[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! Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku Hits (31–40)
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.
Northern SpringSen Masao
Released in 1977, this song’s lyrics depict a man living in the city who receives a parcel from his family home and reminisces about his hometown in early spring, his family, and a past love.
It became a million-seller and won the Long-Seller Award at the 21st Japan Record Awards.
celebratory sakeSakamoto Fuyumi
Released in 1988 as Fuyumi Sakamoto’s third single, it became a long-running hit.
It won the Gold Prize at the 30th Japan Record Awards, and with this song she made her first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Even today, it’s loved as a celebratory song often sung at weddings.
Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai
Released in 1985 as Anzenchitai’s ninth single, the song became a major hit thanks to Koji Tamaki’s gentle, translucent voice.
It also marked their first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
In 1993, it was used in a commercial for Kirin Beer’s Aki Aji, and it remains a popular choice for karaoke.
From the northern innMiyako Harumi
It was Harumi Miyako’s 66th single, released in 1975.
It became a million seller and won the 18th Japan Record Award.
At the 27th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, on the strength of this song’s hit status and the many music awards it received, she served for the first time as the Red Team’s closing act and the overall finale in her 12th appearance.