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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! (21–30)

A Love Story in GinzaMakimura Junko / Ishihara Yūjirō

Yujiro Ishihara and Junko Makimura: 'The Love Story of Ginza'
A Love Story in GinzaMakimura Junko / Ishihara Yūjirō

It’s a song whose popularity is evident: it became a hit as an insert song in the film “From Town to Town Like a Whirlwind,” and another movie, “A Love Story in Ginza,” was even released using it as the theme.

It’s a staple male–female duet, memorable for its relaxed tempo and a mature, sensual atmosphere.

While the sound suggests a calm, adult romance, a closer look at the lyrics reveals a passionate love between a man and a woman, conveying the strength of their feelings for each other.

It’s a piece that calls for a faithful rendition—honoring the mood while singing with heartfelt passion.

Lonely ChaplinSuzuki Masayuki & Suzuki Kiyomi

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.

A Love Story in GinzaIshihara Yujiro to Makimura Junko

Yujiro Ishihara and Junko Makimura: 'The Love Story of Ginza'
A Love Story in GinzaIshihara Yujiro to Makimura Junko

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.

AM11:00HY

HY – AM11:00 (Official Music Video)
AM11:00HY

A romantic song by HY that begins with a gentle keyboard intro and paints a serene morning scene for lovers.

It delicately captures blissful moments in love—breezes drifting in through the bedroom window, views shared by two, and the thrill of heading out for a drive.

Included on the album “Street Story,” released in April 2003, it became the first indie release in history to top the Oricon chart for four consecutive weeks.

The song was also featured in the 2012 NHK morning drama series “Jun to Ai” and remains popular in karaoke.

Its deft fusion of rock, punk, and hip-hop makes it perfect for a duet sung by two women.

Orion in midwinterINFINITY 16 welcomez MINMI&Nishino Kana

A pop track that portrays the ache of unrequited love, inspired by the Orion constellation shining in the winter night sky.

MINMI’s powerful vocals and Kana Nishino’s clear, transparent voice blend beautifully, creating a cross-genre allure.

Included on the December 2010 album “INFINITY 16 BEST,” this piece layers INFINITY 16’s reggae production with the two singers’ distinctive vocals to craft a unique soundscape.

It’s the perfect song for making warm memories with friends in the cold season or for sharing the feelings of a one-sided love.

Osaka Love TourMasuiyama Daishirō / Hino Mika

Taishiro Masuiyama & Mika Hino “Osaka Koi Meguri” Full Official
Osaka Love TourMasuiyama Daishirō / Hino Mika

This is a masterpiece of enka that evocatively portrays the romance between a man and a woman set against the rainy streets of Osaka’s Midosuji, Ebisubashi, and Dotonbori.

Released in December 1984 by Taishiro Masuiyama and Mika Hino, this duet showcases their distinctive voices in exquisite harmony.

Masuiyama’s sweet, whisper-like vocals blend beautifully with Hino’s clear, transparent singing, and the wistful melody resonates deeply in the heart.

It’s a song so charming that you’ll want to sing it together with someone special.

Shianbashi BluesNakai Akira / Takahashi Masaru to Kororatīno

Shianbashi Blues by Akira Nakai and Masaru Takahashi with Corolatino
Shianbashi BluesNakai Akira / Takahashi Masaru to Kororatīno

This is the debut single released in April 1968 by Akira Nakai—who performed as part of the house band at the Nagasaki cabaret “Jūnibankan”—and Katsu Takahashi & Coloratino.

Its appeal lies in a wistful melody that fuses Latin music with mood kayō (showa-era pop ballads).

Set in Showa-era Nagasaki, the song vividly portrays adult romance and nocturnal cityscapes, and has been covered by numerous artists including Sachiko Nishida, Kaori Kozai, and Hachirō Kasuga.

In karaoke snack bars, it remains a highly popular classic, known as a sophisticated duet for men and women to sing in call-and-response.