A Showa-era duet song. A timeless karaoke/snack-bar classic!
Do you like duet songs?
Some of you may have sung together with friends or even other customers at karaoke or in a snack bar.
Singing your favorite song solo is certainly fun, but duet songs—where two people weave harmonies—have a unique charm all their own.
In this article, we’ve gathered classic Showa-era duet songs that just about everyone has heard at least once.
Even if you’ve never tried a duet, take this chance to learn one and try singing it with a friend.
- [Karaoke] Duet songs for men and women. A roundup of popular and classic tracks.
- A love song you can sing as a duet. From Showa-era kayōkyoku to the latest J-pop!
- [Karaoke] Duet Song Rankings [2026]
- [Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke.
- Compilation of enka duet songs. Introducing popular kayōkyoku hits as well!
- When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
- [Duet Songs] A roundup of recommended tracks perfect for two women to sing together!
- [Harmony Songs for Duets] Songs that feel great to harmonize
- A roundup of duet songs sung by men—classic tracks renowned for their compelling harmonies and call-and-response.
- [Revisited] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era songs that are trending now [2026]
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- 【2026】A Collection of Masterpieces: Enka and Kayōkyoku Duets by Two Women
- Recommended love songs for people in their 90s: A collection of classic Shōwa-era romance songs
Nostalgic duet songs (61–70)
Rain in Kanazawakawanaka miyuki / miyamoto ryuji
Kanazawa no Ame, a famous song by Miyuki Kawanaka released in 2006, is well known to many, especially since it won the Gold Award at the 49th Japan Record Awards in 2007.
There is also a duet version featuring former NHK announcer Ryuji Miyamoto.
Because the arrangement assigns all the high parts to the female vocalist, it’s an easy duet for men with lower voices to sing.
However, the male part includes some slightly challenging kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), so be mindful of that.
Withered Susuki Grass of the Shōwa Erasakura to ichirō
This is a song titled “Shōwa Karesusuki” released in 1974 by the male-female duo Sakura and Ichirō.
It sings of the hardships and loneliness of living through the Shōwa era.
Although it didn’t sell well at first, after it was featured in a television drama that aired at the time, it became so popular that it achieved million-seller status.
It is a classic beloved by major singers such as Naomi Chiaki and Hibari Misora.
I know it’s bothersome, but…Tonneruzu
Now firmly established as legendary comedy entertainers and a vocal duo that has released numerous classic songs, Tunnels.
Their 11th single, “Meiwaku Deshō ga…”—also covered by Hiroshi Itsuki—is a track where you’ll want to pay attention to the spoken-word parts that evoke the TV drama “Zenryaku Ofukuro-sama.” The melody, where the distinct voices of Takaaki Ishibashi and Noritake Kinashi intertwine, perfectly suits the wistful arrangement.
It’s a lyrical ballad that belies its origins as a comic song.
Meoto KaidoTendō Yoshimi & Ichikawa Shōsuke
A masterpiece by Yoshimi Tendo and Shosuke Ichikawa that moves the hearts of enka fans.
Its appeal lies in deeply emotional lyrics portraying the bonds of a married couple and the joys and hardships of life.
The lyrics also weave in the changes from the Showa to Heisei eras, powerfully expressing the journey the couple has walked together.
Released in December 1989, this song came out as a single cassette from Teichiku Entertainment.
Loved by enka fans for many years, it remains a popular number often sung at karaoke and in snack bars.
It’s the perfect song for reflecting on memories with your spouse or family, or for reaffirming your bond with someone special.
By all means, try singing it together with someone.
Liquor of the LovelornIshikawa Sayuri & Sugimoto Masato
A duet by Sayuri Ishikawa and Masato Sugimoto that sings of adult heartbreak.
Included on the album “Onna Jin’ya” released in January 2016, this song features an upbeat yet wistful melody that leaves a strong impression.
It portrays a man and woman, both heartbroken, trying to heal their wounds over drinks, with lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners.
Beloved by many, it has ranked high on karaoke charts.
It’s recommended not only for those carrying the pain of a breakup, but also for anyone who wants to sing with someone special.
Ladybug Sambacherisshu
A hit song by the husband-and-wife duo Cherish, released as their seventh single in July 1973.
It became a big hit, selling over 400,000 copies on the Oricon charts, and even today it remains one of the standard wedding songs.
Especially as of 2020, many people in their 40s and older may have had this song performed at their own weddings, or have sung it at friends’ weddings.
While it strongly carries the flavor of 1970s folk and kayōkyoku, its highly universal melody still feels perfectly pleasant to listen to today.
It might also be fun to sing it at karaoke with a wedding scenario in mind to get everyone excited!
Sunset HillIshihara Yūjirō/Asaoka Ruriko
It’s a duet song performed by Yujiro Ishihara, a major star of the Showa era, and the alluring actress Ruriko Asaoka.
The song was used as the theme for the film of the same title, Sunset Hill, released in 1964, in which the two also appeared.
Because the song directly reflects the world of the story, some viewers of the movie have found it deeply moving.
Although it’s a lyrical piece that leaves a lingering sense of sadness after it ends, that very quality makes it strangely addictive.