[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. Also Featuring Recommended Anime Songs! (21–30)
Take back the love!!Crystal King
This is the 16th single by Crystal King, a rock band from Nagasaki known for the million-selling smash hit “Daitokai” and highly regarded for songs that show influences from Western hard rock.
It is famous as the opening theme of the TV anime Fist of the North Star and is also well known for having been covered by numerous artists.
The twin vocals—one low, one high—create dynamic contrast and drama, leaving a powerful impact alongside the anime’s imagery.
With instantly memorable, catchy phrases and melodies, it stands as one of the signature anime songs of the Showa era.
Kinnikuman Go Fight!Akira Kushida
A song by singer Akira Kushida, known for performing numerous theme songs for tokusatsu, TV anime, and commercials.
It’s famous as the opening theme of the TV anime Kinnikuman and is widely recognized as the show’s signature song.
Though its humorous lyrics and melody make it feel like an introduction to the anime just by listening, there’s also a certain sense of melancholy that seems to reflect the overall tone of the series.
It’s an iconic anime song that symbolizes a popular franchise still receiving sequels today—one that anyone born in the Showa era has likely heard at least once.
CAT’S EYEAnri
Released in 1983 as the opening theme for the anime Cat’s Eye, this song drew attention for being sung by a popular vocalist—something that set it apart from previous anime songs.
The following year, it became the first anime theme ever chosen as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
This sparked a new trend of using pop songs as anime themes.
Anri’s clear, expansive vocals pair perfectly with the dynamic exploits of the three sisters in the anime.
The Back-Finger-Pointed GroupThe Back-Finger-Pointed Group
This is the debut single by Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi, a unit that branched out from Onyanko Club, which took the idol world by storm in the 1980s.
The song was used as the first opening theme for the TV anime High School! Kimengumi, and its cute tone—quite different from the anime’s eccentric style—became a hot topic.
That contrast made a strong impact, and the track is widely known as one of the anime’s signature themes.
With a striking title and refreshing arrangement, it’s a standout number that symbolizes both the Showa-era idol scene and anime songs.
Space Battleship YamatoIsao Sasaki
Sung by Isao Sasaki, who is said to be one of the Four Heavenly Kings of anime songs, this track is a quintessential anthem for the Space Battleship Yamato anime that began in 1974.
Sasaki’s voice perfectly embodies what an anime theme song should be, and it makes you want to cheer on the protagonists as they set out into space.
For people of a certain generation, it’s one of those unforgettable anime songs from childhood.
Sasaki originally debuted as a rockabilly singer and later also worked as a voice actor.
Mazinger ZIchiro Mizuki
Ichiro Mizuki is an anisong singer known by people of all ages, from the elderly to the young.
For many, the name Ichiro Mizuki immediately brings to mind the song ‘Mazinger Z.
‘ Based on Go Nagai’s original work, the TV anime Mazinger Z aired from 1972 to 1974, and this song served as its theme.
Even those who aren’t familiar with the manga or anime may know this song.
It’s a quintessential Showa-era anime song that makes you want to sing along—complete with the signature pose.
Cutie HoneyYoko Maekawa
The TV anime Cutie Honey was broadcast in 1973, Showa 48.
The manga was serialized at the same time, and since then there have been many works including OVAs, films, and new anime versions; the newest, Cutie Honey Universe, aired in 2018.
This song, which served as the theme song for all versions except the one aired in 2018, has been passed down by many artists, but it’s especially memorable for Kumi Koda’s performance as the theme song of the live-action film released in 2004.