[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 nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke (51–60)
Winter LightningArisu
It was released on October 5, 1977.
When you think of Alice, this is the song that comes to mind.
Opening with Alice’s raspy voice and sung with full-on masculinity, this classic is perfect for blowing off steam at karaoke and belting out at the top of your lungs.
The key isn’t surprisingly high, so go all out and sing it in the original key.
I’m falling in love with you againbiriibanban
The duo who produced hits with beautiful harmonies during the heyday of folk—such as “Shiroi Buranko” and “Sayonara Suru Tame ni,” released in 2007—continued to deliver beloved songs even into the 2000s, when Showa-era folk music still found a receptive audience.
When sung by Billy BanBan, it’s folk, but there’s also a version covered by Fuyumi Sakamoto for a commercial.
That rendition leans more toward J-pop than enka.
With this song, Fuyumi Sakamoto made it into the Top Ten.
A Night’s DreamMinami Kōsetsu
It was also used as a cosmetic commercial song.
Every woman wants to look a little more beautiful to the person she likes, and this song sings about that tender, earnest feeling of love.
The lyrics are by Yoko Aki, and they’re truly impressive.
It’s a song to listen to slowly and savor.
Azusa No. 2karyūdō
This is a signature song by a male duo from the Showa era.
I love folk songs from this period! In “Azusa No.
2,” the A and B sections are relatively quiet, but once the chorus hits and the harmonies come in, it suddenly soars! It’s incredibly cool and feels so good to sing! The harmony is basically a third below, but since the main melody’s chorus sits around G4 and has that belting quality, the harmony should come in firmly so it doesn’t get overshadowed.
When entering the chorus, listen carefully to the backing track and breathe together so you both come in at the same time! The unison at the end of the chorus after all that harmonizing is wonderful, too.
It might be a somewhat wistful song, but when the harmonies lock in, it’ll give you goosebumps—so definitely find a partner and give it a try!
The person I used to likekaguya hime
These are tracks from Kaguya-hime’s album produced by Takuro Yoshida, released on April 20, 1972.
The songs quietly express feelings toward someone you loved and lost.
When you’re heartbroken, it might be good to sing them at karaoke and have a good cry.