[Classic Hits] Popular Anime Songs Representing the Showa Era. Also Introducing Recommended Anime Songs!

Gamba's SongHiromasa Kawahara

Episode 1: Gamba’s Adventure “THE ADVENTURES OF GAMBA” (1975) | An immortal masterpiece depicting the adventures of mice | TMS 60th Anniversary

Hiroaki Kawahara delivers a powerful performance of a song that shines in the history of 1970s anime programs.

Riding an energetic melody, it’s a rousing anthem that calls for the courage to set off on an adventure and the importance of bonds with friends.

Its bright, cheerful rhythm conveys the excitement of an adventure that makes anyone’s heart leap.

Released as a single in January 1975, the song was used as the opening theme for a TV anime broadcast from April to September of the same year.

Like the anime’s story, it centers on friendship and bonds, expressing the determination to face hardships and a positive spirit.

It’s a track that gives you strength and courage when you’re feeling down or want to take on something new.

Come here, Perman.Katsue Miwa

Come here, Perman.

A theme song that captured the hearts of children who love anime based on Fujiko F.

Fujio’s works! Its bright, rhythmic melody and sincere lyrics fill you with a warm feeling, as if you can hear a friend calling from far away.

Katsu’e Miwa’s lively vocals gently convey the importance of friendship and helping one another, making it a wonderful track.

The single, released by Nippon Columbia in March 1983, was also used in the 2003 theatrical film, and since 2011 it has been adopted as the approaching-train melody at Noborito Station in Kawasaki.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when your heart is tired, when you want to help someone, or when you wish to bask in nostalgic memories.

Song of Hakushon DaimaoYuri Shimazaki

Song of Hakushon Daimao

Starting with adorable opening sound effects, the friendly lyrics vividly conjure the image of a great demon king emerging from a magic jar.

His character—honest, quick to tears, and full of human warmth—is wonderfully portrayed, making this a heartwarming piece that children and adults alike can enjoy.

Yuri Shimazaki’s bright, soaring vocals further enhance the comedic storytelling atmosphere.

Released by Nippon Columbia in October 1969, it gained popularity as the opening theme for a Fuji TV–broadcast anime airing at the same time.

It’s a perfect track for moments when everyone wants to have fun together—like family time on holidays or children’s events.

Defeat Galactor!Columbia Cradle Society

Defeat Galactor!

Set to a powerful, fast-paced melody, this work portrays the heroic exploits of the Science Ninja Team protecting the peace of Earth.

The clear voices of the Columbia Yurikago-kai further enhance the energetic feel of the piece.

Celebrating the brave figures who fight using the power of science and ninja techniques, the song brings dreams and hope to children.

Used as the ending theme for Science Ninja Team Gatchaman, which began airing in 1972, it captured the hearts of many viewers throughout its 105-episode run.

The lyrics were written by the Tatsunoko Production Literary Department, and the music was composed by Asei Kobayashi.

Evoking empathy for protagonists with a pure sense of justice, this is a perfect track for anyone seeking an inspiring anthem that resonates.

It’s recommended listening when you want to feel uplifted.

Daichan Counting SongYoshimi Yoshida

"From 'Inakappe Taisho': Daichan Counting Song"

Known as an anime song with the flavor of enka, this piece was released in 1970.

It was put out under the name Yoshimi Yoshida by Yoshimi Tendo, who was a junior high school student at the time.

Beloved as the opening theme for the anime Inakappe Taisho, it features counting-song style lyrics.

The powerful vocals vividly express the protagonist’s growth, dreams, and earnest—if slightly clumsy—spirit.

The melody shaped by the rhythm of Japanese taiko drums and lyrics in the traditional 7-5 meter is striking, and it continues to be loved across generations, having been featured on NHK’s Shin BS Nihon no Uta in April 2023.

It’s a song that gives courage and energy to anyone setting out on a new step in life.

The Star of the SeineColumbia Cradle Society

The Star of the Seine / Arène Columbia Yurikago-kai

Set in Paris during the French Revolution, this work, which colors the story of a young girl, is marked by the beautiful vocals of Arène and the Columbia Yurikago-kai.

Carried by a brave yet wistful melody, it conveys the heroine’s steadfast will and solitude as she fights for freedom and love.

French phrases woven throughout further enhance the work’s distinctive world.

The LP record was released by Nippon Columbia in June 1975 and was used as the opening theme for the television anime of the same name.

One month after the anime began airing, Arène visited Japan and held six events mainly in the Kanto region.

With its moving, beautiful melody and crystalline vocals, this is a recommended track for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the story’s world along with nostalgic memories.

Let’s do it with a bang! The Way of BaseballYumi Chiba, Young Fresh, Korogi '73

Let's do it in one go! The Way of Baseball

A heartwarming classic, brimming with humor and capturing the feelings of those devoted to baseball, was born in September 1977.

The lively back-and-forth by Yumi Chiba, Young Fresh, and Korogi ’73 creates a bright, powerful harmony that brilliantly conveys a burning passion for the sport.

Broadcast as the opening theme for the anime “Ippatsu Kanta-kun,” it was also included on the album “Tatsunoko Pro Daizenshū” in October of the same year.

The protagonist—struggling with the gap between ideals and reality yet refusing to give up on his dreams—leaves a lasting impression.

It’s recommended not only for baseball enthusiasts but also as a motivational song that gently encourages anyone striving toward their goals.