The Showa era was a significant period in 20th-century Japan, representing a time of great transformation. From post-war recovery to economic growth, society underwent major changes, accompanied by cultural shifts and technological advancements. These developments led to the emergence of numerous trends and hit products. In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating details of the Showa era.
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What Years Did the Showa Era Span?
The Showa era lasted for 62 years, from December 25, 1926, to January 7, 1989. It is known as the longest era in Japanese history under a single reign.
In Japan, each emperor’s reign is marked by a single era name, and the 62 years of the Showa era coincide with the reign of Emperor Showa.
Why Was the Era Named "Showa"?
The name "Showa" was chosen based on recommendations from scholars and was ultimately decided upon by the cabinet.
When selecting an era name, certain criteria are considered, such as it being composed of two kanji characters that are easy to write and read. The name "Showa" originates from an ancient Chinese text and is said to embody the hope for "peace among people and the prosperity of society."
What Were the Popular Trends During the Showa Era?
As Japan’s economy developed, people’s lifestyles changed dramatically, giving rise to many new trends. Here are some key symbols of the Showa era’s trends and hit products.
The Famicom
One of the most iconic items of the Showa era was the Family Computer, or "Famicom," a home gaming console released by Nintendo in 1983. The Famicom revolutionized gaming by making video games easily accessible at home.
This console also introduced globally popular characters, such as those from "Super Mario."
Doraemon
First serialized in 1969, the manga Doraemon features a robotic cat from the future as its protagonist. Gadgets like the "Anywhere Door" and "Take-copter" depicted in the manga became a source of wonder and inspiration for children of the Showa era.
The anime adaptation began airing in 1979 and continues to this day, making Doraemon a beloved character across three eras: Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa.
DC Brands
In the latter half of the Showa era, from the 1970s to the 1980s, a unique fashion movement known as "DC brands" took Japan’s fashion industry by storm.
The term "DC brands" combines "Designer’s Brand" and "Character’s Brand." Notable examples include renowned names like Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake, and Yohji Yamamoto, which became representative of this movement.
The Walkman
One revolutionary product that influenced the world was Sony’s "Walkman," released in 1979.
This portable cassette player created a new culture of "carrying music" and revolutionized how people enjoyed music. With the introduction of the Walkman, it became commonplace to see people wearing headphones and listening to music while walking around the city or commuting on trains.
Utsurun Desu
In 1986, Fujifilm launched the world’s first disposable camera with a built-in lens, "Utsurun Desu." At the time, cameras were considered luxury items, so "Utsurun Desu," which was affordable and easy to use, became a huge hit.
Although demand decreased with the rise of digital cameras and smartphones, the nostalgic charm of film photography, the tactile experience of pressing the shutter, and the anticipation of waiting for film to be developed have sparked a recent resurgence of interest in "Utsurun Desu" among younger generations.
What Were the Food Trends of the Showa Era?
The Showa era also saw significant growth in Japan’s food culture. Western-style cuisine gained popularity, fast food became more common, and Japanese dining habits underwent substantial changes.
Pure Kissa Menus
"Pure Kissa" refers to coffee shops that do not serve alcohol, offering light meals and beverages instead. These establishments became a symbol of Showa-era café culture.
Classic dishes served at Pure Kissa included ketchup-flavored spaghetti known as "Napolitan," cream soda with a scoop of ice cream, and "Pudding à la Mode," which consisted of custard pudding, vanilla ice cream, cherries, and other fruits arranged on a plate.
McDonald’s Launch
In 1971, Japan’s first McDonald’s opened in Tokyo’s Ginza district. At the time, international travel was still uncommon, so McDonald’s captured the interest of young people who were fascinated by foreign culture, leading to long lines outside the store.
The opening of McDonald’s marked the beginning of hamburgers becoming a staple in Japan, eventually earning their place as a "national dish."
The Rise of Bread Consumption
Although Western-style bread was introduced to Japan in the 1500s, it wasn’t until after World War II that bread consumption became widespread. Due to rice shortages and the influence of Western culture, items like sandwich bread and sweet buns became popular.
Long-standing products like Yamazaki Bread’s "Lunch Pack," released in 1984, are examples of bread items introduced during the Showa era that remain beloved to this day.
