When you think of the Showa era, it was the golden age of kayōkyoku (Japanese pop).
Countless songs by both male and female artists were released, and many timeless classics are still loved today.
In this article, we’ll focus on songs by female singers from among those masterpieces.
We’ve selected not only the massive hits of the time but also many tracks that continue to enjoy enduring popularity across generations.
Take this opportunity to savor them—sing along or simply listen—as you reminisce about those days.
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Classic Showa-era kayokyoku hits sung by female vocalists. Beloved nostalgic songs passed down through generations (1–10)
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyMomoe Yamaguchi
Momoe Yamaguchi, a star who retired at the height of her popularity, had her biggest hit with “Ii Hi Tabidachi” (“A Good Day to Travel”).
Released as a single in 1978, it reached No.
3 on the Oricon Singles Chart and sold one million copies, achieving million-seller status.
Written and composed by Shinji Tanimura, the song was originally created as a campaign song for the then-JNR (Japanese National Railways).
Its Japanese-style melody is beautiful, and the evocative lyrics are wonderful as well.
In 2003, it was also used in a JR West campaign and has even been featured as the onboard chime on the Shinkansen.
Goodbye Comes After the DanceChieko Baisho
The single Sayonara wa Dance no Ato ni, released in 1965 by actress Chieko Baisho—well known from the film series It’s Tough Being a Man (Tora-san)—marked her work as a singer.
Selling over 1.
5 million copies and becoming a million-seller, it earned composer Hirooki Ogawa the Composition Award at the 7th Japan Record Awards.
The song was later used as an insert song in Studio Ghibli’s Only Yesterday, and a remake was produced in 1990 as the theme song for the drama Last Dance.
Its rumba rhythm is lively, and the piano interlude is really cool.
Drops of LoveYukari Ito
Yukari Ito is known for popularizing pop music in the 1960s, when it was still unfamiliar to many Japanese listeners.
Among the songs she worked on, Kois no Shizuku drew attention for its distinctive vocals that seem to blend enka with pop.
The title is said to refer to tears, and the song portrays the sorrow of a woman after a heartbreak.
It’s undeniably melancholic, yet part of its appeal lies in lyrics that also convey a sense of sentiment and even humor.
Drinks for twoMichiyo Azusa
“Futari de Osake o,” released by Michiyo Azusa in 1974, features a bouncy rhythm centered on the theme of adult romance.
Her husky, rich vocals make you feel relaxed and at ease as you listen.
By the way, she also appeared with this song on the 25th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
She has many other classics as well, such as “Konnichiwa Akachan” and “Melancholy.” Each song has its own distinctive flavor, so definitely give them a listen!
Forbidden LoveRyoko Moriyama
“Forbidden Love” is Ryoko Moriyama’s ninth single, released in 1969.
It became her first million-selling hit and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
In interviews, Moriyama has said that “Forbidden Love” is the song she feels most attached to, and that it was the track that awakened her professional consciousness as a singer.
With its somewhat exotic sound, it showcases a different side of Moriyama’s appeal compared to her earlier works.
Blue Light YokohamaAyumi Ishida
Ayumi Ishida’s Blue Light Yokohama was released in 1968.
The song has become a local anthem for Yokohama, and for people from the city it’s about as familiar as the children’s song Red Shoes.
Incidentally, she made her first appearance at the 20th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1969 with this song.
Also, Kyōhei Tsutsumi, who composed it, won the Composer’s Award at the 11th Japan Record Awards.
You can tell how highly it was regarded at the time!
Song of the Four SeasonsYoko Seri
Yoko Seri’s “Shiki no Uta” (Song of the Four Seasons) is a cover of a song written and composed by lyricist Toyohisa Araki in the 1960s.
While Seri’s 1976 release of the cover is particularly famous, the song has also been covered by a wide range of artists across genres and generations, including Hiroshi Itsuki, Tsutomu Aragaki, and Rimi Natsukawa.
When people of different generations gather for year-end and New Year events or other occasions, it might be fun to compare which artist’s version each person remembers.