The Showa 100th Festival: A Celebration of Culture and Legacy

This year marks a significant milestone as we enter the Showa 100th Festival, a celebration that not only commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the Showa era but also looks towards the future with the slogan "Showa continues forever!". The festival is set to kick off on December 25th, 2026, precisely a century after the beginning of the Showa era on December 25th, 1926.

Understanding the Showa Era

The Showa period, known for its dramatic social and cultural changes, is essential to understand for the upcoming generations. As we commemorate this 100-year milestone, organized activities will not only reflect upon the events and emotions of the Showa era but also establish a foundation for future initiatives, like the Showa 102nd Festival and so on.

As part of our mission, we invite companies, organizations, and local governments to collaborate with us. Interested parties will receive access to official branding and logos without incurring royalties. This program encourages various partnerships that celebrate Showa culture, like the recent collaboration with Honda, showcasing limited edition items in the spirit of the festival.

Engaging with the People: The Best 100 Songs of Showa

In addition to the aforementioned initiatives, we are launching an exciting campaign titled "The Best 100 Songs of Showa". This project encourages the public to participate in a voting process aimed at identifying songs that should be preserved for the future. Unlike regular charts that focus on hit songs, we seek selections that embody the essence of the Showa era, showcasing its culture, emotions, and historical significance.

Voting will commence today and will culminate in a public announcement of the chosen songs on December 1, 2026. Media outlets are welcome to utilize these songs without charge, fostering a broad engagement that strengthens cultural connections across generations.

Support and Participation from Local Businesses

We are also launching a 'Supporter Campaign' targeting restaurants across the nation. Establishments that register will receive promotional materials to engage with their customers, while also being featured as associated partners on our official website. Local businesses are encouraged to integrate the Showa 100th Festival branding into their events and services, fostering community participation to celebrate our shared history.

Join the Showa Community

Individual participation is highly encouraged. We are opening a Facebook group for supporters and those interested in actively engaging with the festival’s activities. As a community-driven initiative, we believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute. Individuals can register as active members, allowing them to propose ideas and activities related to the festival.

Additionally, by becoming an active member, individuals can receive a personalized business card (for a fee) and share their profiles on our official site, connecting them to a broader audience interested in Showa culture.

Transitioning for the Future

In conjunction with the transition from the Showa 100th Festival to the Showa Community Office, we invite individuals and organizations that resonate with our mission and principles to join us. Our goals include honoring the legacy of the Showa era, spreading positivity and dreams, and preserving its cultural richness for future generations.

- The era of Showa was marked by miracles and upheaval; we aim for its legacy to thrive.
- Remember the spirit of optimism and aspirations that flourished during Showa and carry it forward.
- Embrace both the richness and the hardships of the Showa era as essential aspects of its history.
- Approach Showa not just as a historical ideology, but a cultural foundation that bridges generations.

We highly encourage everyone to participate actively in this vibrant community that seeks to celebrate and preserve the essence of Showa culture.

About the Producer: Akihiro Kitamura

Akihiro Kitamura, a key figure behind the Showa 100th Festival, comes from a background that spans the fields of music, publishing, and cultural promotion. Having founded his own company in 1991, he has played a pivotal role in launching numerous publications focused on motorcycles and music culture. With a firm commitment to preserving the richness of the Showa era, Kitamura continues to lead initiatives aimed at fostering cultural appreciation and historical awareness.

In 2024, he will release a book titled "Our Late Showa Era," evidencing his dedication to this cultural heritage.