[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! A Collection of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku Hits (41–50)
Love is overŌyō Fifi
It’s a song that could be considered one of Fifi Ouyang’s signature tracks about heartbreak.
Ouyang, who is from Taiwan, recalls that she wasn’t very proficient in Japanese at the time of the release and didn’t fully understand the lyrics.
In recent years, JUJU’s cover has made the song known among younger generations.
School HeavenFingā 5
A signature song by Finger 5 that sings of the bittersweet crushes of youth.
With lyrics by Yu Aku and music by Tadao Inoue, the song charmingly captures the pure feelings of student days.
Upon its release in March 1974, it became a major hit and catapulted Finger 5 to stardom.
The school-themed love song came to symbolize their musical style.
Fourteen years later, Kyoko Koizumi covered it, drawing renewed attention and ensuring its enduring popularity.
Sing it at karaoke, and it will surely bring back the sweet memories of school days that almost everyone has experienced at least once.
applausechiaki naomi
It was released in 1972 as Naomi Chiaki’s 13th single.
The song is set on a stage where she sings while thinking of her late lover.
It sold about 800,000 copies according to Oricon’s tally and won the 14th Japan Record Award at an unusually rapid pace—just three months after its release.
Lingering Snowiruka
Originally recorded on Kaguya-hime’s album, the song was released as a cover by Iruka in November 1975 and became a major hit.
It turned into Iruka’s biggest hit and is now often sung at graduation ceremonies and farewell occasions.
It is a classic that has been covered by many artists.
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.