[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!
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the ’70s to 2000s that are perfect for livening up karaoke
- [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)
CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
A folk ballad created for a friend’s wedding.
Its powerful vocals warmly embrace a heart full of uncertainty and gently give you a push forward—an anthem for life.
It’s also well-known as a staple song performed as entertainment at wedding receptions.
The lyrics carry the message: “I’m wholeheartedly cheering you on as you go straight down the path you believe in!” Released in September 1980, it saw renewed success with a re-recorded version in 1988.
It was performed on many TV programs, such as the Kōhaku Uta Gassen and the FNS Music Festival, and became a hot topic.
Listen to it before stepping onto a new stage to lift your spirits, and stride confidently along the path you’ve chosen.
Galaxy Express 999Godaigo
It was the theme song for the movie adaptation of the anime with the same title.
It has been covered by many artists, including EXILE, and is popular among people in their teens and twenties.
Although a ballad was initially proposed, it’s said that changing it to an uptempo arrangement later gave the song a more dynamic feel.
foreignerKUBOTA Saki
Released in 1979, this song is the artist’s self-written and composed debut.
It became a hit after being featured in a commercial for Sanyo Electric’s color TV “Kukkiri Tate 7,” and thanks to numerous cover versions by many artists, it has remained well-known among younger generations.
My loverGorin Mayumi
Released in 1980, this song became Mayumi Itsuwa’s 18th single and her biggest hit.
It was written in memory of the producer from her debut days who died in a traffic accident, and it also marked her first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The song drew attention to her beautiful appearance as well.
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe
Released in 1978 as Momoe Yamaguchi’s 24th single, this song was composed by Shinji Tanimura and became a massive hit.
With total sales exceeding one million copies, it remains her biggest hit and continues to be covered by many artists.
It’s also popular at karaoke because it’s easy to sing.