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

IzakayaHiroshi Itsuki

Izakaya – Hiroshi Itsuki x Nana Kinomi [1982] #Izakaya #HiroshiItsuki #NanaKinomi

Set in an izakaya, this song delicately portrays the subtle emotions of lonely men and women.

Yu Aku’s woven lyrics and Katsuo Ono’s soul-stirring melody blend beautifully, evoking a mature worldview steeped in the atmosphere of the Showa era.

The distinctive voices of Hiroshi Itsuki and Nana Kinomi gently envelop a scene where loneliness and warmth intertwine.

Released in October 1982, this work has continued to be loved as one of Hiroshi Itsuki’s signature songs.

A new duet version with Fuyumi Sakamoto was produced in October 2017.

With lyrics that touch on the nuances of life and a familiar, accessible melody, it’s a wonderful choice for everyone to enjoy singing at karaoke.

You're lying—again tonight.Los Indios & Sylvia

Lies, Tonight Too — Los Indios & Sylvia

A masterpiece of mood kayō that portrays the poignant push-and-pull of love between a man and a woman.

Released in 1981 by Los Indios & Silvia, this song exquisitely balances a man’s earnest confession of love with the woman’s complex feelings as she cannot accept it.

Performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it vividly sings of a couple’s missed connections and remains a karaoke and snack-bar favorite.

Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a duet with a like-minded opposite-sex friend or someone you meet on the spot.

Two People in OsakaHarumi Miyako · Masashi Miyazaki

Two People in Osaka (Duet: Masashi Miyazaki)

A gem of a duet that portrays a heartrending farewell between a man and a woman set in Osaka.

Sung in 1981 by Harumi Miyako and Masashi Miyazaki, the song richly conveys the emotions of two people sharing their last dance at a club.

With Osaka landmarks like Midosuji and Yodoyabashi woven into the lyrics, it vividly depicts the couple as they revisit places full of memories and try to accept their parting.

It is also included on Harumi Miyako’s album “Harumi Miyako Duet Collection ~Futari no Osaka~,” alongside other classic tracks.

This is a song for those who wish to sing out the feelings they hold in their hearts, and one to cherish as a memory with someone special.

Its tender, aching vocals will surely resonate in both of your hearts.

Love Flight TimeMasayuki Suzuki & Momoko Kikuchi

Masayuki Suzuki & Momoko Kikuchi – Love Flight Time / 5 o’clock in Shibuya

A dramatic story of two people stealing moments between work to set off and spend precious time together.

The male–female harmonies make their secret getaway all the more romantic.

Released in 2008, it was used as the theme song for the drama “Saikon Icchokusen!” Its beautiful lyrics and melody carry feelings that are perfect for an emotional duet between a man and a woman.

An ideal song for couples who dream of stepping a little away from the everyday to enjoy special time with someone they love.

5 o'clock in ShibuyaMasayuki Suzuki & Momoko Kikuchi

5 o'clock in Shibuya

A heart-pounding duet song set at a bustling city intersection, depicting lovers meeting up.

The harmonies woven by Masayuki Suzuki and Momoko Kikuchi combine mature charm with freshness.

Carried by a sophisticated, urban melody, it gently conveys the excitement and anticipation swelling in the hearts of the lovers.

First released to the world on the album “Perfume” in September 1993, it later came out as a double A-side single in January 1994.

It was also used in a Tokyo Telemessage commercial, capturing the hearts of many.

Perfect for creating memories with someone special at karaoke, it’s a song where you can layer your voices and spend a wonderful time together.

Shianbashi BluesAkira Nakai / Masaru Takahashi and Koloratino

Shianbashi Blues by Akira Nakai and Masaru Takahashi with Corolatino

This is the debut single released in April 1968 by Akira Nakai—who performed as part of the house band at the Nagasaki cabaret “Jūnibankan”—and Katsu Takahashi & Coloratino.

Its appeal lies in a wistful melody that fuses Latin music with mood kayō (showa-era pop ballads).

Set in Showa-era Nagasaki, the song vividly portrays adult romance and nocturnal cityscapes, and has been covered by numerous artists including Sachiko Nishida, Kaori Kozai, and Hachirō Kasuga.

In karaoke snack bars, it remains a highly popular classic, known as a sophisticated duet for men and women to sing in call-and-response.

White is the color of lovers.Betsy & Chris

White Is the Color of Lovers – Betsy & Chris

A folk song whose appeal lies in its heartfelt, pure harmonies.

Beginning with an acoustic guitar intro, its gentle melody tells a love story painted through the colors of nature—flowers, the sky, and sunsets—leaving a lingering resonance.

The clear harmonies woven by Betsy & Chris’s pristine voices evoke a nostalgic feeling that makes anyone want to hum along.

Released by Nippon Columbia in October 1969, the single became a major hit, ranking 11th on the 1970 Oricon year-end chart.

It has been covered by various artists, and in 2001 it was featured as an insert song in the film Crayon Shin-chan: The Storm Called: The Adult Empire Strikes Back, bringing it renewed attention.