[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)
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.
UFOpinku redii
This song, arguably Pink Lady’s signature track, is their biggest hit single.
In recent years, even a DVD where the duo teaches the choreography has been released, leading to more people performing it with the dance moves.
Some karaoke models even feature a Pink Lady “choreography master” version, which is quite popular.
Good-bye, My LoveAn Ruisu
This was Ann Lewis’s first hit song.
Although she’s known for her striking rock style, she was still following an idol route at the time, so this song is sung in a cute, charming manner.
It has been covered by many artists, but the version sung by Teresa Teng has been especially beloved across Asia for many years.
Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten
Released in 1986 as Teresa Teng’s 14th single, it won the Grand Prix for the third consecutive year—an unprecedented achievement—at both the 19th Japan Cable Awards and the 19th All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards.
It has become a classic that continues to be covered by many artists.