[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 Beloved Nostalgic Folk Song Classics for Karaoke: Popular Picks (41–50)
DepartureMatsuyama Chiharu
It was released on January 25, 1977.
This is Chiharu Matsuyama’s debut single.
It’s the song he performed in the regional qualifiers of the National Folk Music Festival.
This song gave Chiharu Matsuyama his big break.
Since it uses quite a high vocal range, it’s a good idea to lower the key when singing it at karaoke.
Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Katō Tokiko
The original song is “Saraba Rausu yo,” which Hisaya Morishige wrote the lyrics and composed overnight as a thank-you to those who assisted during filming in Hokkaido.
It didn’t gain much popularity around 1960 (Showa 35), but later Chieko Baisho performed it on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen as “Okhotsk no Funauta.” The one who sang it as a folk song, however, was Tokiko Kato.
It’s said that whenever Morishige heard Kato sing it, he would remark, “She still hasn’t reached the level yet,” and never offered praise.
It’s a song that slowly and deeply evokes the harsh land of Hokkaido.
Travel Lodgeyoshida takurou
Takuro Yoshida’s songs can be pretty hard to sing at karaoke, but if we’re talking masterpieces, this one definitely belongs on the list, doesn’t it? I’ve heard one theory that the song’s theme is a honeymoon.
If he really moved from “Let’s Get Married” to “Honeymoon,” then it just proves how amazing Takuro Yoshida is! It’s folk music, but the lyrics are very literary.
Takuro’s style is known for having a few extra syllables, but the more you sing his songs, the more you understand him.
One day, suddenlyToa e moa
As soon as it was released in May 1969, Towa Tei Moi’s debut single became a major hit, reaching No.
4 on the Oricon chart.
This work portrays the love that blooms from a sudden encounter through delicate lyrics and melody.
Its lyrics, which depict quietly growing emotions, resonated with many people and have been cherished for years.
In 1993, it was remixed with a new arrangement and chosen as a TV drama’s opening theme.
It’s also a perfect song to sing at karaoke, letting you pour your feelings for someone special into your performance.
Why not sing your hidden feelings along with its gentle tune?
Travel Lodgeyoshida takurou
It was released on July 1, 1972.
This is Takuro Yoshida’s fourth single.
The lyrics evoke scenes from a journey, shaping the mood of the song.
Yoshida’s almost spit-out vocal delivery is also compelling.
At karaoke, try singing in a brusque, Yoshida-style manner to liven things up.