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
If you’re stuck choosing karaoke songs! Easy-to-sing classic hits released in the Showa era (11–20)
Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko
A signature work by Kiyohiko Ozaki, known as one of the quintessential songs of the Showa era.
Released in March 1971, this gem of a ballad about an adult breakup was created by the famed duo Yū Aku and Kyōhei Tsutsumi.
Rather than directly expressing the pain of parting, the lyrics present a forward-looking way to say goodbye—an uncommon perspective in pop music of the time.
The song won numerous awards and was also chosen as the entrance march for the 44th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in 1972.
Beloved across generations, it’s easy to sing at karaoke and is sure to be a hit with any group.
GLORIAZIGGY
Known as signature songs of the rock band ZIGGY—whose glam rock-inspired look and pop-savvy sound within rock have won them popularity—these are the band’s second and fifth singles.
Released in May 1988, the tracks became a massive hit the following year when one was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Dō-Kyū-Sei” (Classmates).
With a catchy, kayōkyoku-tinged melody fronted by a full-on band sound, it’s a tune that will likely evoke a nostalgic sense of youth for those in their 40s.
This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at karaoke.
DESIRE -Passion-Nakamori Akina
The “DESIRE style,” combining traditional Japanese attire, a short bob, and distinctive choreography, became a social phenomenon.
It’s a song where you can really feel Akina’s bold side.
Singing with a slightly lower, cool tone should match the atmosphere very well.
The range doesn’t venture much into high notes, and the A-melody is quite low for many female singers.
If you imagine pushing out a mass of breath in front of you and release your voice slowly, your body will resonate and it becomes easier to produce the sound.
For the chorus, open up your voice with a stylish, confident flair! It always gets the crowd going, so it’s highly recommended.
Ruby RingTerao Akira
A signature song by Akira Terao, who thrived in both acting and music.
It features poignant lyrics reminiscing about a lost love and a mature, sophisticated melody.
Released in February 1981, it became a massive hit, topping the Oricon chart for 10 consecutive weeks.
It was also used in a Yokohama Tire commercial, making it popular across generations.
Although the melody sits generally in a lower register, it becomes easier to sing if you adjust the key on a karaoke machine.
Keeping the bounce of the shuffle beat in mind while singing will help you capture the original vibe.
Known as a classic of the Showa era, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at karaoke with people of any age.
If I Could Play the PianoNishida Toshiyuki
Still beloved today as a classic from the Showa era, this song was created as an insert track for the drama “Ikenaka Genta 80 Kilos.” The lyrics capture a bittersweet feeling: if only I could play the piano, I’d be able to express my feelings to you.
Toshiyuki Nishida’s warm voice beautifully conveys the emotions of the awkward protagonist.
In 1981, at the 32nd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, he made his first appearance with this song.
With its beautiful melody and relatively low key, it’s also recommended for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.
If you want to sing with your feelings for someone special, this is a great choice.
MonicaYoshikawa Koji
People around 60 to 63 are the generation that experienced the peak of the second band boom.
Since the band craze continued through acts like COMPLEX and BOØWY, those who have kept following rock have probably listened to Koji Kikkawa’s songs a lot.
One track I recommend is Monica.
Its vocal range is slightly on the high side at about mid1 D to hi A#, but since notes around mid2 C to mid2 D appear frequently, you won’t really feel a wide range is required.
The pitch movement is also relatively gentle, making it very easy to sing.
It’s a song that can get people in their 50s excited too, so definitely add it to your repertoire.
In conclusion
How was it? This time, we introduced songs from the Showa era that are easy to sing at karaoke.
We selected mainly tracks with lower keys and without large melodic leaps, so we hope you’ll find songs that suit your voice.