Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
When you hear “solo acoustic performance,” many people probably picture Showa-era folk songs.
In recent years, thanks to the influence of social media and streaming services, many beloved classics have seen a revival, making it easier for people of all generations to enjoy timeless songs.
This time, we’re introducing a selection of Showa-era tracks that are perfect for solo acoustic performances.
Each song features the warm, resonant tones of the acoustic guitar that truly touch the heart—so be sure to find your new favorite!
- [Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke
- An acoustic guitar’s tone that leaves an impression! Recommended Heisei-era hit songs for solo singing with guitar
- Nostalgic yet new! Hit songs from the Showa era you’ll want to use as BGM
- [Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke.
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- A roundup of classic Showa-era kayō songs: a comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations.
- A classic Japanese folk song passed down through generations of acoustic performances
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for men in their 80s: Showa-era classics to perform at karaoke
- Songs I'd love to hear on acoustic guitar! Reiwa-era masterpieces perfect for sing-alongs
- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
- When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- A Showa-era song that had a revival hit on YouTube Shorts
Nothing but timeless classics! Showa-era hit songs (11–20) recommended for sing-and-play performances
A woman born in OsakaBORO
This song, which portrays the youth and love of a woman born in Osaka, was written during the period when BORO performed solo with just his guitar.
Told from the perspective of a woman who frequents discos, it weaves together her affection for her hometown and her resolve to embark on a new life.
Released in August 1979, it became a major hit, selling 179,000 copies according to Oricon.
Accompanied by the sound of an acoustic guitar, the lyrics vividly conjure scenes of Osaka at night and resonate deeply.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who has decided to leave their hometown or who feels nostalgic for their youth.
Listening to OliviaAnri
A melody that gently envelops the lingering ache of a bittersweet romance, paired with refined musicianship, resonates deeply in the heart.
The lyrics, which carefully depict a woman healing her delicate emotions after a breakup while listening to Olivia Newton-John’s songs, have struck a chord with many.
With Anri’s clear, translucent vocals giving the piece a sophisticated, urban feel, it was released in November 1978 and included on the album “Anri.” In 2008, it was also featured as an insert song in the Nippon TV drama “Saito-san,” cementing its status as a timeless classic loved across generations.
This warm ballad offers comfort to those trying to recover from the pain of heartbreak and to anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.
Cape TourYamamoto Kōtarō to Uīkuendo
It’s a classic song that poignantly portrays a bittersweet love journey, marked by striking images of a beautiful sea and cape.
The gentle, refreshing melody harmonizes beautifully with lyrical verses that circle around memories of a cherished person who has been lost.
The delicate depiction of traveling alone on a trip once promised to a loved one conveys a quiet resilience—a resolve to move forward while carrying sorrow.
Yamamoto Kotaro and The Weekend debuted with this song in June 1974, and it became a major hit, reaching No.
5 on the Oricon charts.
It has long been beloved as the station melody on the Keikyu Kurihama Line and was also used as the ending theme for the anime Heaven’s Lost Property.
For those who have experienced parting from someone dear or who carry deep feelings in their hearts, this song will gently keep them company.
White Winterfuki no tō
This is a lyrical piece that poignantly sings of the transition from autumn to winter.
Carried by the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar, it overlays the sorrow of a bygone love and shifting emotions onto the changing of the seasons.
The transparent harmonies of Fukinotou weave a delicate world that resonates deeply in the heart.
Released as a debut single in September 1974, the song gradually gained popularity after being featured on Takuro Yoshida’s All Night Nippon, eventually reaching No.
14 on the Oricon charts.
As the duo’s signature song, it has since been covered by numerous artists.
It is a track that gently accompanies the resolve to quietly accept the end of a romance—one to listen to when you wish to heal the wounds of heartbreak or to put your feelings in order.
Dancing All Nightmonta & burazāzu
A classic that swept through Japan’s 1980s music scene, depicting a sweetly romantic story.
Its nostalgic melody and lyrics that capture delicate emotions resonate deeply.
Yoshinori Monta’s distinctive husky voice beautifully expresses its romantic worldview.
Released in April 1980, it held the No.
1 spot on the Oricon charts for 10 consecutive weeks and won the Gold Prize at the 22nd Japan Record Awards.
Built mainly on three chords—Em, Am, and B7—with just a single Em/A appearing once, it’s a perfect song for mastering guitar fundamentals.
blue eyesJakkī Yoshikawa to Burū Komettsu
A masterpiece where a wistful melody merges with a stirring band sound.
First released during the dawn of the Group Sounds era—its English version in March 1966 and Japanese version in July—the song portrays a bittersweet romance with a woman encountered at the end of a journey through northern landscapes.
Following the English version’s sales of over 100,000 copies, the Japanese version became a massive hit, surpassing 500,000.
It earned Jackie Yoshikawa and the Blue Comets a spot in the 17th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen and helped ignite the GS boom.
With its polished performance and harmonies, this sonic world is a perfect pick for anyone wishing to bask in memories of first love and youth.
Nothing but timeless classics! Showa-era hit songs (21–30) recommended for solo singing with guitar/piano accompaniment
That wonderful love once moreKatō Kazuhiko, Kitayama Osamu
A gem of a folk song, filled with longing and nostalgia in search of a lost love.
It gently embraces shifting emotional distances and reflections on youth gone by.
The warm sonic world woven by the soothing resonance of the acoustic guitar and a refined arrangement beautifully captures the farewells and hoped-for reunions we all encounter in life.
Since its release in May 1971, it has been beloved as a staple for school events and graduation season, and has been widely used as incidental music in dramas and variety shows.
When you want to linger in memories with someone dear, why not immerse yourself in its soul-stirring vocals and poetic world?