[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 masterpieces and popular karaoke picks (31–40)
No one anymore.Arisu
Released in 1975, this song is a cover of a track originally released in 1969 by a group called Woody Woo.
Back when Alice was still just starting out, they performed in small concert halls.
It’s an energetic number that kicks off right from the chorus.
Please understand.Inaba Akira
It’s an adult folk song—a breakup ballad and a masterpiece in which Akira Inaba poignantly sings of a woman’s feelings.
Within the simple lyrics saying “Please understand,” you can clearly sense the heartache of not wanting to part yet having to say goodbye.
It’s a somewhat challenging song, but if you can sing it well, it shows considerable vocal skill.
Goodbye for today.Moriyama Ryoko
It was released on August 25, 1966.
This is a signature song by Ryoko Moriyama that has become a karaoke staple.
With lyrics expressing the friendship of young people, it’s a song that appeals to all generations.
It has been widely loved, having been broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and included in music textbooks.
SACHIKObanba hirofumi
When you’re alive, if you start counting your misfortunes, there’s really no end to them.
I immediately felt a connection with the first lyrics.
Even if you dislike the name Sachiko, the idea that there’s someone—regardless of whether they’re a man or a woman—who will stay by your side through any hardship makes this a comforting song.
Song of Departure – In Search of Lost TimeKamijō Tsunehiko & Rokumonsen
In the preliminaries to decide the entrants for the World Song Festival, the folk group Rokumonsen and Tsunehiko Kamijo were also nominated.
Hitoshi Komuro of Rokumonsen had planned to write songs for both, but managed to complete only one.
As a result, Kamijo took on lead vocals, and the song went on to win the Grand Prix.
It also won the top prize at the World Song Festival, was released as a record, and became a hit.
Beginning quietly and gradually building in intensity, it’s a magnificent song that conveys a sense of grandeur.