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)
AmanSugawara Yoichi / Shiruvia
It’s a duet by Yoichi Sugawara and Silvia.
It also became the song that led Silvia to start her career as a solo singer.
Strongly steeped in the mood-kayō style, the song is striking for its lyrics, which are sprinkled with words that evoke adult allure and a blazing, passionate romance.
Since it’s sung by a man and a woman, it’s well-suited for a duet, but because the lyrics are provocative, you might want to choose the occasion carefully before performing it.
Cleopatra’s DreamKobayashi Akira & Yashiro Aki
A collaborative song by Akira Kobayashi and Aki Yashiro, it centers on adult friendship and life.
The lyrics, which vividly depict time spent in a calm, intimate bar, are especially memorable.
Released in May 2012, the piece was produced for their nationwide tour, “Futari no Big Show.” Its delicate piano touch stands out, and the track blends pop and enka into a cohesive style.
It’s perfect for singing with friends at karaoke or in a snack bar.
The two singers’ voices, brimming with mature allure, are sure to resonate with listeners.
Summer Girl Soniamonta yoshinori / ohashi junko
A duet by Junko Ohashi and Yoshinori Monta, released in 1983.
As a duet by two singers renowned for their vocal prowess, it’s a track where you can enjoy overwhelmingly powerful twin vocals.
It delivers a blazing performance that truly embodies a “Summer Woman!!” vibe.
The soulful vocals are absolutely stunning.
It might be difficult for most people to sing like the original artists, but by all means, sing your heart out and blow away the summer heat!
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.
