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!
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- [Karaoke] Duet Song Rankings [2025]
- Compilation of enka duet songs. Introducing popular kayōkyoku hits as well!
- Love songs that are easy to sing at karaoke. Recommended classics and popular tracks.
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- Recommended love songs for people in their 80s: A collection of classic love songs that colored the Showa era
- Recommended love songs for people in their 90s: A collection of classic Shōwa-era romance songs
- [2025] A Collection of Classic Enka and Kayōkyoku Duets by Women
- A roundup of duet songs sung by men—classic tracks renowned for their compelling harmonies and call-and-response.
- [2025] A Collection of Classic Enka and Kayōkyoku Duets (Male-Male)
- Love songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended classics and popular hits
- Classic and popular love songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke
Love songs you can sing as a duet. From Showa-era kayōkyoku to the latest J‑POP! (21–30)
elder sister and younger brotherRuriko Asaoka / Mitsuo Hamada
A timeless Showa-era classic where Ruriko Asaoka’s soft, embracing vocals and Mitsuo Hamada’s gentle yet powerful voice weave a pleasant harmony.
The lyrics richly portray the caring bond between an older sister and her younger brother, perfectly matched with a calm, emotive melody to create a gem of a song.
Released in July 1965, this track is also included on Ruriko Asaoka’s album “Golden★Best,” and is known as the second duet by her and Mitsuo Hamada.
It’s recommended for those who want to feel the warmth of Showa-era family love, or for anyone who wishes to sing together with someone while sharing a heartfelt, comforting mood.
Modern Golden DemonShizuko Kasagi / Shunji Sakai
This song is an unconventional collaboration between Shizuko Kasagi, the “Queen of Boogie” who epitomized the postwar music scene, and Shunji Sakai, a hugely popular comic actor.
Released in the early 1950s, it was also chosen as the theme song for the film “Zakuzaku Musume.” Set to a lively boogie-woogie rhythm, it humorously portrays views on love and money, offering a unique piece that expresses the world of classical literature through the popular music of the time.
Kasagi’s vibrant vocals and Sakai’s comedic banter blend into a perfect harmony.
Sung as a duet, it’s sure to brighten the atmosphere wherever it’s performed.
Michinoku ShigureIchiro Toba / Sachiko Murakami
This is an enka duet song that portrays the heartrending love between a man and a woman against the richly atmospheric scenery of the Tohoku region.
Released in September 1985, the piece beautifully blends Mr.
Ichiro Toba’s powerful vocals with Ms.
Sachiko Murakami’s delicate voice, expressing with deep emotion the wavering feelings of the couple as the seasons shift from autumn to winter.
In the chorus, their voices overlap exquisitely, resonating deeply with listeners.
Why not try singing it together with someone special at karaoke or in a snack bar?
Secret tryst with DioMARIE, Hiroshi Itsuki
The duet song “Dio Shinobi-ai” by singer Hanako Nohara and Hiroshi Itsuki, performed under the stage name MARIE.
For MARIE, this song became a turning point that boosted her popularity.
The highlight of the piece lies in its sultry lyrics and melody.
It leans more toward mood kayō than traditional enka, portraying a man–woman romance with alluring, seductive expressions.
MARIE’s parts go quite high, so if you can use falsetto or mixed voice, definitely give it a try.
Cleopatra's DreamAkira Kobayashi & Aki Yashiro
A collaborative song by Akira Kobayashi and Aki Yashiro, it centers on adult friendship and life.
The lyrics, which vividly depict time spent in a calm, intimate bar, are especially memorable.
Released in May 2012, the piece was produced for their nationwide tour, “Futari no Big Show.” Its delicate piano touch stands out, and the track blends pop and enka into a cohesive style.
It’s perfect for singing with friends at karaoke or in a snack bar.
The two singers’ voices, brimming with mature allure, are sure to resonate with listeners.
Blue MountainsIchirō Fujiyama / Mitsue Nara
This song, widely beloved as an iconic piece representing postwar Japan, was performed as a duet by Ichiro Fujiyama and Mitsue Nara and released in 1949 as the theme song for a film.
Its lyrics, depicting a yearning for the Blue Mountains and the start of a journey, are imbued with hopes and dreams for a new era.
Its popularity has been proven by topping numerous rankings, including TBS’s “National Popular Songs Grand Survey” and NHK’s “Songs of the Showa Era: 200 Unforgettable Songs.” It’s a recommended choice for those who want to enjoy a duet at karaoke.
Dreaming while cryingAkio Kayama / Kimi
“Crying While Dreaming” is a love song about adults who can’t be honest with their feelings.
It’s sung by Akio Kayama and Kimi.
The romantic melody and tone really hit home! Perhaps it’s precisely because things don’t go the way we want that we can’t give it up.
There must be loves that happen like a fender-bender at first encounter.
Relax, let the music carry you, and sing along.