[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.
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- 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! A Roundup of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku (51–60)
ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG
This is a song by HOUND DOG that has been featured in numerous commercials.
In the past, it was even covered in a commercial starring Akiko Wada herself, and it drew renewed attention when boxer Daiki Kameda sang it after winning a match.
Following the Great East Japan Earthquake, prompted by Kohei Otomo, a video was made of celebrities lip-syncing to this song to solicit donations.
Galaxy Express 999Godaigo
It was the theme song for the movie adaptation of the anime with the same title.
It has been covered by many artists, including EXILE, and is popular among people in their teens and twenties.
Although a ballad was initially proposed, it’s said that changing it to an uptempo arrangement later gave the song a more dynamic feel.
My loverGorin Mayumi
Released in 1980, this song became Mayumi Itsuwa’s 18th single and her biggest hit.
It was written in memory of the producer from her debut days who died in a traffic accident, and it also marked her first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The song drew attention to her beautiful appearance as well.
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe
Released in 1978 as Momoe Yamaguchi’s 24th single, this song was composed by Shinji Tanimura and became a massive hit.
With total sales exceeding one million copies, it remains her biggest hit and continues to be covered by many artists.
It’s also popular at karaoke because it’s easy to sing.
[2026] Songs I Want to Try Singing at Karaoke! Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku Hits (61–70)
Full of memoriesH₂O
This song, which became the theme for an anime, is a hit by H2O.
The record was released in 1983, and it drew renewed attention when it was issued on CD in 1996.
Even today, it is sometimes performed as a choral piece and is sung by people across a wide range of generations.
Akiko Kosakaanata
Released in 1973 as Akiko Kosaka’s debut single, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon singles chart for seven consecutive weeks a month after its release, sold over two million copies, and became a million-seller.
At just 16, she wrote both the lyrics and the music, drawing significant attention at the time.
Into the DreamInoue Yosui
The song was later covered by Yuki Saito and is said to be a pioneer of idol covers.
In recent years, it drew attention when it was covered by Sarasa Ifu, the singer who is the biological daughter of Yosui Inoue.
In 2017, it was used as a drama theme song, and the single CD was released again.