Lovely anime song

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

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!

Classic Hits: Popular Anime Songs Representing the Showa Era. Also Introducing Recommended Anime Songs! (51–60)

Hakushon Daimao

Yawning GirlMitsuko Horie

Akubi Musume's Song

Akubi Musume Mitsuko Horie

Here is a song about Akubi-chan, a character from the anime Hakushon Daimaō.

Released in 1969, it shows the influence of Black music of the time alongside the theme song.

It was recorded by Mitsuko Horie—one of the so-called Four Queens of Anisong—when she was 12.

As expected of the Queen of Anisong, her singing has a commanding presence.

It was also released as a cheap, thin, colored disc known as a sonosheet back then, in addition to regular records.

It must have been popular with children.

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Ken the Wolf Boy

Theme of Ken the Wolf BoyVictor Boys' Choir

Wolf Boy Ken [OP]

The Theme of Wolf Boy Ken Victor Boys' Choir

In 1963, a song that stirred a fiery sense of adventure was born, sung by the Victor Boys’ Choir.

As the theme song of the anime Wolf Boy Ken, it captured children’s hearts.

With an expressive melody and harmonies, it portrays the story of a boy set in the jungle.

From its opening “Wao, wao,” evoking a wolf’s howl, it draws listeners into the world of the great outdoors.

Celebrating courage, friendship, and harmony with nature, this Showa-era classic still lingers in many people’s hearts.

It’s the perfect track for livening up a karaoke night or indulging in a wave of nostalgia.

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In conclusion

Of course, people of that generation, but even those born after the 1990s, have probably heard many Showa-era anime songs somewhere.

As mentioned at the beginning, thanks to the city pop boom, many masterpieces have also drawn attention from overseas music fans.

If you’re interested, definitely dive deeper and explore them!