[Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke
What kind of image do you have of the music genre known as “folk songs”? Perhaps many of you picture Showa-era singers with an acoustic guitar in hand, singing lyrics like private diaries of everyday life—and at times delivering political messages.
In Japan, folk songs became a booming trend from the 1960s to the 1970s, and countless classic tracks that made music history were born as the style evolved.
In this article, we’ve curated a wide selection of nostalgic Japanese folk song classics that you’ll definitely want to try singing at karaoke.
Whether you experienced them in real time or you’re a younger listener who loves Showa-era music, be sure to check them out!
- A classic Japanese folk song passed down through generations of acoustic performances
- Folk songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular tunes everyone can enjoy
- Folk dance classics and popular songs
- Nursery rhymes you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic and popular songs everyone can enjoy together.
[Showa Era] A Collection of Beloved Nostalgic Folk Song Classics for Karaoke: Popular Picks (41–50)
Ladybug SambaCherish
Released in 1973, the husband-and-wife duo Cherish’s song is known for its unique lyrics featuring red, blue, and yellow ladybugs.
Inspired by the real blue ladybugs found in Oceania, the track garnered a flood of requests after being aired on ABC Radio and was released as a single.
It went on to sell over a million copies, becoming Cherish’s biggest hit.
Originally included on the album “Spring Romance,” its seemingly magical, uplifting effect made it a popular wedding celebration song as well.
It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser at karaoke, guaranteed to get everyone excited.
Travel LodgeTakuro Yoshida
It was released on July 1, 1972.
This is Takuro Yoshida’s fourth single.
The lyrics evoke scenes from a journey, shaping the mood of the song.
Yoshida’s almost spit-out vocal delivery is also compelling.
At karaoke, try singing in a brusque, Yoshida-style manner to liven things up.
memory pillowKyoko Kosaka
She had a major breakthrough as a singer-songwriter with this song.
It’s also popular for karaoke because the intro isn’t difficult.
Sung from a woman’s perspective, it’s a heartbreak song about not being able to forget a boyfriend’s gentle gestures—something many women can relate to deeply.
The chorus is memorable and really showcases the vocals, so it’s a great pick for female singers.
Song of Departure - In Search of Lost TimeTsunehiko Kamijo & Rokumonsen
In the preliminaries to decide the entrants for the World Song Festival, the folk group Rokumonsen and Tsunehiko Kamijo were also nominated.
Hitoshi Komuro of Rokumonsen had planned to write songs for both, but managed to complete only one.
As a result, Kamijo took on lead vocals, and the song went on to win the Grand Prix.
It also won the top prize at the World Song Festival, was released as a record, and became a hit.
Beginning quietly and gradually building in intensity, it’s a magnificent song that conveys a sense of grandeur.
Goodbye PatternToshihiro Ito
Back when today’s JR was still JNR, he worked on the Hokuriku Main Line while making his debut as a singer-songwriter, wearing the same two hats as Kei Ogura.
The song sold over 700,000 copies, so when he appeared on music programs, they often broadcast live from inside the station.
Unlike the banks, JNR was quite lenient, it seems.
After privatization, Ito resigned from JNR.
The repeated “nee, nee” in the chorus is very sultry and makes the song stick in your ears.
Winter LightningAlice
It was released on October 5, 1977.
When you think of Alice, this is the song that comes to mind.
Opening with Alice’s raspy voice and sung with full-on masculinity, this classic is perfect for blowing off steam at karaoke and belting out at the top of your lungs.
The key isn’t surprisingly high, so go all out and sing it in the original key.
A Night's DreamKosetsu Minami
It was also used as a cosmetic commercial song.
Every woman wants to look a little more beautiful to the person she likes, and this song sings about that tender, earnest feeling of love.
The lyrics are by Yoko Aki, and they’re truly impressive.
It’s a song to listen to slowly and savor.