[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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- When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
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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!
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- [Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke
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[2026] Songs I Want to Try Singing at Karaoke! A Collection of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku Hits (41–50)
Love MemoryMatsuzaki Shigeru
Released in 1977, this song features outstanding vocals and is Shigeru Matsuzaki’s biggest hit.
Also released in 1977, it was used in an Ezaki Glico Almond Chocolate commercial, which led to his first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The song was also chosen as the marching tune for the 50th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in the spring of 1978.
[2026] Songs I Want to Try Singing at Karaoke! A Roundup of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku (51–60)
Words of FarewellKaientai
This is a song that was used as the theme for a drama in which Tetsuya Takeda of Kaientai himself appeared.
Today it’s passed down as a graduation song, but it was originally written based on Takeda’s experience of being rejected and going through a heartbreak.
It’s a song that has been covered by many artists, including Aya Ueto.
RunawayShaneruzu
It’s the debut single by Sharam Q (later Rats & Star).
Originally, it was created solely for a commercial and produced with only one chorus, but it’s said to have been later completed as a full song.
Although they are currently on hiatus, a group called Gosperats has been formed with selected members from Rats & Star and The Gospellers.
Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko
Released in 1982 as Seiko Matsuda’s eighth single, this song also drew attention for being composed by Yumi Matsutoya.
It has become one of Seiko Matsuda’s signature songs, and in 2015 it was performed for the first time as the finale act at the NHK New Year’s Eve music show, Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a cute song that’s also very popular in karaoke.
Cape ErimoMori Shinichi
Released in 1974, it sold a total of one million copies and won both the Grand Prix at the 16th Japan Record Awards and the Grand Prix at the 5th Japan Kayō Awards.
The song also drew attention as a work by the golden duo who represented the heyday of folk music: lyrics by Osami Okamoto and composition by Takuro Yoshida.
Other people’s relationshipsKanai Katsuko
This is the song that drew attention at the time for Katsuco Kanai, a former ballet dancer, singing with a blank expression and its choreography.
She appeared in a commercial for a certain rice manufacturer, performing her own distinctive choreography, which many elementary school students imitated, bringing the song back into the spotlight.
In recent years, it was covered by Yo Hitoto, garnering renewed attention.
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.