noun
kayōkyoku; Showa-era popular music
Refers to a specific genre of Japanese popular music that flourished from the mid-20th century, particularly during the Showa period. Often contrasted with later J-pop.
祖母は歌謡曲が大好きで、よく美空ひばりを聴いています。
My grandmother loves kayōkyoku and often listens to Misora Hibari.
この番
This program features Showa-era kayōkyoku.
noun
Western pop song
Early Showa-era term for Western-style popular songs, before the genre became firmly associated with Japanese kayōkyoku. Now largely historical.
戦前は、西洋の流行歌を「歌謡曲」と呼ぶこともあった。
Before the war, Western popular songs were sometimes called 'kayōkyoku'.