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 (41–50)
A Love Story in GinzaIshihara Yujiro / Makimura Junko
Released in 1961, this song portrays the glittering streets of Ginza alongside a poignant love story between a man and a woman.
The duet by Yujiro Ishihara and Junko Makimura beautifully captures the subtle differences in their emotions, with vocals that resonate deeply with listeners.
Featured as an insert song in the film “Kaze-o-Yobu Otoko: From Town to Town” and followed by a film of the same title the next year, it became a major hit.
As an emblem of Ginza, a monument to the song was erected in 1990.
Blending a man’s powerful feelings with a woman’s sultry sentiments, this emotionally rich piece is perfect for moments when you want to talk about love or look back on cherished memories.
The Night Wind of the JourneyKirishima Noboru, Misu Koromubia
Released in 1938, this popular song was also the theme for the Shochiku film “Aizen Katsura,” and it reportedly sold over 800,000 copies—an astonishing hit for the time.
Many younger people have probably heard its opening phrase, haven’t they? The arrangement, sound, and vocals—all scream Showa-era kayōkyoku!!! Or rather, it feels unmistakably prewar!!! Even so, in 2020, it might be fun to sing this at karaoke on purpose.
That said, as you’d expect from singers of that era, their vocal technique and delivery strongly reflect formal vocal training, so singing it exactly like the original can be quite a challenge.
If you’re confident, definitely give it a try!
Because tonight is up to youOoki Hideo/Ninomiya Yoshiko
This is the song “Anata Makase no Yoru Dakara,” a duet by Yoshiko Ninomiya—who won the NHK Nodo Jiman Grand Champion and made her debut—and Hideo Oki, a singer who belonged to the same label.
Just listening to their bright voices lifts your spirits.
You can picture a couple, pleasantly tipsy and smiling at each other, disappearing into the neon-lit night.
It’s a song that makes you want to sing on a fun evening!
The Apple Murder CaseGō Hiromi / Kiki Kirin
Many people have probably seen the video of Hiromi Go and Kiki Kirin singing along with a unique dance.
The song is upbeat and so fun that it makes you want to start dancing.
Be sure to pay attention to the witty lyrics written by hit songwriter Yu Aku.
Whether you already know the song or not, listening to it will put you in a good mood, so it’s worth keeping in mind—you can use it in all kinds of situations, like party entertainment or wedding receptions!
Two People in GinzaIzumi Masako/Yamauchi Ken
This song, originally released in Japan as a single by the American band The Ventures, was covered as a duet by Masako Izumi and Ken Yamauchi.
The original is instrumental, so it’s a very upbeat, catchy tune.
There are phrases where the two harmonize, so if you can sing it well, you’re definitely advanced! Even first-time listeners are sure to get excited!
Love is vulnerable.Hide to Rozanna
Here is the duo Hide and Rosanna’s fifth single, released in 1970.
Rosanna’s clear voice and her slightly halting Japanese here and there are really charming, aren’t they? With this song, Hide and Rosanna made their first appearance on the 21st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s also known for being sung by Shin-chan’s parents in the 1997 Crayon Shin-chan movie.
Lovestruck MidosujiEmoto Tsuneki & Irie Machiko
One of the quintessential duet songs of the Showa era, this classic vividly evokes the scenery of Osaka.
Released in 1978 by Takeshi Emoto and Machiko Irie, it portrays a bittersweet love set along Midosuji in a light drizzle.
It drew attention as a rare case of former professional baseball player Emoto also succeeding as a singer.
With its gentle melody and emotionally rich lyrics, it’s irresistible for fans of Showa-era kayokyoku.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to sing with someone special at karaoke or in a cozy snack bar.