[Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke
What kind of image do you have of the music genre known as “folk songs”? Perhaps many of you picture Showa-era singers with an acoustic guitar in hand, singing lyrics like private diaries of everyday life—and at times delivering political messages.
In Japan, folk songs became a booming trend from the 1960s to the 1970s, and countless classic tracks that made music history were born as the style evolved.
In this article, we’ve curated a wide selection of nostalgic Japanese folk song classics that you’ll definitely want to try singing at karaoke.
Whether you experienced them in real time or you’re a younger listener who loves Showa-era music, be sure to check them out!
- [Japanese Music] A Collection of Heart-Touching Hit Folk Songs from the 1970s
- A classic Japanese folk song passed down through generations of acoustic performances
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the ’70s to 2000s that are perfect for livening up karaoke
- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
- When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- [2026] Songs I Want to Try at Karaoke! A Roundup of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku
- [Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke.
- A lineup of classic hits! Karaoke songs recommended for the yutori generation
- Easy-to-sing youth songs for karaoke: recommended classics and popular hits
- [For People in Their 50s] Ranking of Easy-to-Sing Karaoke Songs [2026]
- Karaoke songs everyone can sing: Japanese tracks that are easy to enjoy with a group.
- Must-see for men: Songs that look cool if you can sing them at karaoke—numbers that women can’t help but be captivated by.
[Showa Era] A Collection of Beloved Nostalgic Folk Song Classics for Karaoke: Popular Picks (41–50)
memory pillowKosaka Kyoko
She had a major breakthrough as a singer-songwriter with this song.
It’s also popular for karaoke because the intro isn’t difficult.
Sung from a woman’s perspective, it’s a heartbreak song about not being able to forget a boyfriend’s gentle gestures—something many women can relate to deeply.
The chorus is memorable and really showcases the vocals, so it’s a great pick for female singers.
scarecrowsadamasashi
It’s a song that Masashi Sada composed based on his experience living alone in Tokyo, paired with the scene he witnessed from a train window while traveling with his younger brother, where he saw a scarecrow in the fields.
In an era before LINE or email, it poignantly gives voice to the parents and siblings back home who worry and simply want any sign—anything at all—that their loved one is doing well.
It’s a classic that beautifully and tenderly conveys those feelings.
Let me have that wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu
It was released on April 5, 1971.
It was presented as a collaboration between Kazuhiko Kato and Osamu Kitayama.
It has also become a classic wedding song.
The guitar accompaniment uses a three-finger picking style and is played briskly.
At karaoke, it’s fun and lively when everyone sings along.
Cactus Flowerchūrippu
This song is an answer song to “Misaki Meguri” by Kotaro Yamamoto & Weekend, which was a hit in 1974.
It tells of a heartbroken man trying to move on toward spring; while recounting memories of his girlfriend, he resolves to live positively, carried by a pleasant melody.
Eighteen years after its release, Kazuo Zaitsu sang it solo as the theme song for a drama, and it became a revival hit.
Even now, it remains popular among men, and many choose it for karaoke.
Ladybug Sambacherisshu
Released in 1973, the husband-and-wife duo Cherish’s song is known for its unique lyrics featuring red, blue, and yellow ladybugs.
Inspired by the real blue ladybugs found in Oceania, the track garnered a flood of requests after being aired on ABC Radio and was released as a single.
It went on to sell over a million copies, becoming Cherish’s biggest hit.
Originally included on the album “Spring Romance,” its seemingly magical, uplifting effect made it a popular wedding celebration song as well.
It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser at karaoke, guaranteed to get everyone excited.