[Classic Hits] Popular Anime Songs Representing the Showa Era. Also Introducing Recommended Anime Songs!
There are so many masterpieces from the Showa-era anime that have gone down in history, aren’t there?
Even if you don’t remember the plots that well, many people can still sing the theme songs—or the moment they hear a song, the anime comes rushing back.
Here, we’re showcasing a generous selection, including anime songs that were big hits in the Showa period and tracks that are being reappraised today through the lens of city pop’s popularity.
When you get together with friends from the same generation who watched those shows, a karaoke session with a “Showa anime songs only” rule is sure to be a blast.
And of course, even if you don’t know much about anime from that era but are curious, please give these songs a listen!
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Classic Hits: Popular Anime Songs Representing the Showa Era. Recommended Anime Songs, Too! (1–10)
TouchYoshimi Iwasaki
This is the 20th single by female singer Yoshimi Iwasaki, who has produced numerous anime song hits and, upon resuming her singing career, studied French and chanson to broaden her expressive range.
The song was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Touch and is also known as Iwasaki’s biggest hit.
The lyrics and melody, which expand on the work’s themes of baseball and romance, evoke a refreshing yet poignant feeling that brings scenes from the anime vividly back to mind.
Though a classic from the Showa era, it is a masterpiece loved across generations and one that will surely remain in the history of J-pop.
Roses fall beautifullyHiroko Suzuki
A song by female singer Hiroko Suzuki, known as the opening theme for the TV anime The Rose of Versailles.
Its lyrical lyrics and classical melody evoke the atmosphere of the French Revolution, the very setting of the work.
Although released in 1979, the fact that it has been covered by numerous musicians—such as the metal band Animetal and the visual kei band LAREINE—speaks to its enduring, cross-generational popularity.
While an anime song, its majestic arrangement harmonizes perfectly with the series, making it an immortal classic.
Love is a boomerangYuko Matsuya
Known as the theme song of a classic Showa-era anime, this piece is memorable for Yuko Matsutani’s vocals.
It features a light, upbeat rhythm and a romantic melody, with lyrics that liken the complexities of love to a boomerang—an image that truly resonates.
Released in January 1984, it was used as the theme song for director Mamoru Oshii’s theatrical anime Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer.
Today, it’s being rediscovered from a city-pop perspective and has gained support from overseas music fans as well.
Naturally, it’s a perfect recommendation for anyone seeking that nostalgic Showa vibe or a heartwarming love song.
Classic Hits: Popular Anime Songs Representing the Showa Era. Also Introducing Recommended Anime Songs! (11–20)
Full of memoriesH₂O
The fifth single by the musical duo H2O, known for their distinctive name that conveys a wish to “spark a chemical reaction.” The song was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Miyuki, and the sheer number of cover versions attests to its status as a classic.
Its clear, beautiful harmonies and lyrics evoking youth, together with the imagery of the series, create a gentle listening experience.
Even today, it is often sung at elementary and junior high school choir competitions—a number loved across generations, transcending both the confines of anime songs and the passage of time.
Safari EyesMiki Matsubara
This track encapsulates the quintessential Japanese city pop sound of the 1980s.
Featuring Miki Matsubara’s powerful vocals and a catchy melody, it was released in February 1987.
Used as the opening theme for the anime film Dirty Pair: The Movie, the song blends elements of funk with cinematic themes.
Its lyrics, which depict exploration of unknown worlds and the new experiences found there, closely tie into the film’s story and immediately draw viewers into its narrative.
It remains one of the most popular songs in Matsubara’s discography and is highly recommended for anyone interested in city pop or Japanese music from the ’80s.
Being human is niceYoshimi Nakajima, Young Fresh
This song, which celebrates warm family scenes and the beauty of human relationships, was released in February 1984, performed by Yoshimi Nakajima and Young Fresh.
With music by Asei Kobayashi, lyrics by Akari Yamaguchi, and arrangement by Joe Hisaishi—a truly stellar lineup—it was used as the ending theme for “Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi” and continued to air for ten years.
Simple yet deeply moving in both melody and lyrics, the piece has been beloved across generations, from children to adults.
As a classic of the Showa era, it remains a popular choice even today, enjoyed at karaoke and beyond.
Do You Remember Love?Mari Iijima
Among the many entries in the Macross series, Super Dimension Fortress Macross is fondly remembered as the original.
This song served as the theme for its theatrical film, Macross: Do You Remember Love?.
It is performed by Mari Iijima, who voiced the in-story idol singer Lynn Minmay.
Known as one of the most popular songs in the entire Macross idol catalog—often ranked number one—it’s a gentle love song that resonates across generations and stands as one of the iconic anime songs of the Showa era.