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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- Compilation of enka duet songs. Introducing popular kayōkyoku hits as well!
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- [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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Nostalgic duet songs (21–30)
White is the color of lovers.Bettsi & Kurisu
A folk song whose appeal lies in its heartfelt, pure harmonies.
Beginning with an acoustic guitar intro, its gentle melody tells a love story painted through the colors of nature—flowers, the sky, and sunsets—leaving a lingering resonance.
The clear harmonies woven by Betsy & Chris’s pristine voices evoke a nostalgic feeling that makes anyone want to hum along.
Released by Nippon Columbia in October 1969, the single became a major hit, ranking 11th on the 1970 Oricon year-end chart.
It has been covered by various artists, and in 2001 it was featured as an insert song in the film Crayon Shin-chan: The Storm Called: The Adult Empire Strikes Back, bringing it renewed attention.
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.
Angels of the CityHoriuchi Takao / Katsura Ginshu
I like how “City Angels” feels more like a regular pop/enkā-style song than a typical duet.
I picture a man and woman living in the city, loving each other while soaked in the loneliness of urban life.
The collaboration between Takao Horiuchi’s sweet, gentle male vocals and Ginshi Kajura’s husky, sultry female vocals is wonderful.
So tonight…Masuiyama Taishirō & Sawada Katsue
The classic song “Dakara Konya wa…” by Taishiro Masuiyama and Katsue Sawada.
Released in March 1979, it peaked at No.
48 on the Oricon chart and became a popular duet.
This work is an emotionally rich enka ballad that sings of deep love between a man and a woman.
It is known as one of Masuiyama’s signature songs, as he drew attention not only as a singer but also for his career as a sumo wrestler.
It also gained buzz as a brother–sister duo, and it has long been loved in karaoke and snack bars.
With its gentle atmosphere and melodic style, it’s perfect for singing with someone special.
Be sure to try performing it as a duet with someone.
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.
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.
Azusa No. 2karyūdō
This is a signature song by a male duo from the Showa era.
I love folk songs from this period! In “Azusa No.
2,” the A and B sections are relatively quiet, but once the chorus hits and the harmonies come in, it suddenly soars! It’s incredibly cool and feels so good to sing! The harmony is basically a third below, but since the main melody’s chorus sits around G4 and has that belting quality, the harmony should come in firmly so it doesn’t get overshadowed.
When entering the chorus, listen carefully to the backing track and breathe together so you both come in at the same time! The unison at the end of the chorus after all that harmonizing is wonderful, too.
It might be a somewhat wistful song, but when the harmonies lock in, it’ll give you goosebumps—so definitely find a partner and give it a try!
