[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!
- When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
- 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
- Recommended for women in their 60s! Easy-to-sing Japanese karaoke songs
- [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 classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke (31–40)
outdatedKawashima Eigo
Singer-songwriter Eigo Kawashima, who gained popularity for his profound, message-driven songs.
He was also active in writing songs for others, and the number of masterpieces he’s produced is practically countless.
Among Kawashima’s works, the one I especially recommend as an easy choice for karaoke is Jidai Okure (Behind the Times).
It’s a classic that shines with masculinity, and its vocal range is well-suited for male singers.
When performing this song, it’s best to sing in a rugged, full-bodied style.
Shadows of Youthchūrippu
TULIP is a four-member band in which all the members, including singer-songwriter Kazuo Zaitsu, handle lyrics, composition, lead vocals, and harmony vocals.
Their sixth single, Youthful Shadows, which has been featured extensively in TV dramas, films, and commercials, was the song that prompted TULIP—who had been leaning toward an idol-oriented image at the time—to return to their original musical sensibilities.
The overall key is high, and in the latter half of the chorus the melody drops abruptly from the highest note to a low register, so be careful not to go off pitch when singing it at karaoke.
Although the song sustains high notes, forcing your voice will spoil the mood, so if the key doesn’t suit you, adjust it to a comfortable setting and sing with ease.
White LabyrinthKisugi Takao
Takao Kisugi has left many famous songs both as a composer and as a singer-songwriter.
As a singer-songwriter, his sweet vocals were especially memorable.
Among his works, one I particularly recommend as easy to sing is “White Labyrinth.” Although the melody is very delicate, the vocal range is quite narrow, so people with any voice type can sing it.
Since it’s based on kayōkyoku (Japanese popular music), its familiar melodies for Japanese listeners also make it easy to sing.
Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko
Keiko Fuji, a singer who was also known as the mother of Hikaru Utada and who passed away suddenly in 2013.
Her third single, “Keiko no Yume wa Yoru Hiraku,” based on the kayōkyoku song “Yume wa Yoru Hiraku,” was a massive hit, winning the first Japan Song Grand Prize.
Although its vocal range is narrow and the tempo is relaxed, it features many distinctive delays (ma), so be careful in karaoke as it’s easy to lose the rhythm.
It’s a classic with a moody feel rarely found in modern popular music, making it a refreshing song to sing at karaoke even today.
I am crying.ririi
Singer-songwriter Lili, who was hugely active in the Showa era.
She also thrived as an actress, and in the 1970s her momentum rivaled that of Keiko Fuji.
Her greatest charm was, without a doubt, her husky voice.
Making the most of that timbre, her songs turn big vocals into something more downbeat.
Her signature song “Watashi wa Naiteimasu” is arranged in that style as well, so even those who aren’t confident in their vocal power can sing it without trouble.
Give it a try.
[Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing easy-to-sing karaoke classics (41–50)
Maybe PART IKobayashi Sachiko & Miki Katsuhiko
The duet song “Moshikashite PART I” by Sachiko Kobayashi and Katsuhiko Miki is a quintessential example of an enka duet and is still sung at karaoke today.
It’s a very easy song to sing.
While it’s best performed as a duet, it’s arranged so it can also be sung solo.
Since it has few kobushi (the characteristic enka vocal ornamentation), even those who aren’t confident in their singing ability should be able to handle it without any trouble.
scarecrowsadamasashi
Many people have likely been struck by the originality and storytelling in Masashi Sada’s lyrics.
Among his songs, the one I especially recommend is “Kakashi” (Scarecrow).
Its range is mid1 A# to mid2 F#, which is average, and because the pitch movement is quite steady, it’s easy for anyone to sing.
With its slightly ennui-tinged melody, it’s perfect for getting everyone singing along and having a great time.