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.
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- [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]
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Duet songs of nostalgic hits (’71–’80)
Dawn of PartingIshihara Yūjirō / Yashiro Aki
“Dawn of Parting,” released in 1974.
This song is tenderly sung by two powerhouse Showa-era vocalists, Yujiro Ishihara and Aki Yashiro.
The lyrics are short and the melody is easy to remember, so with a bit of practice you’ll be able to sing it right away! Since it’s a song about mature love, enjoy its world together with the person you sing it with.
This song might even be the spark that brings your hearts much closer.
A Nighttime EncounterIshihara Yūjirō / Yashiro Aki
A duet song by Yujiro Ishihara and Aki Yashiro.
Yujiro Ishihara’s low, gentle voice captivated many women.
It’s a song you can sing with full mood, and the chorus really soars, so both the singer and the listeners will likely feel a sense of nostalgia.
It lifts your spirits—definitely a song worth remembering.
Listen to it over and over until you’ve learned it, and be sure to perform it confidently in front of everyone!
Now, the Earth awakens.Naosumi Kamata, Yuko Yamaji
A captivating piece featuring a grand, hope-filled melody and powerful yet delicate harmonies.
Baritone singer Naosumi Kamata, known for his deep knowledge of classical music, and gospel singer Yuko Yamaji bring out each other’s individuality, delivering a remarkable vocal performance.
Released as an EP by Polydor Records in 1978, this work was used as the opening theme for the NHK TV anime Future Boy Conan.
Composer Shinichiro Ikebe created the music specifically for this production, which marked Hayao Miyazaki’s directorial debut.
Singing it as a duet with someone special—at karaoke or in a cozy bar—will bring out the song’s charm even more.
Duet songs from the nostalgic era (’81–’90)
A heart that says “my dear, my dear.”Kobayashi Akira / Asaoka Ruriko
The duet song “Itoshi Itoshi to Iu Kokoro” by Akira Kobayashi and Ruriko Asaoka portrays the heart of a woman who has parted from the one she loves.
While most duets feature back-and-forth exchanges between a man and a woman or depict each person’s inner feelings, this track focuses solely on the woman.
It might seem challenging for a man to sing about a woman’s feelings, but Kobayashi’s part is basically the chorus, so in practice it isn’t difficult.
Be sure to give it a listen.
Osaka RhapsodyUminara Senri · Mari
When you think of Senri and Mari Uminara’s signature songs, many people probably picture this duet.
Released in February 1976, this classic depicts the sweet moments of lovers set against the city of Osaka.
While landmarks like Midosuji and Dotonbori appear, the song is notable for conveying the couple’s emotions more than offering detailed scenery.
The performance by the Meiji University Mandolin Club lends it a unique atmosphere.
It’s a number you’ll want to sing with someone special at karaoke or in a snack bar, and it’s sure to resonate even with those who don’t know Osaka.
Both hands to the starry skyShimakura Chiyoko / Moriya Hiroshi
The duet song “Hoshizora ni Ryōte o” by Hiroshi Moriya—known for his sweet yet astringent vocals—and Chiyoko Shimakura—who gained popularity for her charming voice—stands out.
While duet songs in enka and mood kayō often tend to be adult-oriented, depicting sultry romances or messy affairs, this piece is crafted as a pure love song.
The vocal difficulty is low and the melody is catchy, so be sure to try singing it at karaoke or in a snack bar.
Before winter comeskami fuusen
It’s a classic that weaves a bittersweet love story evoking the arrival of winter.
The harmonies of Kamifūsen beautifully paint the scenery of an autumn twilight.
Released in November 1977, the song became a big hit, selling 450,000 copies.
It reached No.
4 on the weekly Oricon chart and ranked No.
27 on the 1978 year-end chart.
Its appeal lies in the moving lyrics that trace feelings for a former lover alongside the changing seasons.
It’s a song you’ll want to sing together with someone special at karaoke or in a cozy bar.
A heartwarming duet perfect for long autumn nights.
In conclusion
We introduced some classic duet songs from the Showa era. Did you find a track that caught your interest? People often go to karaoke for farewell/welcome parties and reunions regardless of age, so it’s reassuring to have the standards down. A male-female duet might feel a bit embarrassing, but go for it and sing it with plenty of mood!