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

Anemone flaccida (nirinsō; literally “two-flowered anemone”)Gen Tetsuya/Kawanaka Miyuki

Miyuki Kawanaka & Tetsuya Gen “Nirinso” – The Ultimate Duet Song

This duet is a kayōkyoku song that falls under so-called enka, with a cool, old-school vibe.

Compared to Tetsuya Gen, Miyuki Kawanaka’s voice has a stronger kobushi (ornamental vibrato), giving it a powerful, resilient feminine core.

The lyrics are perfect for a duet sung by a loving married couple, just as the title suggests.

If you’re a close, affectionate pair, why not give it a try?

Raised in ShinjukuTsuyama Yoko / Oki Hideo

Shinjuku Sodachi - Hideo Oki & Yoko Tsuyama

It’s a duet song that makes you imagine a somewhat lonely man and woman.

They see each other all the time but pretend not to be interested, even though they can’t help but be curious deep down.

Two shy people in a cute way.

It’s a song that makes you excited to see how their relationship will develop.

Invite the person you’re interested in and try singing it together!

Sunset HillIshihara Yūjirō/Asaoka Ruriko

The Hill of the Setting Sun — Yujiro Ishihara & Ruriko Asaoka

It’s a duet song performed by Yujiro Ishihara, a major star of the Showa era, and the alluring actress Ruriko Asaoka.

The song was used as the theme for the film of the same title, Sunset Hill, released in 1964, in which the two also appeared.

Because the song directly reflects the world of the story, some viewers of the movie have found it deeply moving.

Although it’s a lyrical piece that leaves a lingering sense of sadness after it ends, that very quality makes it strangely addictive.

Lonely ChaplinSuzuki Masayuki & Suzuki Kiyomi

Lonely Chaplin - Seimi Suzuki & Masayuki Suzuki

The second single by Kiyomi Suzuki with Rats & Star, released on July 1, 1987.

For anyone above a certain age, this is surely a go-to song for male–female duets at karaoke.

In the original, the vocal style has a bit of a soulful, “black music” flavor, which might make some people think, “That sounds hard!” But if you listen closely, the melody itself is crafted in the tradition of Showa-era kayōkyoku, so it’s by no means difficult.

With male and female voices and clearly defined parts, it’s easy to follow—so give it a try.

The key to making it sound cool is whether you can lock into the 16-beat groove.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kei Takahata

Report a problem

Maybe Part IIKobayashi Sachiko & Miki Katsuhiko

Maybe PART II

When I first saw this duo, I was surprised.

Since both of them were child actors, it struck me how long they’ve been active.

Their chemistry is impeccable, their acting is fun, and they’re a great model for singing.

The lyrics and the melody match well, making the song easy to remember.

A Love Story in GinzaIshihara Yujiro to Makimura Junko

Yujiro Ishihara and Junko Makimura: 'The Love Story of Ginza'

Because the two of you have such a rich, romantic mood, I didn’t get the impression that the character in the lyrics is young, but it seems the town of Ginza lends an adult atmosphere.

Just singing shoulder to shoulder would likely go over well.

But it looks like strong vocal ability would be needed.

Naniwa Love DrizzleMiyako Harumi · Chiaki Oka

With the two of them singing in a way that’s so quintessentially Kansai, and with Oka not being an established singer, I felt the world of Harudanji came across even more convincingly.

It’s as if I were watching it on stage.

Even at karaoke, if someone good sang it, I think I’d find myself listening intently.