[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 you’ll want to sing at karaoke (11–20)
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.
Whenever I arrive, it’s always raining.yoshida takurou
With lyrics that convey a mature sense of melancholy and life experience, this song will likely resonate especially with older listeners and male vocalists.
The track itself is under three minutes and on the shorter side, but it gradually builds toward the latter half as the chorus comes in, lifting your spirits.
The overall tone is on the brighter side, so raising your facial muscles and eyebrows while singing makes it easier to hit the pitches and switch smoothly into falsetto.
Another key point is to respect the phrasing—sing each phrase carefully and keep the separations clear.
Don’t force it; relax your shoulders and sing as if you’re speaking.
Tell me an eternal lieyoshida takurou
This is a masterpiece that Miyuki Nakajima wrote for Takuro in 1995 as a message to a “middle-aged man without dreams,” into which she infused the sentiment, “Let me keep dreaming forever,” and “You must not lie about facts, but it’s okay to lie about the truth.” It has a refreshing feel, so from the start, lift your eyebrows and facial muscles and sing with a bright spirit! For the fast passages, the beginning is crucial.
If you pronounce the first sound clearly, the words should flow naturally.
Be mindful of expressiveness and sing with a smile, tinged with heartache!
A Ballad Dedicated to My MotherKaientai
It was released on December 10, 1973.
The lyrics were written by Tetsuya Takeda, and the song is about himself.
Most of it is delivered as spoken narration, conveying lessons he learned from his mother.
Takeda’s narration is excellent, and it can move you to tears when you listen.
In karaoke, the key is how well you can express this spoken part.
It’s best to practice thoroughly at home before you sing it.
If you nail it, the crowd will go wild.
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?