![[2025] Songs I Want to Try Singing at Karaoke! A Roundup of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/kdksI3--M_g/maxresdefault.webp)
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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[2025] Songs I Want to Try Singing at Karaoke! A Roundup of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku Hits (1–10)
Wine Red HeartSafe zone
In 1983, the year when Anzen Chitai churned out one iconic hit after another, this work took the world by surprise.
It’s a song that beautifully depicts a mature romance, perfectly matching Yosui Inoue’s irresistibly captivating lyrics with Koji Tamaki’s deeply emotive melody.
It was also used in a commercial for Suntory’s Akadama Punch, and its sultry atmosphere surely enthralled viewers glued to their TVs.
The lyrics, which portray a dangerous love affair, grab hold of the listener’s heart.
If you’ve ever experienced a romance with a hint of forbidden allure, you might find yourself relating to it.
And if you sing it at karaoke, try emulating Tamaki’s velvety vocals for the full effect.
Distance of the Starry SkyTHE ALFEE
This is a song that has been performed frequently at THE ALFEE’s concerts and has become a staple.
Although it was released in 1984, the song was actually written back in 1974 around their debut.
They have collaborated multiple times with younger artists at music festivals using this song.
Stardust StageThe Checkers
Here comes a classic by The Checkers, the hitmakers who defined the 1980s.
This song, which also drew attention as a TV drama theme, sinks into the heart with its wistful lyrics and melody.
The protagonist’s resolve to keep moving toward their dreams despite the pain of heartbreak leaves a strong impression.
Fumiya Fujii’s soaring vocals and Naoyuki Fujii’s saxophone beautifully capture the song’s world.
Released in August 1984, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart and won the Gold Prize at the 26th Japan Record Awards.
If you sing it at karaoke, start gently and quietly, then let your emotions burst in the chorus!
Listening to OliviaAnri
Anri’s debut song interweaves the ache of heartbreak with the strength to move forward.
With a refined composition and a delicate vocal that hardly seems like that of a 17-year-old, it became a pioneering track in city pop.
Released in November 1978, it later became a standard number covered by many artists.
The lyrics by Ami Ozaki include an homage to Olivia Newton-John.
This work will resonate with those who’ve experienced heartbreak or are trying to take a new step.
It’s also recommended for karaoke when you want to create a quiet, late-night mood.
Do whatever the hell you want.Kenji Sawada
A song portraying the complex emotions of a heartbroken man remains one of Julie—Kenji Sawada’s—signature hits, still beloved today.
Released in May 1977, it spent five consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart and ranked fourth on the year-end chart, becoming a massive hit with sales of 890,000 copies.
Its bold structure, shifting from a ballad to a hard rock style, strongly reflects the influence of arranger Motoki Funayama.
The lyrics, which evoke the refined sorrow of adulthood, paired with Sawada’s distinctive vocal delivery, make it perfect for those who want to fire up a karaoke session.
Rather than singing it with composure, it’s best to go all-in and pour your emotions into it!
Sailor Suit and Machine GunHiroko Yakushimaru
Hiroko Yakushimaru’s debut song is a classic distinguished by its pure vocal tone and dramatic lyrics.
Released in November 1981 as a movie theme song, it became a massive hit.
A competing version was released at the same time, and together they shipped 2 million copies.
On the Oricon chart, it sold about 1.
2 million copies and ranked second on the 1982 year-end chart.
The song itself is an encouraging piece that portrays a girl stepping into the adult world.
Its lyrics, which frame parting not as sorrow but as hope, likely resonated with many listeners.
If you sing it at karaoke, the key is to avoid vibrato and deliver each note carefully and cleanly.
Playback Part 2Momoe Yamaguchi
This is a song that became popular with parody versions after a certain confectionery company had the lyric “bright red Porsche” sung as “bright red tomato” in its commercial.
The reason it’s titled Playback Part 2 is that it was remade once; that version is also included on the album.