[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 (51–60)
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.
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.
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.
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.
[Masterpieces of Showa-Era Kayōkyoku] Captivating Showa pop songs loved by younger generations (61–70)
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!
TouchIwasaki Yoshimi
Many people cherish “Touch” as an iconic anime song of the Showa era.
It was written specifically as the opening theme for the baseball anime of the same name.
Released in 1985, it became an unprecedented hit.
Set to a folk-style melody, the lyrics portray the bittersweet romance of youth.
Incidentally, the song drew renewed attention in 2021 when a parody version was featured in a McDonald’s commercial.
Be sure to compare the versions.
blue eyesJakkī Yoshikawa to Burū Komettsu
A masterpiece where a wistful melody merges with a stirring band sound.
First released during the dawn of the Group Sounds era—its English version in March 1966 and Japanese version in July—the song portrays a bittersweet romance with a woman encountered at the end of a journey through northern landscapes.
Following the English version’s sales of over 100,000 copies, the Japanese version became a massive hit, surpassing 500,000.
It earned Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets a spot in the 17th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen and helped ignite the GS boom.
With its polished performance and harmonies, this sonic world is a perfect pick for anyone wishing to bask in memories of first love and youth.