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A love song you can sing as a duet. From Showa-era kayōkyoku to the latest J-pop!

A love song you can sing as a duet. From Showa-era kayōkyoku to the latest J-pop!
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A love song you can sing as a duet. From Showa-era kayōkyoku to the latest J-pop!

Picking out love songs from duet tracks!

Showa-era kayokyoku is full of classic duet songs that portray the romantic dynamics between men and women.

For example, many people know songs like “Lonely Chaplin” and “Ai ga Umareta Hi,” even across different generations.

In this article, we introduce a variety of duet songs from Showa kayokyoku to the latest J-pop.

Many of them are great for karaoke, so once you find a favorite, be sure to try singing it as a duet!

Love songs you can sing as a duet. From Showa-era kayōkyoku to the latest J‑POP! (1–10)

Breakup in the fifth yearHiroshi & Kībō

This is a song by Hiroshi & Kii-bo that depicts a breakup between a man and a woman with a light, upbeat rhythm.

Released in March 1983, it was created as a sequel to their previous duet song, which enjoyed explosive popularity.

With its memorable phrases, the piece portrays the feelings of a couple who choose to part ways after five years together.

While both put on a brave face, their unresolved emotions are beautifully conveyed through the perfectly synchronized harmonies of Hiroshi and Kii-bo.

Let’s recreate the heartfelt lyrics and lively melody with beautiful harmony!

You know what,Are-kun & 'Yuika'

You know. / Are-kun & “Yuika” [MV]
You know what? Arek-kun & “Yuika”

A duet song for men and women that you’ll want to remember! It might not be very familiar to some of you, but it’s a cute song, so definitely try learning it! In this track, Are-kun sings the main part, and the harmonies are mostly done by Yuika.

There are call-and-response sections and unison parts too, so I think it’s really fun to sing! One thing to note: Are-kun’s part doesn’t change much in range, but Yuika’s part gets busy—she jumps an octave higher in the chorus and also goes lower at times.

Switching back and forth between head voice and chest voice might be tough to memorize at first, but don’t get discouraged—keep at it!

Kissin’ Christmas (Not Because It’s Christmas) 2023Keisuke Kuwata & Yumi Matsutoya

Keisuke Kuwata & Yumi Matsutoya – Kissin’ Christmas (It’s Not Because It’s Christmas) 2023 [Special Lyric Video]
Kissin' Christmas (It’s Not Just Because It’s Christmas) 2023 Keisuke Kuwata & Yumi Matsutoya

A dream collaboration between two legends who have shaped Japan’s music history—many of you have been eagerly waiting for this, haven’t you? It’s a grand yet heartwarming duet sung by Keisuke Kuwata and Yumi Matsutoya.

Released in December 2023, it’s included on Matsutoya’s album “Cheers, Yuming!!” The straightforward message to a loved one really strikes a chord.

It’s a perfect duet for winter and the Christmas season—be sure to give it a try!

Azusa No. 2hunter

This is a signature song by a male duo from the Showa era.

I love folk songs from this period! In “Azusa No.

2,” the A and B sections are relatively quiet, but once the chorus hits and the harmonies come in, it suddenly soars! It’s incredibly cool and feels so good to sing! The harmony is basically a third below, but since the main melody’s chorus sits around G4 and has that belting quality, the harmony should come in firmly so it doesn’t get overshadowed.

When entering the chorus, listen carefully to the backing track and breathe together so you both come in at the same time! The unison at the end of the chorus after all that harmonizing is wonderful, too.

It might be a somewhat wistful song, but when the harmonies lock in, it’ll give you goosebumps—so definitely find a partner and give it a try!

Tokyo Meguri-ai (Tokyo Serendipitous Encounters/Love by Chance in Tokyo)Sayuri Ishikawa / Koto Kaze

This is a duet released in August 1984 by the unusual pairing of Sayuri Ishikawa, known as a treasure of the enka world, and Masanori Kotonofuji (formerly the sumo wrestler Kotonofuji) after his transition from professional sumo.

The story portrays lovers who reunite in Tokyo after being apart and reaffirm their love, expressed through Rei Nakanishi’s emotionally rich lyrics and Shosuke Ichikawa’s wistful melody.

The work received the Planning Award at the 26th Japan Record Awards and was also performed at the 35th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

It’s a perfect song to sing in sync with a duet partner at karaoke or in a snack bar.

In time for the danceKyoko Koizumi & Kiichi Nakai

Kyoko Koizumi & Kiichi Nakai – In Time for the Dance (Official Video)
Kyoko Koizumi & Kiichi Nakai Make It in Time for the Dance

How about some heartwarming sweet soul that helps you face forward no matter the day? It’s a duet song by Kyoko Koizumi and Kiichi Nakai—their first together in 11 years.

It was chosen as the ending theme for the Fuji TV drama “Zoku Zoku Saigo kara Nibanme no Koi” (The Second to Last Love: Continued, Continued).

The original is by Omoide Yarō A Team, and the urban arrangement adorned with brass and strings feels so good.

The gentle back-and-forth of their vocals and the lyrical world that says hope isn’t lost even after a terrible day are wonderful, too.

It’s the quintessential grown-up duet—wrapped in a comforting sense of assurance.

Perfect for two people who want to enjoy warm harmonies.

The Two of Us in 5 Minutes and 5 SecondsRose and Yusuke

Rose and Yusuke / The Two in 5 Minutes 5 Seconds
Rose and Yusuke, the two of them for 5 minutes and 5 seconds

A duet song by Rose and Yusuke that portrays the bittersweet parting of a slightly tipsy man and woman on a Saturday night.

Set to a beautiful melody that fully conveys a mature sense of romance, the scene of the two reaffirming their feelings for each other resonates deeply.

The exquisite harmony woven by the traditional vocals of the third-generation Columbia Rose and the warm singing of Yusuke Hashiri has captivated many fans since its release in November 2012.

With clearly divided male and female parts, it’s perfect for duets at karaoke or in snack bars.

It’s a charming piece that makes you want to share the feeling of lingering over a farewell with someone dear.

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