[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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- Classic Showa-era songs that are easy to sing at karaoke
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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 Compilation of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku Hits (21–30)
DESIRE -Passion-Akina Nakamori
It’s said that the image of a bobbed black hairstyle, kimono, and high heels was something Akina Nakamori decided on by inspiration when she first heard the song.
At the time, it was loved by junior and senior high school students as a crowd-pleasing track—one they would hype up by shouting responses during the song and imitating the choreography.
The Day the Seagulls FlewMachiko Watanabe
This song, memorable from the very first line, is also used as the train approach melody at Horinouchi Station in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, the hometown of Machiko Watanabe, who composed and sings it.
It’s said that at a listening event for new songs, the response to this track was so strong that it even prompted an encore.
Night of 15Yutaka Ozaki
This was Yutaka Ozaki’s debut song, written based on his own real-life experiences.
Yutaka Ozaki enjoyed immense popularity among teenagers at the time, but he passed away at a young age.
Later, his son, Hiroya Ozaki, drew attention when he covered the song on a Yutaka Ozaki tribute album.
TouchYoshimi Iwasaki
This is a big hit by Yoshimi Iwasaki.
It quickly became famous after being used as the opening theme for an anime of the same name.
It also remains a staple cheer song for high school baseball.
In addition, as a classic anime song, it continues to be popular in karaoke today.
If I'm wrapped in kindnessYumi Arai
This is a song by Yumi Matsutoya (then known as Yumi Arai) released in 1974.
It returned to the spotlight after being used as the ending theme of a certain animated film.
It has been covered by many artists, including Ayaka and The Gospellers.
The song is also popular among the generation who watched the anime at the time.
Forever with youYuzo Kayama
It was released in 1965 as Yuzo Kayama’s fifth single.
Selling over three million copies, it received the Special Award at the 8th Japan Record Awards in 1966.
Used as the theme song for “Young Guy of the Alps,” it is one of Yuzo Kayama’s signature songs.
Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Teng
Released in 1986 as Teresa Teng’s 14th single, it won the Grand Prix for the third consecutive year—an unprecedented achievement—at both the 19th Japan Cable Awards and the 19th All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards.
It has become a classic that continues to be covered by many artists.