[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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- [Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke.
- [For People in Their 40s] Karaoke Songs That Are Easy to Sing: 2026 Ranking
- When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
- From Showa-era kayōkyoku to pop: songs that sound cool when you can really sing them
- Popular 80s hits for karaoke. Sing kayōkyoku and pop songs!
- [Karaoke] A roundup of songs that are easy for women to sing!
- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
- [Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke
- Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
- Even karaoke beginners can relax! Easy-to-sing songs for men
- [2026] Easy Enka Songs for Karaoke: Recommended Picks — Women Singers Edition
- Songs Men Want Women to Sing at Karaoke: Irresistible Tracks [2026]
[2026] Songs I Want to Try Singing at Karaoke! A Roundup of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku (51–60)
Words of FarewellKaientai
This is a song that was used as the theme for a drama in which Tetsuya Takeda of Kaientai himself appeared.
Today it’s passed down as a graduation song, but it was originally written based on Takeda’s experience of being rejected and going through a heartbreak.
It’s a song that has been covered by many artists, including Aya Ueto.
RunawayShaneruzu
It’s the debut single by Sharam Q (later Rats & Star).
Originally, it was created solely for a commercial and produced with only one chorus, but it’s said to have been later completed as a full song.
Although they are currently on hiatus, a group called Gosperats has been formed with selected members from Rats & Star and The Gospellers.
Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko
Released in 1982 as Seiko Matsuda’s eighth single, this song also drew attention for being composed by Yumi Matsutoya.
It has become one of Seiko Matsuda’s signature songs, and in 2015 it was performed for the first time as the finale act at the NHK New Year’s Eve music show, Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a cute song that’s also very popular in karaoke.
Cape ErimoMori Shinichi
Released in 1974, it sold a total of one million copies and won both the Grand Prix at the 16th Japan Record Awards and the Grand Prix at the 5th Japan Kayō Awards.
The song also drew attention as a work by the golden duo who represented the heyday of folk music: lyrics by Osami Okamoto and composition by Takuro Yoshida.
Other people’s relationshipsKanai Katsuko
This is the song that drew attention at the time for Katsuco Kanai, a former ballet dancer, singing with a blank expression and its choreography.
She appeared in a commercial for a certain rice manufacturer, performing her own distinctive choreography, which many elementary school students imitated, bringing the song back into the spotlight.
In recent years, it was covered by Yo Hitoto, garnering renewed attention.