From Showa-era kayōkyoku to J-POP! A nostalgia-packed roundup of karaoke crowd-pleasers
Timeless classics are passed down and sung across generations, aren’t they?
From grand ballads to upbeat numbers that feel like a fresh breeze.
Still, when it comes to songs loved by every generation—those that nearly everyone, young and old, knows—surprisingly few come to mind, don’t they?
So! We’ve gathered a collection of nostalgic yet never-fading masterpieces, focusing on Showa-era kayōkyoku and up through mid-’90s J-POP!
There are lots of songs you can enjoy together at karaoke despite any generation gap, so be sure to check them out!
From Showa-era kayōkyoku to J-POP! A throwback hit selection that gets the karaoke party going (1–10)
DESIRENakamori Akina
She is a top idol of the Showa era on par with Seiko Matsuda, and is especially popular among men of her generation.
With a cute face and a rich, resonant voice that you wouldn’t expect from that face, she has captivated people’s hearts.
I think everyone has heard the chorus of her songs.
A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko
It’s a classic that many artists still cover today.
It was released as the opening theme for the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, and just as that series remains a timeless favorite, this song will continue to be passed down and sung for years to come.
The chorus is easy for anyone to sing, so everyone can join in and have a great time together!
Let’s count your kissesKoyanagi Yuki
The chorus is especially moving.
With a deep, resonant voice, I think it’s a song that was especially popular among women in love.
I’ve heard that some people are brought to tears each time they listen because it’s such a wonderful song.
It requires a lot of vocal power, so it’s very rewarding to sing, and it’s a song I want to carry through strongly to the very end.
A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR
It’s undeniably a classic crowd-pleaser from the Showa era! Rats & Star were hugely popular at the time—both their songs and the group itself had everyone hooked.
This track is a dance number with a lively Latin flavor, and their music charmed listeners with a sound that felt a bit beyond Japan.
Their signature ‘Me!’ pose was a big hit! Even people who don’t know them can have fun with it.
FriendsRebekka
This is Rebecca’s signature song from 1985, back when they were hugely popular as a female-fronted band.
Everyone admired vocalist NOKKO’s sweet yet powerful voice.
Even now, plenty of women belt this song out at karaoke! Its slightly bittersweet melody and driving energy sweep everyone up.
It’s sure to get even younger listeners—who didn’t know it in real time—fired up!
Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko
This song is emblematic of Seiko Matsuda, the idol who became a social phenomenon.
She has many hit songs, but when you think of Seiko-chan, it’s this track that propelled her into Showa-era idol stardom.
Her pure, translucent voice and the song’s fresh, immaculate feel come together perfectly—truly a miracle.
Even across generations, this timeless classic never fades; singing it won’t just liven up the crowd, it will move them.
GET WILDTM NETWORK
The 10th single from TM NETWORK, a group everyone admired back then.
It’s also famous as the band Tetsuya Komuro belonged to.
The cool blend of techno sound and rock got everyone fired up.
I bet there are still many TM NETWORK fans who belt this out at karaoke even today.
It’s a timeless classic!
I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka
Speaking of Yutaka Ozaki, I think most people think of this song first.
It was released as a single after his death, and even today it can be called one of his signature songs beloved by the nation.
It’s a classic that ranks high among nostalgic Showa-era love songs.
It’s quiet and deeply moving—truly wonderful.
Falling in LoveKobayashi Akiko
It’s an extremely famous song with infidelity as its theme.
It’s a quintessential piece of Showa-era pop.
While it does feel outdated by today’s standards, the lyrics, which sing of the secret love in a woman’s heart, are poignant and relatable, aren’t they? The melody is beautiful too, and the English lyrics in the second verse sound even more heartrending and really strike a chord.
Sailor Suit and Machine GunYakushimaru Hiroko
The theme song of the film Sailor Suit and Machine Gun, which popularized the line “Ka-i-ka-n,” drew attention because the star, Hiroko Yakushimaru, sang it herself.
It was a huge hit in 1981.
Her clear, innocent voice is captivating.
At first this song might sound like a nostalgic oldie, but as you listen, its calmly repeating melody slowly seeps into you.
If you sing it at karaoke, even young people who don’t know it will be moved!