[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 roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks to sing at karaoke (1–10)
Lingering Snowiruka
Here is a classic Showa-era kayōkyoku that paints the passing of the seasons and the bittersweetness of parting.
Released as a single in 1975, it became a major hit through Iruka’s cover.
Its acoustic flavor and lyrics that vividly evoke falling snow leave a deep impression.
The key is to convey the subtle emotions woven into its understated, narrative delivery.
With a modest vocal range, it’s easy for anyone—regardless of gender—to sing.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear if you’ve experienced a farewell with a lover or friend, or when you feel the arrival of spring.
So sad I can’t bear itZa Fōku Kurusedāzu
Released on March 21, 1968.
The planned release of “Imjin River,” which was to be The Folk Crusaders’ second single, was voluntarily withheld, and this song was hastily created as a substitute.
There is an anecdote that it was composed by reversing the chords of “Imjin River.”
Let’s get married.yoshida takurou
A quintessential folk love song and one of Takuro Yoshida’s signature masterpieces.
Its candid expression of feelings that resonated with the youth of the time and lyrics that sing of deep, marriage-minded love are especially appealing.
Released in January 1972, it became a massive hit, surpassing one million copies sold by September of that year.
If you sing it at karaoke, try delivering it sincerely over the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar.
It’s a great choice for conveying your feelings to a lover or someone special, and it’s also well-received as a performance at weddings.
[Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke (11–20)
Let me have that wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu
It’s a classic Showa-era folk song with a nostalgic atmosphere.
The lyrics, which weave together bittersweet memories of love and a longing to meet again, resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in April 1971, the song has remained beloved for many years.
There’s also a well-known story that Kazuhiko Kato and Osamu Kitayama completed the track in just two days.
The lyrics convey a longing for beautiful memories and shared moments, making it perfect for karaoke—a song you’ll want to sing quietly as you look back on times with someone special.
Parting at 22kaguya hime
This moving farewell song by Kaguya-hime truly resonates with the heart.
It portrays a 22-year-old woman deciding to part ways with her lover—a theme that young people can easily relate to.
It’s characterized by Shozo Ise’s poetic lyrics and Takahiko Ishikawa’s memorable guitar intro.
Released in February 1975, the song became a major hit, selling 708,000 copies on the Oricon charts.
If you sing it at karaoke, it’s best to savor the lyrics—filled with gratitude toward the other person and lingering feelings—and perform it with emotion.
It’s a song I’d love not only seasoned romantics to hear, but also young people just beginning their journey in love.
Ice worldInoue Yosui
This is a song included on the album “Kōri no Sekai” (Ice World), released on December 1, 1973.
The song became one of Yosui Inoue’s signature tracks.
Its lyrics, which express human emotions through the coldness of ice, are both enigmatic and profound.
If you sing it with emotion like Yosui Inoue, it’s a great song to liven up a karaoke session.
A café in a student districtGaro
It’s a classic that feels like a snapshot of fresh, youthful days.
The lyrics, woven by Garo’s vocalist, gently portray the tender feelings of first love in school days and memories at a coffee shop.
Released as a single in June 1972, it became a huge hit, topping the Oricon charts for seven consecutive weeks the following year.
It also won the Newcomer Award at the Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards.
Since then, the song has been covered by many artists and has continued to be loved across generations, featuring in commercials and morning drama series.
It’s a great choice for karaoke—not only for those who feel nostalgic, but also for anyone who wants to revisit their youth.
Why not sing your own memories to its gentle melody?