Showa Day: Let’s Get Retro!

Posted on 04/29/2022 Last updated on 05/02/2022

The Shōwa (昭和) era refers to the period of Japanese history corresponding to the reign of Emperor Shōwa. This lasted from December 25, 1926 until his death on January 7, 1989. The longest single reign in Japanese history thus far, and one that itself had several ‘eras’.

The early decades were full of political upheaval, conflict and struggle leading into the second world war. The postwar period saw a near-total reversal as a pacifist country rebuilt itself. This culminated in Japan becoming one of the most successful and modernized countries on earth by the end of the 1980’s.

The Heisei era that followed Shōwa was a period of relative peace, albeit economic stagnation after the 1980’s “bubble” burst. For the generation that came of age during this time, the Shōwa era offers a glimpse of another time altogether. And, especially when it comes to the later decades of Shōwa, it was a time of optimism. Japan grew to become an economic and cultural powerhouse. And, almost all the formations of modern popular culture find their roots during this time.

Go Retro!

Interest in this age has only grown into a full-fledged “movement” of sorts, akin to the nostalgia for earlier decades in America (once it was about 30 years old, the 1980’s seemed to become the coolest thing ever). The term “Shōwa Retro” (昭和レトロ）has gained popularity and become a catch-all for anything related to the ‘good old days’ of Japan.

The core of Shōwa Retro is from around 1955 to 1974 (the Showa 30’s & 40’s), a period when the modern concept of Japan really began to take shape. Things we take for granted now like refrigerators, color television and the Shinkansen were brand new and exciting. Japan had a presence on the world stage during the 1968 Olympics or the 1970 World Expo.

Cultural institutions in film, TV, comics and other entertainment began during this time as well. Shōwa Retro can go back earlier to the truly old-timey 1920’s & 30’s, or extend all the way into the late 70’s and 80’s (after all, those years saw the rise of video games, which have a retro movement all its own). But the hardcore aficionados will point to the late 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s in particular as being where it’s at.

The Taste of Shōwa

One area where Shōwa Retro does go all the way back to the past though is with food. If you ever find yourself going to a buffet or kitschy diner in Japan, it may be advertised being “Shōwa Retro”. You can expect to find a lot of foods that have become staples of the regular Japanese diet, but weren’t always. Think Napolitan spaghetti or Omurice. Generally, anything 洋食 (yōshoku or western dishes) that gained (or regained) popularity in the 1950’s and 60’s falls under the Shōwa Retro banner.

One such example is Japanese-style curry. Its origins lie in the Meiji era, and the Taishō era is when it became a popular dish for the average citizen. But the modern concept of “old school” curry is synonymous with Shōwa- the big metal plate of curry & rice screams that “good old days” sentiment that is Shōwa Retro.

Cream Soda is a more direct example- it began in the 1970’s in Japan. Although, it’s not the same thing as what you might call cream soda in other parts of the world. Japan’s cream soda is melon-flavored, and the name comes about due to the tradition of serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Makes sense!

Enjoy Shōwa Retro!

Shōwa Retro manifests itself in everything from fashion to architecture. At its heart, it’s an appreciation of all things nostalgic and retro, though not so old that they’d be considered ancient history (yet!) With the 1970’s now becoming half a century old though, it won’t always be that way. But we think it’s safe to say there will always be an appreciation for the past.

To honor of the late Emperor’s birthday, Shōwa Day is an annual holiday held every April 29. Shō means “shining” or “bright”, and wa means “peace”, signifying the “enlightened peace” that the citizens are to receive. While that usually just translates to “a day off” for most, take this year’s Shōwa Day to appreciate something retro. Visit a place like Shibamata and enjoy the food, culture and nostalgia of a bygone age!

Images:

Cover Image: 砺山さん on PhotoAC

1: potecoさん on PhotoAC

2 黒部五郎さん on PhotoAC

3 まろー17さん on PhotoAC

4 はなたれ君さん on PhotoAC

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