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.
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- 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
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- 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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
If you’re stuck choosing songs for karaoke! Easy-to-sing masterpieces released in the Showa era (21–30)
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!