth culture of its time, it’s a gem you’ll want to listen to when spring comes around.
It’s a work I can wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who wants to feel the changing seasons and the beginning of love.
Graduation PhotoArai Yumi
When you’re feeling sad, you open an album and gaze at the photos, or you spot someone in town but can’t bring yourself to call out… It’s a classic by Yumi Arai filled with the bittersweetness of youth that everyone has felt at least once.
Released in February 1975 as a song provided to Hi-Fi Set, it was later included in Yumi Arai’s own album “COBALT HOUR” in June of the same year.
Since then, it has been used as the theme song for the film “Watch with Me” and in the drama “Sotsu Uta,” resonating across generations.
It’s a heartwarming song that gently stays by your side when you want to bask in nostalgia or when you’ve gone through a farewell with someone dear.
240 Million Eyes -Exotic Japan-Gō Hiromi
While exuding the spirit of the Showa era, this song radiates a charm that still resonates today.
The striking phrase “240 Million Eyes,” symbolizing people across Japan, leaves a deep impression on listeners.
Hiromi Go’s vocals and performance blend beautifully, and the lyrics, which celebrate Japan’s beauty and culture, fill us with pride and confidence.
Released in November 1984, this track became a signature work that symbolizes Hiromi Go’s career.
Riding a disco-style rhythm, his energetic delivery is breathtaking.
It’s the perfect song for when you want to rediscover what’s great about Japan or when you need a boost.
Please give it a listen.
FRIDAY TO SUNDAYKadamatsu Toshiki
One of the quintessential figures of city pop, Toshiki Kadomatsu’s “FRIDAY TO SUNDAY” is another unforgettable track.
The urbane Japanese pop influenced by Western music—by artists like Eiichi Ohtaki, Tatsuro Yamashita, and Happy End, commonly labeled as city pop—grew into a major movement.
Some argue the boom was really about how listeners perceived the music, and many artists never explicitly identified themselves as city pop.
As for “FRIDAY TO SUNDAY,” its 40-second intro is compelling, and the arrangement, which evokes classic soul, is particularly noteworthy.
If you haven’t heard it yet, it’s worth making time to listen.
Ruby RingTerao Akira
This song, which can be called Akira Terao’s signature piece, is a masterpiece that poignantly sings of a lost love.
The lingering feelings for a departed lover are conveyed through Terao’s captivating low voice.
Released in February 1981, the track was not a strong seller at first, but it gradually caught on and became a massive hit, topping the Oricon charts for ten consecutive weeks.
It’s an enduring classic, perfect for times when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or reminisce about a bygone romance.
Love Song of LumMatsutani Yūko
That glittering techno-pop sounds fresh and cute all over again when you listen now! Written in 1981 as the theme song for the anime Urusei Yatsura, the track is memorable for its distinctly ’80s beepy, chiptune-like sound.
Composer Izumi Kobayashi is known for composing, arranging, and even singing numerous anime theme songs, and she’s been active on the front lines, supporting overseas activities by artists like Denki Groove and Ken Ishii.
In 2021, a remixed version of this song was released as the first installment of the Reboot project—so you won’t want to miss the latest developments!