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Lovely karaoke song

A love song you can sing as a duet. From Showa-era kayōkyoku to the latest J-pop!

Picking out love songs from duet tracks!

Showa-era kayokyoku is full of classic duet songs that portray the romantic dynamics between men and women.

For example, many people know songs like “Lonely Chaplin” and “Ai ga Umareta Hi,” even across different generations.

In this article, we introduce a variety of duet songs from Showa kayokyoku to the latest J-pop.

Many of them are great for karaoke, so once you find a favorite, be sure to try singing it as a duet!

Love songs you can sing as a duet. From Showa-era kayōkyoku to the latest J-pop! (81–90)

AmanSugawara Yoichi / Shiruvia

It’s a duet by Yoichi Sugawara and Silvia.

It also became the song that led Silvia to start her career as a solo singer.

Strongly steeped in the mood-kayō style, the song is striking for its lyrics, which are sprinkled with words that evoke adult allure and a blazing, passionate romance.

Since it’s sung by a man and a woman, it’s well-suited for a duet, but because the lyrics are provocative, you might want to choose the occasion carefully before performing it.

The Day Love Was BornFujitani Miwako, Ouchi Yoshiaki

The Day Love Was Born - Award of Excellence Winner -
The Day Love Was BornFujitani Miwako, Ouchi Yoshiaki

This song is a staple of duets.

Although it’s supposed to be a happy song about love being born, its minor-key melody gives it a touch of melancholy.

The man and woman sing alternately, but since the key isn’t too high or too low and the tempo isn’t fast, it works well for same-gender pairs too.

Adding harmonies in the chorus will really elevate the mood!

Two People in OsakaMiyako Harumi · Miyazaki Masa

A gem of a duet that portrays a heartrending farewell between a man and a woman set in Osaka.

Sung in 1981 by Harumi Miyako and Masashi Miyazaki, the song richly conveys the emotions of two people sharing their last dance at a club.

With Osaka landmarks like Midosuji and Yodoyabashi woven into the lyrics, it vividly depicts the couple as they revisit places full of memories and try to accept their parting.

It is also included on Harumi Miyako’s album “Harumi Miyako Duet Collection ~Futari no Osaka~,” alongside other classic tracks.

This is a song for those who wish to sing out the feelings they hold in their hearts, and one to cherish as a memory with someone special.

Its tender, aching vocals will surely resonate in both of your hearts.

elegyTakakura Ken & Yashiro Aki

This work is a duet song woven by a legendary actor of the Showa era and the queen of enka.

Its melancholy melody and lyrics that convey deep emotion are striking, resulting in a piece that showcases both performers’ unique personalities.

Ken Takakura’s rugged baritone and Aki Yashiro’s powerful vocals blend beautifully, creating a song that truly resonates.

Released in June 1990, it became a major topic on music shows and in the media at the time.

The lyrics, depicting the pain and loneliness of men and women scarred by the past, struck a chord with many and have been loved for years.

It’s a recommended track for those who feel the solitude of life or wish to connect heart-to-heart with someone.

Angels of the CityHoriuchi Takao / Katsura Ginshu

I like how “City Angels” feels more like a regular pop/enkā-style song than a typical duet.

I picture a man and woman living in the city, loving each other while soaked in the loneliness of urban life.

The collaboration between Takao Horiuchi’s sweet, gentle male vocals and Ginshi Kajura’s husky, sultry female vocals is wonderful.

I won’t let you go tonight.Abe Riitsuko / Hashi Yukio

Yukio Hashi & Ritsuko Abe — I Won’t Let You Go Tonight
I won’t let you go tonight.Abe Riitsuko / Hashi Yukio

Here is the song that is none other than Yukio Hashi’s 149th single.

Riuko Abe was reportedly chosen as Hashi’s partner through an audition.

Sales surpassed 300,000 copies, and the song received a Special Award at the Japan Cable Awards.

Because it’s often sung at drinking parties in karaoke, this kind of theme feels like the classic image of a duet song.

Love songs you can sing as duets. From Showa-era kayōkyoku to the latest J-pop! (91–100)

Both hands to the starry skyShimakura Chiyoko / Moriya Hiroshi

Hands Raised to the Starry Sky — Chiyoko Shimakura; original song by Hiroshi Moriya
Both hands to the starry skyShimakura Chiyoko / Moriya Hiroshi

The duet song “Hoshizora ni Ryōte o” by Hiroshi Moriya—known for his sweet yet astringent vocals—and Chiyoko Shimakura—who gained popularity for her charming voice—stands out.

While duet songs in enka and mood kayō often tend to be adult-oriented, depicting sultry romances or messy affairs, this piece is crafted as a pure love song.

The vocal difficulty is low and the melody is catchy, so be sure to try singing it at karaoke or in a snack bar.