[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!
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the ’70s to 2000s that are perfect for livening up karaoke
- 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 Collection of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku Hits (41–50)
RunawayShanels
It’s the debut single by Sharam Q (later Rats & Star).
Originally, it was created solely for a commercial and produced with only one chorus, but it’s said to have been later completed as a full song.
Although they are currently on hiatus, a group called Gosperats has been formed with selected members from Rats & Star and The Gospellers.
[2025] Songs I Want to Try Singing at Karaoke! Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku Hits (51–60)
Goodbye to sorrowSafe zone
Released in 1985 as Anzenchitai’s ninth single, the song became a major hit thanks to Koji Tamaki’s gentle, translucent voice.
It also marked their first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
In 1993, it was used in a commercial for Kirin Beer’s Aki Aji, and it remains a popular choice for karaoke.
Red Sweet PeaSeiko Matsuda
Released in 1982 as Seiko Matsuda’s eighth single, this song also drew attention for being composed by Yumi Matsutoya.
It has become one of Seiko Matsuda’s signature songs, and in 2015 it was performed for the first time as the finale act at the NHK New Year’s Eve music show, Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a cute song that’s also very popular in karaoke.
Cape ErimoShinichi Mori
Released in 1974, it sold a total of one million copies and won both the Grand Prix at the 16th Japan Record Awards and the Grand Prix at the 5th Japan Kayō Awards.
The song also drew attention as a work by the golden duo who represented the heyday of folk music: lyrics by Osami Okamoto and composition by Takuro Yoshida.
Other people's relationshipsKatsuko Kanai
This is the song that drew attention at the time for Katsuco Kanai, a former ballet dancer, singing with a blank expression and its choreography.
She appeared in a commercial for a certain rice manufacturer, performing her own distinctive choreography, which many elementary school students imitated, bringing the song back into the spotlight.
In recent years, it was covered by Yo Hitoto, garnering renewed attention.
CheersTsuyoshi Nagabuchi
A folk ballad created for a friend’s wedding.
Its powerful vocals warmly embrace a heart full of uncertainty and gently give you a push forward—an anthem for life.
It’s also well-known as a staple song performed as entertainment at wedding receptions.
The lyrics carry the message: “I’m wholeheartedly cheering you on as you go straight down the path you believe in!” Released in September 1980, it saw renewed success with a re-recorded version in 1988.
It was performed on many TV programs, such as the Kōhaku Uta Gassen and the FNS Music Festival, and became a hot topic.
Listen to it before stepping onto a new stage to lift your spirits, and stride confidently along the path you’ve chosen.
ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG
This is a song by HOUND DOG that has been featured in numerous commercials.
In the past, it was even covered in a commercial starring Akiko Wada herself, and it drew renewed attention when boxer Daiki Kameda sang it after winning a match.
Following the Great East Japan Earthquake, prompted by Kohei Otomo, a video was made of celebrities lip-syncing to this song to solicit donations.