[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! Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku Hits (21–30)
DESIRE -Passion-Nakamori Akina
It’s said that the image of a bobbed black hairstyle, kimono, and high heels was something Akina Nakamori decided on by inspiration when she first heard the song.
At the time, it was loved by junior and senior high school students as a crowd-pleasing track—one they would hype up by shouting responses during the song and imitating the choreography.
The Day the Seagulls FlewWatanabe Machiko
This song, memorable from the very first line, is also used as the train approach melody at Horinouchi Station in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, the hometown of Machiko Watanabe, who composed and sings it.
It’s said that at a listening event for new songs, the response to this track was so strong that it even prompted an encore.
Night of 15Ozaki Yutaka
This was Yutaka Ozaki’s debut song, written based on his own real-life experiences.
Yutaka Ozaki enjoyed immense popularity among teenagers at the time, but he passed away at a young age.
Later, his son, Hiroya Ozaki, drew attention when he covered the song on a Yutaka Ozaki tribute album.
First loveMurashita Kōzō
This song, based on his own first love, is Kozo Murashita’s biggest hit.
A monument dedicated to this song stands in his hometown.
Thanks to covers by artists like May J.
and Chris Hart, this gentle ode to first love has once again reached younger generations.
Falling in LoveKobayashi Akiko
Released in 1985 as Akiko Kobayashi’s debut single, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Friday Wives III: Fall in Love.” It won the Newcomer’s Award at the 27th Japan Record Awards and remains a classic that is still widely covered by many artists and sung at karaoke.
Forever with youKayama Yūzō
It was released in 1965 as Yuzo Kayama’s fifth single.
Selling over three million copies, it received the Special Award at the 8th Japan Record Awards in 1966.
Used as the theme song for “Young Guy of the Alps,” it is one of Yuzo Kayama’s signature songs.
If I’m wrapped in kindnessArai Yumi
This is a song by Yumi Matsutoya (then known as Yumi Arai) released in 1974.
It returned to the spotlight after being used as the ending theme of a certain animated film.
It has been covered by many artists, including Ayaka and The Gospellers.
The song is also popular among the generation who watched the anime at the time.