[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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- 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
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- 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 Collection of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku Hits (41–50)
applauseNaomi Chiaki
It was released in 1972 as Naomi Chiaki’s 13th single.
The song is set on a stage where she sings while thinking of her late lover.
It sold about 800,000 copies according to Oricon’s tally and won the 14th Japan Record Award at an unusually rapid pace—just three months after its release.
Lingering Snowdolphin
Originally recorded on Kaguya-hime’s album, the song was released as a cover by Iruka in November 1975 and became a major hit.
It turned into Iruka’s biggest hit and is now often sung at graduation ceremonies and farewell occasions.
It is a classic that has been covered by many artists.
Snow CountryIkuzo Yoshi
This song, released in 1986, was written and composed by Ikuzo Yoshi himself.
It was originally improvised at a banquet and reportedly had lyrics so comical that it couldn’t have been released in its original form.
It reached number one on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, boosting its popularity, and later became one of Yoshi’s signature songs.
There's always tomorrowKyu Sakamoto
This is the song that was used as the theme for a variety show in which Kyu Sakamoto himself appeared.
In addition to being featured in commercials, it has been covered by many artists; among them, Ulfuls’ cover was also used in a commercial and sold over 500,000 copies.
It’s a popular song often used for cheering and encouragement.
The Bride of SetoRumiko Koyanagi
Released in 1972 as Rumiko Koyanagi’s fourth single, it became a huge hit as a so-called local song themed around the Seto Inland Sea.
The song portrays the feelings and circumstances of a bride moving to a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, along with her resolve for a new life.
It won the Grand Prize at the 3rd Japan Kayō Awards and became one of her signature songs.
Love MemoryShigeru Matsuzaki
Released in 1977, this song features outstanding vocals and is Shigeru Matsuzaki’s biggest hit.
Also released in 1977, it was used in an Ezaki Glico Almond Chocolate commercial, which led to his first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The song was also chosen as the marching tune for the 50th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in the spring of 1978.
Words of FarewellKaientai
This is a song that was used as the theme for a drama in which Tetsuya Takeda of Kaientai himself appeared.
Today it’s passed down as a graduation song, but it was originally written based on Takeda’s experience of being rejected and going through a heartbreak.
It’s a song that has been covered by many artists, including Aya Ueto.