[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)
puka-pukaNishioka Kyozo
Released in 1972, this song was written by Kyozo Nishioka, the master of the folk café “Dylan,” for the jazz singer Minami Yasuda.
“Puka Puka” became one of Nishioka’s signature songs.
Its jazzy, light-hearted groove is fun, and it’s a great song that really livens things up when everyone sings it together at karaoke.
Goodbye PatternItō Toshihiro
Back when today’s JR was still JNR, he worked on the Hokuriku Main Line while making his debut as a singer-songwriter, wearing the same two hats as Kei Ogura.
The song sold over 700,000 copies, so when he appeared on music programs, they often broadcast live from inside the station.
Unlike the banks, JNR was quite lenient, it seems.
After privatization, Ito resigned from JNR.
The repeated “nee, nee” in the chorus is very sultry and makes the song stick in your ears.
The Drunkard Has ReturnedZa Fōku Kurusedāzu
With a high-pitched voice and humor-laden musical expression, a fantastical story unfolds that shuttles between heaven and earth.
While satirically conveying the dangers of drunk driving, its innovative musicality—woven with nods to the Beatles, the Heart Sutra, and even Beethoven—is captivating.
Released by The Folk Crusaders in December 1967, the song became the first million-seller in Oricon chart history and was even adapted into a Toei film.
Far from sounding like a track born to fill out an album, this masterpiece combines experimental sound with social consciousness, making it a recommended tune for those who want to savor life’s subtleties along with a good laugh.
white guitarcherisshu
Cherish, who are still happily together and appearing in commercials, were a folk duo that produced many hits back in the day, thanks to Etsuko Matsuzaki’s refreshing vocals.
Their popularity at the time made folk guitars—especially white ones—objects of admiration among young people.
This song, which begins with a folk guitar intro, coincided with the era and became a massive hit, selling 800,000 copies.
My good friendKamayatsu Hiroshi
The song on the 1975 release screen feels a bit slow-tempo, but isn’t it the kind of track that would hype up a karaoke session? It has the vibe of Haruo Minami’s “Chanchiki Okesa,” and by the end the accompaniment takes on a party-like feel, making it a song everyone can sing together.
Above all, since it’s a song for friends who are nostalgic about their youth, it’s definitely one you’ll want to sing at an after-party karaoke session for a class reunion.