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 (21–30)
The Two of Us in 5 Minutes and 5 SecondsRōzu to Yūsuke
A duet song by Rose and Yusuke that portrays the bittersweet parting of a slightly tipsy man and woman on a Saturday night.
Set to a beautiful melody that fully conveys a mature sense of romance, the scene of the two reaffirming their feelings for each other resonates deeply.
The exquisite harmony woven by the traditional vocals of the third-generation Columbia Rose and the warm singing of Yusuke Hashiri has captivated many fans since its release in November 2012.
With clearly divided male and female parts, it’s perfect for duets at karaoke or in snack bars.
It’s a charming piece that makes you want to share the feeling of lingering over a farewell with someone dear.
Modern Golden DemonKasagi Shizuko / Sakai Shunji
This song is an unconventional collaboration between Shizuko Kasagi, the “Queen of Boogie” who epitomized the postwar music scene, and Shunji Sakai, a hugely popular comic actor.
Released in the early 1950s, it was also chosen as the theme song for the film “Zakuzaku Musume.” Set to a lively boogie-woogie rhythm, it humorously portrays views on love and money, offering a unique piece that expresses the world of classical literature through the popular music of the time.
Kasagi’s vibrant vocals and Sakai’s comedic banter blend into a perfect harmony.
Sung as a duet, it’s sure to brighten the atmosphere wherever it’s performed.
IzakayaItsuki Hiroshi / Kinomi Nana
This famous duet song ranked second in copyright royalties distributed during the Heisei era.
Released in 1982, it depicts a conversation between a man and a woman who happen to end up sitting next to each other at an izakaya.
Many listeners can probably relate to this kind of situation that could easily happen over drinks.
With almost no difficult harmony parts, its easygoing singability may be part of its appeal.
North AirportKatsura Ginshuku, Hama Keisuke
Released in 1987, “Kita Kūkō” (North Airport) is a duet by Keisuke Hama and Eun Joo Kang.
Its melancholy melody highlights the chill of the northern country, giving it that quintessential Showa-era feel.
Since its release, it has been very popular for karaoke and is so well-known that many consider it the go-to duet for mature men and women.
You’re lying—again tonight.Rosu Indiosu & Shirubia
A masterpiece of mood kayō that portrays the poignant push-and-pull of love between a man and a woman.
Released in 1981 by Los Indios & Silvia, this song exquisitely balances a man’s earnest confession of love with the woman’s complex feelings as she cannot accept it.
Performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it vividly sings of a couple’s missed connections and remains a karaoke and snack-bar favorite.
Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a duet with a like-minded opposite-sex friend or someone you meet on the spot.
Two People in OsakaMiyako Harumi / Miyazaki Masashi
This song, sung by the grand dame of enka, Harumi Miyako, was originally a duet with Masashi Miyazaki.
The lyrics are by Osamu Yoshioka, also known for Sayuri Ishikawa’s smash hit “Amagi-goe,” and they vividly portray a parting scene between two adults.
Since it’s a track centered on Harumi Miyako, it begins from the woman’s perspective, making it a reassuring choice even for men who aren’t very familiar with the song.
I loved you, loved you, I ended up falling so in love.Tashiro Miyoko & Wada Hiroshi to Mahina Sutāzu
“I Loved You, Loved You, Loved You So Much” is a very straightforward love song.
Miyoko Tashiro’s warm, gentle image further sparks the excitement of loving someone.
Though it’s an adult song, it’s a fun tune for people of all ages to sing.
If someone starts singing it, it seems like everyone there would get into it together.