When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
Of course, those who spent their youth in the Showa era will relate, but in recent years, thanks to subscriptions and TikTok, Showa hit songs have been catching on with younger generations too.
At karaoke, people of all ages sing classic Showa tunes, but many of those songs are quite difficult, so a lot of people struggle with what to choose.
So this time, we’ve picked out songs released in the Showa era that are relatively easy to sing.
Many of them are famous, so they’re perfect for karaoke no matter who you go with!
Stumped on what to sing at karaoke? Easy-to-sing classics released in the Showa era (1–10)
era; age; time; periodNEW!Nakajima Miyuki
A classic penned by Miyuki Nakajima, one of Japan’s leading singer-songwriters.
The original version was released in December 1975 as her second single, drawing major attention after winning awards at the 10th Popular Song Contest and the 6th World Popular Song Festival.
She later released a self-cover in December 1993, and the song was used as the theme for the January 2020 film “Kiokuya: Anata o Wasurenai,” among many other media appearances over the years.
With a profound message that warmly embraces life’s milestones—meetings and partings alike—this number resonates deeply.
Its relaxed tempo and easy-to-remember melody make it a safe choice to sing at karaoke gatherings across generations.
YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)NEW!Saijō Hideki
This is the 28th single released by Hideki Saijo, a song that came out in February 1979.
It’s a cover of the Village People’s disco hit that was popular in the U.S.
at the time, remade as an upbeat youth pop song.
It sold over 800,000 copies and became a massive hit that dominated music shows back then.
The choreography in the chorus, where you use both arms to form four letters, became a social phenomenon.
You can still often hear it on TV specials, at sports events, and in commercials, and it remains beloved across generations.
It’s a perfect song for gatherings like company events or karaoke with relatives, where people of all ages come together.
If you sing it with the choreography, it’s sure to bring the whole venue together and get everyone excited!
Please give me wingsakai tori
Akai Tori was a folk group that was active mainly in the 1970s.
This signature song of theirs, known for its beautiful harmonies, features memorable lyrics that depict a longing for freedom through the image of flying on white wings.
Released in February 1971, it resonated with many people against the backdrop of the era’s student movements, and it has continued to be loved across generations—so much so that it was used at the opening ceremonies of both the Nagano and Tokyo Olympics.
With its relaxed tempo and easy-to-remember melody line, it’s also a karaoke favorite.
It’s a classic Showa-era song that’s sure to be a hit at karaoke with people of any generation.
A seagull is a seagull.Naoko Ken
Written and composed by singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima and sung by Naoko Ken, this piece is her 16th single, released in March 1978.
While it takes heartbreak as its theme, it’s a work that conveys a powerful sense of self-reflection and the resolve to move forward.
It’s filled with the unique appeal of Naoko Ken, who has produced numerous hits with her languid vocal tone and distinctive singing style.
It’s also popular across generations at karaoke and cherished as a song that lets you create a unique world of its own.
CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
The title track from their third album, created for a friend’s wedding and released in September 1980.
Thanks to its background—featured not only in the original version but also in elementary school music textbooks and covered by numerous artists—it’s a signature song beloved by listeners across generations.
With a very relaxed tempo and a simple melody, anyone can enjoy singing it by setting the key to suit their voice.
Its lyrics, which celebrate a new beginning in life, are deeply moving, and it’s a heartwarming number that’s sure to energize a big singalong at karaoke after the event.
Lingering Snowiruka
Singer-songwriter Iruka, who also made headlines when she was appointed a visiting professor at Joshibi University of Art and Design in 2010.
Although it’s a cover of a song by the folk band Kaguyahime, it has become her biggest hit and has been sung across generations.
The lyrics that vividly evoke scenery and the bittersweet melody remind us of the beauty of Japanese folk songs.
Thanks to its simple melody with little ornamentation, it’s recommended even for those who aren’t confident singers.
Released in November 1975, this track is a foolproof spring song that livens up karaoke sessions with people of any generation.
Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako
It is a song that represents the Showa era and has continued to be loved by people across generations.
Released in 1987, it was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s information program “Time 3,” as well as in commercials for Musashi Prep School and Tohoku Electric Power.
The lyrics, which emphasize the importance of moving forward without giving up on dreams and hopes, encourage people not only in moments of heartbreak and farewell but also at various crossroads in life.
With its gentle melody and tempo, it’s easy to sing at karaoke, and by cherishing the lyrical worldview while singing, it becomes an even more moving classic.