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!
- [Karaoke] Duet songs for men and women. A roundup of popular and classic tracks.
- A Showa-era duet song. A timeless karaoke/snack-bar classic!
- [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.
- Mutual love songs that are easy to sing at karaoke
- 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! (41–50)
Always keep your dreamsYukio Hashi / Sayuri Yoshinaga
This is a duet by Yukio Hashi and Sayuri Yoshinaga.
The film Always Dream, which used this song as its main theme, was produced and released in the wake of the song’s success, reflecting its high popularity.
In 2013, it was also featured as an insert song in the NHK morning drama Amachan, and it continues to be loved across generations.
The gentle atmosphere of the music and the positive vocals—like a man and woman smiling as they sing facing each other—are particularly memorable.
Try duetting to it while relaxing and enjoying the cheerful mood!
Love songs you can sing as a duet. From Showa-era kayōkyoku to the latest J-pop! (51–60)
Lonely ChaplinMasayuki Suzuki & Kiyomi Suzuki
The second single by Kiyomi Suzuki with Rats & Star, released on July 1, 1987.
For anyone above a certain age, this is surely a go-to song for male–female duets at karaoke.
In the original, the vocal style has a bit of a soulful, “black music” flavor, which might make some people think, “That sounds hard!” But if you listen closely, the melody itself is crafted in the tradition of Showa-era kayōkyoku, so it’s by no means difficult.
With male and female voices and clearly defined parts, it’s easy to follow—so give it a try.
The key to making it sound cool is whether you can lock into the 16-beat groove.
I won’t let you go tonight.Yukio Hashi and Ritsuko Abe
The celebrated duet by Takashi Nagazumi and Riutsuko Abe captivates with lyrics that delicately portray the nuances of love and a soothing melody.
Sung from both male and female perspectives, the lyrics express the sweet moments shared by lovers and their mutual affection, resonating with listeners.
Released in July 1983, the song became a major hit, selling over 300,000 copies.
It received high acclaim, including a Special Award at the 16th Japan Cable Radio Awards.
Notably, it was released simultaneously with Hashi’s first album after moving to Rivastar Onsan, “A New Departure… Support.” Portraying the fleeting beauty of romance, this piece is perfect for a special night with someone dear.
It’s also very popular for karaoke, and highly recommended as a duet.
Enough already, you.Kaoru and Hajime (CV: Yukari Tamura & Kenichi Suzumura)
This song is the opening theme for season 1 of the TV anime “I Can’t Understand What My Husband Is Saying.” It has a Showa-era flavor with a kayōkyoku-style arrangement.
The CD containing this song includes versions where only one of the singers performs, so you can do a role-playing duet.
The one I still love even after we’ve broken upLos Indios & Sylvia
A duet song that portrays the love between a man and a woman who were once lovers.
It’s a wonderful track that makes you feel that former lovers are unforgettable even after they part, and that they remain someone you’ll always love.
The dandy, masculine vocals of Los Indios and the graceful, feminine voice of Silvia are a perfect match.
It’s a duet you’ll want to keep listening to forever.
Step Up LOVEDAOKO × Yasuyuki Okamura
Here’s a recommendation for those who want to sing an adult duet: “STEP-UP LOVE,” released in 2017.
It’s a funky, cool dance tune born from the collaboration between rapper DAOKO—known for songs like “Uchiage Hanabi”—and singer-songwriter Yasuyuki Okamura, celebrated for his distinctive style in tracks like “Kahlua Milk.” Irresistibly catchy and danceable without being overly sultry, it just won’t let you stop! Their back-and-forth is so cool you’ll definitely want to imitate it.
How about a little escapism with this slightly offbeat pick?
wheat fieldOyonez
Among the many duet songs, “Mugibatake” (“Wheat Field”) has a comical vibe.
The lyrics tell of love budding between a young man and woman in the countryside, eventually leading to marriage, making it perfect as a duet for a young rural couple.
With this duet, I think you can sing without feeling shy.