[Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke.
Have you ever wanted to sing classic Showa-era hits to match the mood of the moment? In fact, many songs from the Showa period have simple, easy-to-remember melodies and are comfortable to sing without straining your voice! In this article, we introduce a wide range of Showa songs that feel great to sing at karaoke.
From nostalgic favorites to timeless classics loved across generations, you’re sure to find a song that becomes your go-to number!
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- A collection of iconic, cool Showa-era kayōkyoku classics sung by male vocalists
- [Karaoke] A roundup of songs that are easy for women to sing!
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the ’70s to 2000s that are perfect for livening up karaoke
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- [Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for men in their 80s: Showa-era classics to perform at karaoke
- [For People in Their 50s] Ranking of Easy-to-Sing Karaoke Songs [2026]
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- [Nostalgic Hits] Smash Hits with the Showa Generation! Classic and Popular Songs Sung by Female Vocalists
- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
- [Revisited] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era songs that are trending now [2026]
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
[Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing Easy-to-Sing Karaoke Classics (21–30)
Ruby RingTerao Akira
A singer known for his trademark deep, mellow voice who was active as both an actor and musician, Akira Terao.
His sixth single, “Ruby no Yubiwa” (Ruby Ring), used as the CM song for Yokohama Tire’s ASPEC, is widely recognized as a classic that represents the Showa era—one that many people have likely heard at least once.
Although the melody is quite low overall, Terao himself often raised the key when performing it on TV and elsewhere, so if the original key is hard to sing, try adjusting it with your karaoke machine.
Also, since it’s important to ride the bouncy feel of the shuffle beat, keeping that in mind as you sing will bring you closer to the original vibe.
Wandering Love SongNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi is a singer-songwriter who has been active for many years.
He has produced numerous classic songs, and among them, the one I particularly recommend as easy to sing at karaoke is “Junrenka.” While this piece strongly reflects folk music, its melody is crafted to be somewhat more powerful than typical folk.
That said, the vocal line sits in the low to mid range, so you don’t need to worry about hitting high notes.
It’s also a song that works even if sung a bit roughly, which makes it easier to perform.
[Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke (31–40)
stationTakeuchi Mariya
Singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi, who won the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Art Encouragement Prize in 2019 and continues to perform live energetically, self-covered the song she originally wrote for Akina Nakamori as her 16th single, “Eki” (Station).
Today, it is known as one of Takeuchi’s signature songs among a wide range of listeners.
With its generally low key and relaxed tempo, it’s also recommended for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.
It’s a classic Showa-era masterpiece that we hope you’ll sing with dynamic expression while picturing the scenes in your mind.
era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki
Miyuki Nakajima is a singer-songwriter known as the only solo artist to have topped the singles chart across four decades—from the 1970s through the 2000s.
Her second single, “Jidai,” which is included among Japan’s 100 Best Songs, has been featured in music textbooks and sung at graduation ceremonies, making it a beloved number that transcends generations.
Overall, the key is low and the tempo is relaxed, but if you don’t consciously feel the bounce of the shuffle beat, it can end up sounding flat, so take care.
Emulating her distinctive vibrato will bring you closer to the original vibe, so if you can do it, consider incorporating it.
freezing rainHino Mika
Akio Kayama’s classic “Hisame” has been covered by many singers and continues to be loved today as a mood-kayō style enka.
Among the various versions of “Hisame,” the one I especially recommend is Mika Hino’s.
She sings it with a more subdued, reflective atmosphere than the original.
Enka tends to have many challenging elements, but if you imitate her singing style, I think you can perform it well.
It’s recommended for anyone who wants to sing a mature, mood-rich number.
The Refrain Is ScreamingMatsutōya Yumi
Singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya has released numerous hit songs to the world, not only her original tracks but also songs she has written for others.
“Reflections Are Screaming,” included on her 20th album Delight Slight Light KISS, conveys a sense of poignancy from the opening alone.
The vocal range is narrow, so the key isn’t an issue, but because the melody contains a lot of syncopation, you need to be careful not to fall out of rhythm.
Even though it wasn’t released as a single, it’s widely known not only among fans but also among general listeners, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser at karaoke.
Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu
Kyu Sakamoto, the singer who released numerous hit songs such as “Ue o Muite Arukō (Sukiyaki)” and “Ashita ga Aru sa,” passed away suddenly in a plane crash in 1985.
“Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi o,” a cover of a musical’s theme song first performed in 1960, is also known for having been covered by many artists across generations.
Its melody and tempo are both gentle, and with relatively few notes overall it’s easy to sing; however, if you sing it too flatly, the mood changes, so be mindful of dynamics.
As a classic everyone knows, it’s an easy number to sing at karaoke with people of any generation.