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The Charm of Showa Retro: Exploring Showa vibes

Jan. 16. 2025

Stay with Me, Mayonaka no Doa wo Tataki — the song by Miki Matsubara released in 1979 hit — is something many have heard by now. This song gained popularity on Instagram and TikTok, emerging as a symbol of the broader nostalgia trend captivating Gen Z. . Young people are snapping photos with disposable cameras, sporting T-shirts adorned with retro idols, listening to 70s and 80s city pop and exploring the joys of a  sento (public baths). These items and tunes encompass how the younger generation may have seen the Showa era, but in my opinion as a Gen Z observer, it was also beyond that. It was the era of colorful, open hearts and vivid spirits.

 

 

A Taste of Nostalgia: The Showa-Era Melon Soda Revival

 

A simple glass of melon soda at a retro-style coffee shop: the vivid green color, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and crowned with a bright red cherry. One sip of this drink and you’re transported to a simpler, sunnier time. For Japanese people both young and old, melon soda sparks a subtle thrill — a sweet jolt of nostalgia from somewhere deep within. This fizzy drink that offers a throwback with every sip is  a playful, iconic  part of Showa culture, providing a  refreshing contrast to today’s minimalist vibe.

 

Here are some top recommendations for enjoying melon soda in Japan:

 

Kissa Soware

Photocredit: Shogo Oizumi

 

Step inside this café inspired by a quaint French country church where the walls are adorned with charming paintings and sculptures. The fan favorite is their  six-color cream soda that brings a splash of vibrancy to your day.

 

Address:  95 Shincho, Nishikiyamachi-dori, Shijo Agaru, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto

 

Julian

Photocredit: Shogo Oizumi

 

Here’s where the magic happens with their signature “pair soda.” Picture this: green and red sodas symmetrically poured on either side of a central divider, but it’s both in one glass. One side is topped with ice cream and the other has a good serving of  fresh cream. It’s delicious and of course  Instagram-worthy, too!


Address: 110 Fujisawa, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa

 

In an age where franchised cafes are more common than the old-school kissaten, a Japanese-style coffee shop and tearoom, sipping on melon soda is a unique experience.. The bright green drink brings a splash of color to sepia-toned interiors, adding a fun, unexpected twist to the retro scene. Melon soda may be a relic from the past, but its charm remains timeless, bringing a little spark to the present, one bubbly sip at a time.

 

 

Retro Appliances: Showa-Era Design Finds a New Generation of Fans

 

The Showa era’s household appliances that wereonce ordinary fixtures, have now become a symbol of the   “retro style”. Picture a pastel-colored fridge or a curvy, portable radio—designs that feel as joyful as they are functional. In contrast to today’s sleek, monochrome designs, Showa-era appliances favors soft lines, bold colors, and a sense of familiarity that seems missing from the clinical aesthetics of modern gadgets. There is a warmth to the Showa-era appliances, a reminder of a time when home felt like a true escape from the outside world.

 

Photocredit: Naruyasu Nabeshima

 

Take, for instance, ADERIA, the beloved brand that graced Showa-era dining tables. Known for its delightful floral illustrations, ADERIA has made a comeback with its “ADERIA Retro” line, offering a nostalgic nod to a time when dinnerware was full of character.

 

 

Photocredit: Naruyasu Nabeshima

 

We can’t talk about Showa-era housholds without mentioning Tiger Corporation! They’ve brought back retro patterns with a bang, featuring classics like the flower-patterned rice cooker which was a must-have in the 1970s. Plus, who could resist the charm of the “Kyorochan” shaved ice machine? While it’s no longer on the market, its memory still lives on.

 

These nostalgic designs are riding a wave of revival, capturing the hearts of all generations with their quirky, whimsical flair. They carry a warmth that reminds us of a time when home was a true sanctuary, a cozy escape from the frenetic pace of modern life.

 

In our fast-paced modern society, the charm of the Showa era reminds us to cherish the little joys of life and embrace the beauty of simplicity. Whether it’s savoring a vibrant glass of melon soda in a retro café or admiring nostalgic interior designs, we connect with the hearts of those who lived through that colorful time. Showa retro isn’t just a trend; it represents a celebration of color, warmth, and a touch of whimsy amidst the hustle and bustle of contemporary life. So, let’s raise a glass to that fizzy nostalgia, and let the spirit of Showa enrich our daily existence. Sometimes, it’s those retro elements that remind us to appreciate the small joys in our lives.

 

 

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