[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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- 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
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- [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! Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku Tracks (11–20)
MasqueradeShonentai
This was Shonentai’s debut single, which immediately hit No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
It became Shonentai’s biggest hit among their debut singles.
The song won numerous newcomer awards and remains a go-to at parties and events—easy to sing and easy to dance to.
Slow motionNakamori Akina
It’s the spring season, full of a sense that new journeys are about to begin.
This classic song about the flutter of first love catapulted Akina Nakamori into stardom as her debut single.
Released in May 1982, it was crafted by a stellar team: lyrics by Etsuko Kisugi and music by Takao Kisugi.
There’s a story that during her very first recording session, she pronounced the title as “Slow Motion—,” which gives a glimpse of the fresh innocence of Nakamori, who was 16 at the time.
Lightly sketching the beginning of a romance, the song remains beloved across generations at karaoke.
Why not savor its spring-breeze freshness alongside Nakamori’s clear, transparent vocals?
Pink sighTakahashi Mariko
When it comes to iconic songs of the 1980s, this track is the one.
Its distinctive exotic atmosphere evokes the Mediterranean, and its alluring worldview—depicting the romance of a mature woman—is part of its charm.
Mariko Takahashi’s overwhelming vocal prowess further elevates the piece.
Released in May 1984, it was used in a commercial for Mitsuki’s “Camellia Diamond” and peaked at No.
4 on the Oricon weekly chart.
When singing it at karaoke, try leaning into the exotic vibe and fully expressing a sophisticated, adult allure.
younger boykyandīzu
With this song, Candies made their first appearance on the Red and White Song Battle (Kōhaku Uta Gassen).
Even today, it’s a song that idols sometimes perform on music programs.
There are many videos for people who want to practice the cute choreography.
It’s also a song that many idols have released cover versions of.
Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko
A classic song that delicately portrays the moment of parting is revived by Kiyohiko Ozaki’s voice.
With lyrics that brilliantly capture the aching emotions of a man and a woman, and Ozaki’s dynamic singing that strikes the heart, this work is unforgettable.
Released in March 1971, it topped the Oricon Singles Chart for nine consecutive weeks and became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.
It also achieved the rare feat of winning both the Grand Prize at the 13th Japan Record Awards and the 2nd Japan Kayō Awards.
If you sing it at karaoke, it’s a song that resonates with anyone who has experienced a breakup.
Pour your feelings into it, and the room will surely fall silent.