[2025] Songs I Want to Try Singing at Karaoke! A Roundup of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku
Even in the 2020s, the songs that still enjoy unwavering popularity at karaoke are the kayōkyoku hits that colored the Showa era.
The term “Showa kayō” is well known even among younger generations, partly thanks to the global popularity of city pop and more.
Above all, there are simply so many timeless classics—these are beloved tracks that keep getting sung at karaoke across all ages.
For those of you who are eager to try singing Showa-era kayōkyoku, this article rounds up recommended popular karaoke picks, focusing mainly on hits from the 1970s and 1980s.
Every song is a famous tune you’ve likely heard at least once, so teens and people in their 20s—feel free to use this as inspiration for your karaoke repertoire!
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- When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
- From Showa-era kayōkyoku to pop: songs that sound cool when you can really sing them
- Songs Men Want Women to Sing at Karaoke: Swoon-Worthy Picks [2025]
- Popular 80s hits for karaoke. Sing kayōkyoku and pop songs!
- [Karaoke] A roundup of songs that are easy for women to sing!
- [Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke
- Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
- Even karaoke beginners can relax! Easy-to-sing songs for men
- Songs that make you sound good at karaoke
- Songs I want men in their 70s to sing: a roundup of tracks I'd like to hear at karaoke
[2025] Songs I want to try singing at karaoke! A roundup of popular Showa-era kayōkyoku hits (61–70)
Ruby RingAkira Terao
Released in 1981 as Akira Terao’s fifth single, it was featured in a Yokohama Tire “ASPEC” commercial, sold 1.
6 million copies, and became Terao’s biggest hit.
On December 31 of the same year, it won the 23rd Japan Record Award, and it is still cherished today as a classic often sung at karaoke.
SubaruShinji Tanimura
This is one of Shinji Tanimura’s signature songs, released in 1980.
It became a major hit, selling about 600,000 copies.
Tanimura created the song in 1980, when Alice was at the height of its popularity, as part of his solo activities conducted alongside the group.
It was used as the theme song for the Nikka Whisky “Super Nikka” commercial.
Broken-winged angelAyumi Nakamura
This song, which can be considered one of Ayumi Nakamura’s signature tracks, has been reworked and covered multiple times by the artist herself.
It has also been covered by many other artists, including Maki Ohguro and Demon Kogure.
Its moderate rhythm and easy-to-follow melody make it popular for karaoke.
You Are the One Who Rings That BellAkiko Wada
It was released in 1972 as Akiko Wada’s 11th single.
With lyrics by Yū Aku, it won the Best Vocal Performance at the 41st Japan Record Awards.
As one of Akiko Wada’s signature songs, it continues to be loved across generations, and thanks to a key that suits both men and women, it has become a karaoke staple.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterShigeru Izumiya
It’s Shigeru Izumiya’s biggest hit.
He also performed it at the 2013 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, which was his first appearance on the show.
Masaharu Fukuyama once said that he sang this song, “Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter,” at his audition, and he has covered it as well.
It’s a classic folk song that has also been covered by Ryoko Moriyama and Akiko Wada.
In conclusion
As mentioned at the beginning, Showa-era kayōkyoku is a treasure trove of masterpieces, and many are still karaoke staples today, so no matter which of the songs introduced this time you choose, you’re sure to liven up the karaoke session! Songs everyone knows can be enjoyed across generations, and we recommend singing them not only at karaoke with people who remember those days well, but also in gatherings with a wide range of ages.