[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 (41–50)
Inspector Pepperpinku redii
The debut song of Pink Lady, the legendary idol duo of the Showa era.
The lyricist was Yū Aku, who left behind countless masterpieces of Showa pop.
Thanks to a resurgence on TikTok, both the song and its dance have become beloved by younger generations.
The comical choreography was inspired by Inspector Clouseau from the American film The Pink Panther.
It’s a wonderful pop song that transcends time and borders—an American movie influencing Japanese music, which then spreads through a Chinese social app.
[Masterpieces of Showa-Era Kayōkyoku] Captivating Showa pop songs loved by younger generations (51–60)
Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi
A cool, moody number that perfectly embodies the term “mood kayō.” The lyrics require careful reading to grasp the setting and developments; the deep reverb, slightly restrained rhythm, and wistful strings make for an arrangement that’s a textbook example of Shōwa-era pop.
It’s a historic song that has been covered by many artists from the Shōwa into the Heisei era.
When Ayumi Ishida released this track, she was only 20 years old and reportedly worried whether she could fully convey Kyōhei Tsutsumi’s mature lyrics.
But when you actually listen, you realize those worries were completely unfounded.
School HeavenFingā 5
The electric guitar kicks in, and the intro—revving up the audience’s chants—packs a huge punch.
Released in 1974 as Finger Five’s fourth single, the song is also famous as a high school baseball cheer and as an insert song in the film Waterboys, and it has been covered by numerous artists, including Kyoko Koizumi.
The thrill and excitement of “changing seats,” which can make or break school life, hasn’t changed from then to now.
With that shared feeling and an irresistibly pop, upbeat sound, it’s a timeless classic that captivates people of all ages.
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.
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.
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.