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!
- [Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke.
- Even for those not confident in their singing! Easy-to-sing karaoke songs released in the Reiwa era
- Songs everyone knows across generations. A roundup of karaoke tracks anyone can sing, regardless of age.
- Popular songs that are easy to sing at karaoke. Recommended classics and hit songs.
- A roundup of classic Showa-era kayō songs: a comprehensive introduction to timeless tracks loved across generations.
- Easy-to-sing youth songs for karaoke: recommended classics and popular hits
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for men in their 80s: Showa-era classics to perform at karaoke
- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
- Great for karaoke song selection! Recommended easy-to-sing songs for Gen Z women
- Popular 80s hits for karaoke. Sing kayōkyoku and pop songs!
- [Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke
- [Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
- [Karaoke] Recommended Songs for Men in Their 80s: A Collection of Showa-Era Classics You’ll Want to Belt Out
Stumped on what to sing at karaoke? Easy-to-sing classics released in the Showa era (1–10)
TouchIwasaki Yoshimi
It’s a song like the reigning champion of Showa-era anime themes that gets you pumped from the intro! Isn’t it an anime song everyone knows? The tempo is on the faster side, but the vocal range is compact and gentle enough to sing softly.
The range rises a bit from the B section, so be careful not to strain your throat by pushing too hard.
Also, since it’s a band-style track, rhythm is crucial.
Keep the beat firmly with your body and hit the high notes with good timing.
If you can sing it brightly and breezily, it’ll look effortlessly cool!
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.
Love is overŌyō Fifi
A song known as a classic of the Showa era, whose smooth melody and wistful lyrics resonate deeply.
Faye Ouyang’s rich, resonant voice beautifully conveys the complex feelings of a woman who chooses to part ways.
Although it was released as a B-side in 1979, word of mouth sparked its popularity, leading to the rare feat of being released as a single the following year.
The lyrics, which depict the sorrow of separation and deep love for the other person, are relatable across generations.
It’s a karaoke favorite among a wide range of age groups, so it’s sure to be a hit no matter who you go with.
If you’re stuck choosing karaoke songs! Easy-to-sing classic hits released in the Showa era (11–20)
Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi
This song, created by the golden duo of lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Kyohei Tsutsumi, was a massive hit, ranking 4th for the year in 1976.
It’s basically sung with a cute, charming tone—if you sing it in that classic “burikko” cutesy style, it’ll really get the crowd going! The overall vocal range is G#3 to E5, which is on the higher side, but it’s easier to sing if you use a light, airy head voice.
Keeping an idol-like smile with a slightly bashful expression will help you use your breath more effectively and sing more comfortably.
Take a breath, and when you release your voice, try to imagine it coming out from just in front of your eyebrows.
That should help you capture that adorable vocal vibe!
A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu
A smash hit released in 1981.
One of Chiharu Matsuyama’s signature songs, this classic Showa-era ballad straightforwardly conveys the “ache of a man’s heart.” The overall vocal range spans D3 to D5, and it’s a song most people can handle if they sing the talk-like phrasing in the verses and release fully in the chorus for contrast.
However, since the chorus jumps up into higher notes, be careful not to strain your throat.
Like Matsuyama himself, keeping your eyebrows raised while singing makes the high notes much easier to hit—highly recommended! When you project your voice, don’t hesitate—use instant power and send it far.
Winter LightningArisu
This work is notable for its lyrics that express emotions like crashing thunder and for Takao Horiuchi’s powerful vocals.
It features folk-rock elements and energetic instrumentation.
Released in October 1977, it became one of Alice’s signature songs, entering the top 10 of the Oricon weekly chart the following year.
Its 2020 reissue on MEG-CD also drew attention, and it continues to be loved across generations.
The lyrics, which sing of the pain of parting, will resonate with many people.
If you sing it at karaoke, I recommend putting your emotions into it.
High School LullabyImokin Torio
This debut single by Imo-Kin Trio, a group born from a variety show, beautifully captures the bittersweetness of youth.
Its lyrics depict scenes from high school life, blending with techno sounds to create a uniquely captivating world.
Released in August 1981, it became a massive hit, topping the Oricon weekly chart for seven consecutive weeks.
It also held the No.
1 spot on the TV show “The Best Ten” for eight straight weeks, attesting to its popularity.
With its fast tempo and catchy melody, it’s a great pick when you want to liven up a karaoke session.
Celebrated as a classic of the Showa era, it’s a song loved across generations and works with any karaoke group.