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)
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!
Nostalgic duet songs (51–60)
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!
Maybe PART IIMiki Katsuhiko / Kobayashi Sachiko
This is “Moshikashite Part II,” released by Sachiko Kobayashi—who is a regular on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen—and singer Katsuhiko Miki.
It’s a song that offers a glimpse into the jealousy and mind games between an adult man and woman.
It’s not just young women who get jealous and sulk, after all.
The sultry vocals of Sachiko Kobayashi and the mature, steady presence of Katsuhiko Miki are wonderful.
This is a track that really makes you feel that age has nothing to do with being in love.
Miracle of LoveHide to Rozanna
This song, beloved by many as a quintessential Showa-era duet, continues to capture hearts.
The clear, pure voices of Hide and Rosanna gently wrap around the ache of unrequited love.
Although it was their 1968 debut, its popularity surged after release, becoming a million-seller.
Its charm remains undimmed across generations, with numerous artists covering it over the years.
The lyrics, which express feelings for a former lover and the hope of being loved again, resonate deeply with listeners.
Sing it with friends at karaoke or in a snack bar, and it will surely become a wonderful memory.
Raised in ShinjukuTsuyama Yoko / Oki Hideo
It’s a duet song that makes you imagine a somewhat lonely man and woman.
They see each other all the time but pretend not to be interested, even though they can’t help but be curious deep down.
Two shy people in a cute way.
It’s a song that makes you excited to see how their relationship will develop.
Invite the person you’re interested in and try singing it together!
A Love Story in GinzaMakimura Junko / Ishihara Yūjirō
It’s a song whose popularity is evident: it became a hit as an insert song in the film “From Town to Town Like a Whirlwind,” and another movie, “A Love Story in Ginza,” was even released using it as the theme.
It’s a staple male–female duet, memorable for its relaxed tempo and a mature, sensual atmosphere.
While the sound suggests a calm, adult romance, a closer look at the lyrics reveals a passionate love between a man and a woman, conveying the strength of their feelings for each other.
It’s a piece that calls for a faithful rendition—honoring the mood while singing with heartfelt passion.
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.