[2026] Songs I Want to Try at Karaoke! A Roundup of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku
Even in the 2020s, the songs that still enjoy unwavering popularity at karaoke are the kayōkyoku hits that colored the Showa era.
The term “Showa kayō” is well known even among younger generations, partly thanks to the global popularity of city pop and more.
Above all, there are simply so many timeless classics—these are beloved tracks that keep getting sung at karaoke across all ages.
For those of you who are eager to try singing Showa-era kayōkyoku, this article rounds up recommended popular karaoke picks, focusing mainly on hits from the 1970s and 1980s.
Every song is a famous tune you’ve likely heard at least once, so teens and people in their 20s—feel free to use this as inspiration for your karaoke repertoire!
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[2026] Songs I Want to Try Singing at Karaoke! A Collection of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku Hits (41–50)
Snow TrainMaekawa Kiyoshi
Yuki Ressha (Snow Train) was Kiyoshi Maekawa’s solo debut single, released in 1982, and it marked a memorable starting point for him as a solo singer.
Looking back now, it’s somewhat surprising that the lyrics were written by Shigesato Itoi and the lyrics and music were by none other than Ryuichi Sakamoto.
It’s one of the quintessential Showa-era kayōkyoku classics themed around snow and is extremely popular in karaoke, so many younger people have likely heard it at some point.
Rather than enka, the production leans more toward pop, and its poignant, melancholy melody sits on the lower side pitch-wise, making it easy to sing.
Try practicing so it doesn’t become too flat—like Maekawa does, aim to deliver each word with care and a touch of sultriness.
Snow CountryYoshi Ikuzo
This song, released in 1986, was written and composed by Ikuzo Yoshi himself.
It was originally improvised at a banquet and reportedly had lyrics so comical that it couldn’t have been released in its original form.
It reached number one on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, boosting its popularity, and later became one of Yoshi’s signature songs.
There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu
This is the song that was used as the theme for a variety show in which Kyu Sakamoto himself appeared.
In addition to being featured in commercials, it has been covered by many artists; among them, Ulfuls’ cover was also used in a commercial and sold over 500,000 copies.
It’s a popular song often used for cheering and encouragement.
The Bride of SetoKoyanagi Rumiko
Released in 1972 as Rumiko Koyanagi’s fourth single, it became a huge hit as a so-called local song themed around the Seto Inland Sea.
The song portrays the feelings and circumstances of a bride moving to a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, along with her resolve for a new life.
It won the Grand Prize at the 3rd Japan Kayō Awards and became one of her signature songs.
Love MemoryMatsuzaki Shigeru
Released in 1977, this song features outstanding vocals and is Shigeru Matsuzaki’s biggest hit.
Also released in 1977, it was used in an Ezaki Glico Almond Chocolate commercial, which led to his first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The song was also chosen as the marching tune for the 50th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in the spring of 1978.