Iconic Japanese Music of the Showa Era
The music scene of the Showa era was vibrant and diverse, introducing new genres and trends as the years progressed.
Showa Kayo
Popular songs written and composed in Japan during the Showa era are known as Showa Kayo. Among its representative singers is Hibari Misora, who debuted at the age of nine in 1949. Her extraordinary vocal talent brought energy and hope to post-war Japan, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest stars of the Showa period.
Diva of the Showa Era
The music scene of the 1970s and 1980s was brightened by the presence of Showa divas such as Momoe Yamaguchi, Seiko Matsuda, and Akina Nakamori.
These singers were not only known for their incredible voices but also for their idol-like appeal. Many women mimicked their hairstyles, and their songs remain karaoke staples to this day.
City Pop
City Pop emerged in the 1970s and 1980s as an urban and sophisticated music genre. Artists like Tatsuro Yamashita and Mariya Takeuchi are among its most famous representatives.
Recently, Japanese city pop has seen a global revival, with Miki Matsubara’s 1979 hit “Mayonaka no Door ~Stay With Me” gaining popularity on social media.
The Birth of Idol Groups
In the 1970s, two iconic idol groups, Candies and Pink Lady, rose to national fame.
Their songs and dynamic choreography captivated audiences, and their devoted fans, known as Oendan (cheering squads), enthusiastically supported them at live performances. This culture of enthusiastic fan support laid the groundwork for modern idol fandom in Japan.
Japanese Films Representing the Showa Era
The Showa period was a golden age for Japanese cinema, producing many masterpieces and unique genres that left a lasting impact both domestically and internationally.
Renowned Directors and Films
The Showa era was the time of legendary directors such as Yasujirō Ozu and Akira Kurosawa.
Ozu depicted the subtleties of daily life and family drama in films like Tokyo Story. Kurosawa, on the other hand, was known for grand narratives, such as Seven Samurai and Rashomon, which influenced filmmakers worldwide.
Yankee and Yakuza Films
In Japan, rebellious youth are often referred to as Yankees. During the 1980s, the Yankee subculture boomed, and films like Be-Bop High School, which depicted the lives of delinquent high school students, became major hits.
Meanwhile, the Yakuza genre also flourished, with films like Battles Without Honor and Humanity and "Gokudou no Onnatachi" (Wives of the Yakuza) captivating audiences with their intense portrayals of the underworld.
What is "Showa Day"?
In Japan, April 29th is celebrated as "Showa Day", a national holiday marking the birthday of Emperor Showa. The day is intended as a time to reflect on the turbulent days of the Showa era and the nation’s recovery while contemplating Japan’s future.
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Where to Experience Showa-Era Nostalgia
Japan still preserves places where you can feel the essence of the Showa era. Here are some recommended spots for those seeking a nostalgic experience.
Retro Onsen Towns
Beyond Atami, many hot spring towns offer a glimpse into the Showa era. For example, Ikaho Onsen and Shima Onsen in Gunma Prefecture feature stone-paved streets and wooden ryokan inns, providing a nostalgic atmosphere.
Ikaho Onsen, in particular, boasts Showa-style snack bars and a theme park called Dagashiya Yokocho (Candy Store Alley), where visitors can immerse themselves in the retro ambiance.
Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum (Koganei City, Tokyo)
This open-air museum preserves and displays culturally significant historical buildings.
Spanning 7 hectares, the museum features 30 structures from the Edo period to the early Showa period. Highlights include a bathhouse with Mount Fuji murals, historical residences, and old shops, making visitors feel as if they’ve stepped back in time to the Showa era.
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Hotel New Akao (Atami City, Shizuoka)
Hotel New Akao, located in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture—renowned for its hot springs—first opened its doors in 1973. The iconic “New Akao” logo sign atop the hotel has become a symbol of Atami itself.
The hotel underwent a renovation and reopened in 2023, yet it retains a strong Showa-era charm throughout its interiors, including the entrance, pool, and restaurants. It has become a haven for those seeking to immerse themselves in Showa retro nostalgia.o.
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The culture and lifestyle of the Showa era remain deeply rooted in the daily lives and hearts of the Japanese people. To gain a richer understanding of Japan, why not explore its retro landscapes, music, and cuisine?
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