Lovely karaoke song

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

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICSasashina
Deputy Editor of the web media RAG MUSIC. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. In my student days, I studied broadly at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, covering sound, lighting, and video technology, and acquired skills from comprehensive stage production to the fundamentals of creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, and have consistently built my career on the production side, taking on diverse tasks centered around music. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting in my own way, as well as insights and discoveries from interacting with my kids every day. I hope I can be of help to you, even just a little!

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 duets. From Showa-era kayōkyoku to the latest J-pop! (91–100)

Both hands to the starry skyChiyoko Shimakura / Hiroshi Moriya

Hands Raised to the Starry Sky — Chiyoko Shimakura; original song by Hiroshi Moriya

Chiyoko Shimakura / Hiroshi Moriya with both hands to the starry sky

The duet song “Hoshizora ni Ryōte o” by Hiroshi Moriya—known for his sweet yet astringent vocals—and Chiyoko Shimakura—who gained popularity for her charming voice—stands out.

While duet songs in enka and mood kayō often tend to be adult-oriented, depicting sultry romances or messy affairs, this piece is crafted as a pure love song.

The vocal difficulty is low and the melody is catchy, so be sure to try singing it at karaoke or in a snack bar.

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Anemone flaccida (nirinsō; literally “two-flowered anemone”)Tetsuya Gen / Miyuki Kawanaka

Miyuki Kawanaka & Tetsuya Gen “Nirinso” – The Ultimate Duet Song

Futaba Anemone Tetsuya Gen / Miyuki Kawanaka

This duet is a kayōkyoku song that falls under so-called enka, with a cool, old-school vibe.

Compared to Tetsuya Gen, Miyuki Kawanaka’s voice has a stronger kobushi (ornamental vibrato), giving it a powerful, resilient feminine core.

The lyrics are perfect for a duet sung by a loving married couple, just as the title suggests.

If you’re a close, affectionate pair, why not give it a try?

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Raised in ShinjukuYoko Tsuyama / Hideo Oki

Shinjuku Sodachi by Hideo Oki and Yoko Tsuyama

Shinjuku Sodachi Yoko Tsuyama / Hideo Oki

It’s a duet song that makes you imagine a somewhat lonely man and woman.

They see each other all the time but pretend not to be interested, even though they can’t help but be curious deep down.

Two shy people in a cute way.

It’s a song that makes you excited to see how their relationship will develop.

Invite the person you’re interested in and try singing it together!

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silver ringYujiro Ishihara & Ai Machiko

Yujiro Ishihara & Machiko Ai – Silver Ring

Silver Ring Ishihara Yujiro & Ai Machiko

The duet “Silver Ring” by Yujiro Ishihara and Machiko Ai is a moving piece themed around parting and the hope of reunion.

Through the “silver ring,” which symbolizes the memory of a single night in a port town, it portrays the deep bond between the two.

Released in September 1967, the song is notable for its melancholic melody that overlaps with the image of Ishihara’s films.

With Ishihara’s powerful, emotive vocals intertwining exquisitely with Ai’s clear singing voice, this work is especially popular among Showa-era mood kayō (mood music).

It’s a song you’ll want to sing at karaoke or in a snack bar with someone special.

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Sunset HillYujiro Ishihara / Ruriko Asaoka

The Hill of the Setting Sun — Yujiro Ishihara & Ruriko Asaoka

Yūhi no Oka Yujiro Ishihara / Ruriko Asaoka

It’s a duet song performed by Yujiro Ishihara, a major star of the Showa era, and the alluring actress Ruriko Asaoka.

The song was used as the theme for the film of the same title, Sunset Hill, released in 1964, in which the two also appeared.

Because the song directly reflects the world of the story, some viewers of the movie have found it deeply moving.

Although it’s a lyrical piece that leaves a lingering sense of sadness after it ends, that very quality makes it strangely addictive.

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Maybe Part IISachiko Kobayashi & Katsuhiko Miki

Maybe PART II

Perhaps Part II by Sachiko Kobayashi & Katsuhiko Miki

When I first saw this duo, I was surprised.

Since both of them were child actors, it struck me how long they’ve been active.

Their chemistry is impeccable, their acting is fun, and they’re a great model for singing.

The lyrics and the melody match well, making the song easy to remember.

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Naniwa Love DrizzleHarumi Miyako & Chiaki Oka

Naniwa Koishigure - Chiaki Oka, Harumi Miyako | Osaka Love Drizzle (Osaka Koi Shigure) - Bilingual Japanese-Chinese Subtitles

Naniwa Koishigure by Harumi Miyako & Chiaki Oka

With the two of them singing in a way that’s so quintessentially Kansai, and with Oka not being an established singer, I felt the world of Harudanji came across even more convincingly.

It’s as if I were watching it on stage.

Even at karaoke, if someone good sang it, I think I’d find myself listening intently.

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