Showa-era kayōkyoku: hit songs by male singers, classic masterpieces of Japanese popular music.
Showa-era kayōkyoku have seen revival hits and renewed booms, becoming beloved across generations.
What songs do you like?
In this article, we’re spotlighting songs by male artists from the Showa kayōkyoku scene!
Through our research this time, we discovered a variety of hit songs.
From masterpieces that bring back memories the moment you hear them, to kayōkyoku that feel fresh and comfortably familiar even to younger listeners—there are so many captivating Showa-era songs.
Please use this as a reference when you’re looking for men’s kayōkyoku tracks.
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[Showa Kayō] Hit songs by male singers, classic masterpieces of kayōkyoku. (1–10)
interaction; friendly contact; bondingMasatoshi Nakamura
Masatoshi Nakamura, known for his beautifully masculine low voice.
His 1974 major debut single “Fureai” is a lovely track with a calm atmosphere, as he sings tenderly from start to finish.
The song was also used as an insert song in the Nippon TV drama “Warera Seishun!” Its beautiful lyrics poetically capture the nostalgia for days gone by, which is very appealing.
There may not be a catchy chorus, but this kind of kayōkyoku has a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible, doesn’t it?
Ruby RingAkira Terao
This was the sixth single overall by Japanese singer and actor Akira Terao, released in February 1981 (Showa 56).
The lyrics were written by Takashi Matsumoto, and the music was composed by Terao himself.
It became a major Showa-era hit, winning numerous music awards, including the top prize and the Gold Prize at the 23rd Japan Record Awards that same year.
On the popular music program The Best Ten, it topped the chart for 12 consecutive weeks, becoming a long-selling hit.
Although the melody remains relatively even throughout, Terao delivers it in a calm yet dramatic manner.
Even listening again today, this Showa-era classic powerfully conveys Terao’s profound expressive vocal artistry.
The Scent of CyclamenAkira Fuse
Akira Fuse, the singer known for hits like “You’re More Beautiful Than a Rose” and “Love’s Survival.” His song “The Scent of Cyclamen,” released in 1975, is a beautiful ballad with a wistful melody.
The contrast between Fuse’s whisper-like vocals and his powerful, soaring tones is striking, and the song still feels remarkably fresh today.
The gentle arpeggios on the acoustic guitar are another highlight—the timbre of his voice and the guitar blend exquisitely!
[Showa-era Kayōkyoku] Hit songs by male singers, classic kayōkyoku masterpieces. (11–20)
I look up as I walkKyu Sakamoto
In August 1985, a beloved household figure affectionately known as Kyu-chan passed away in a sudden plane crash.
While everyone grieved the news, it was his own song that gently told us, “When you’re sad, look up.” Many artists have covered this monument of Showa-era pop music: in earlier years, Hitoshi Ueki and RC Succession, and more recently luminaries like Hikaru Utada and Keisuke Kuwata.
The song’s timeless message—“Happiness isn’t down below; always look up”—continues to draw artists from every generation.
I doubt there’s anyone who hasn’t heard it.
It’s a masterpiece worth revisiting, along with all the feelings it brings.
Heartbroken over JuliaThe Checkers
The Checkers, fronted by Fumiya Fujii—who’s also well known for his solo work—released the pop hit “Juliet ni Hishō” in 1984 (Showa 59).
The intro’s melody, which makes highly effective use of the horn section, is especially cool! I still occasionally hear younger generations singing this song at karaoke.
Its melody is easy to pick up, so even if you’ve never sung a kayōkyoku (Japanese pop song) at karaoke before, give it a try!
Kanda RiverPrincess Kaguya
Kaguyahime, the folk band led by Kosetsu Minami, released “Kandagawa” in 1973.
The song captivates with lyrics so beautiful it feels like reading a novel.
Incidentally, Minami is said to have written the lyrics in just under 30 minutes while reflecting on his youth.
Being able to produce something like this so quickly is an astonishing talent, isn’t it? Its moving melody and lyrics that can bring you to tears have been passed down across generations.
Young people today should definitely give it a listen.
Blue ChateauJackey Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets
Blue Chateau, released in 1957 (Showa 32) by Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets.
The song’s appeal lies in its darker melody that gives off a quintessential kayōkyoku vibe.
But the B section shifts to a slightly brighter mood, adding contrast so it never gets boring.
Multiple members handle the vocals, so there are harmony parts that are just irresistible! The more you listen, the more this wistful melody reveals its depth.