A Showa-era duet song. A timeless karaoke/snack-bar classic!
Do you like duet songs?
Some of you may have sung together with friends or even other customers at karaoke or in a snack bar.
Singing your favorite song solo is certainly fun, but duet songs—where two people weave harmonies—have a unique charm all their own.
In this article, we’ve gathered classic Showa-era duet songs that just about everyone has heard at least once.
Even if you’ve never tried a duet, take this chance to learn one and try singing it with a friend.
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- Compilation of enka duet songs. Introducing popular kayōkyoku hits as well!
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- [Duet Songs] A roundup of recommended tracks perfect for two women to sing together!
- [Harmony Songs for Duets] Songs that feel great to harmonize
- A roundup of duet songs sung by men—classic tracks renowned for their compelling harmonies and call-and-response.
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- Timeless classics everyone knows! Wedding songs born in the Showa era
Nostalgic duet songs (61–70)
Cleopatra's DreamAkira Kobayashi & Aki Yashiro
A collaborative song by Akira Kobayashi and Aki Yashiro, it centers on adult friendship and life.
The lyrics, which vividly depict time spent in a calm, intimate bar, are especially memorable.
Released in May 2012, the piece was produced for their nationwide tour, “Futari no Big Show.” Its delicate piano touch stands out, and the track blends pop and enka into a cohesive style.
It’s perfect for singing with friends at karaoke or in a snack bar.
The two singers’ voices, brimming with mature allure, are sure to resonate with listeners.
I know it’s bothersome, but…Tunnels
Now firmly established as legendary comedy entertainers and a vocal duo that has released numerous classic songs, Tunnels.
Their 11th single, “Meiwaku Deshō ga…”—also covered by Hiroshi Itsuki—is a track where you’ll want to pay attention to the spoken-word parts that evoke the TV drama “Zenryaku Ofukuro-sama.” The melody, where the distinct voices of Takaaki Ishibashi and Noritake Kinashi intertwine, perfectly suits the wistful arrangement.
It’s a lyrical ballad that belies its origins as a comic song.
The stars were watching.Takashi Hosokawa & Akiyo Takeyama
A classic by Takashi Hosokawa and Akiyo Takeyama.
Released in October 1987, this enka ballad portrays quiet moments shared by lovers against the backdrop of the city at night.
The poignant yet beautiful world woven by their voices is captivating, and the song is beloved as a karaoke staple for duets.
The piece is characterized by lyrics with exquisite imagery, evoking a cinematic, romantic atmosphere that deeply moves listeners.
It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to with someone special.
Summer Girl SoniaYoshinori Monta / Junko Ohashi
A duet by Junko Ohashi and Yoshinori Monta, released in 1983.
As a duet by two singers renowned for their vocal prowess, it’s a track where you can enjoy overwhelmingly powerful twin vocals.
It delivers a blazing performance that truly embodies a “Summer Woman!!” vibe.
The soulful vocals are absolutely stunning.
It might be difficult for most people to sing like the original artists, but by all means, sing your heart out and blow away the summer heat!
A Nighttime EncounterYujiro Ishihara / Aki Yashiro
A duet song by Yujiro Ishihara and Aki Yashiro.
Yujiro Ishihara’s low, gentle voice captivated many women.
It’s a song you can sing with full mood, and the chorus really soars, so both the singer and the listeners will likely feel a sense of nostalgia.
It lifts your spirits—definitely a song worth remembering.
Listen to it over and over until you’ve learned it, and be sure to perform it confidently in front of everyone!
Rain in KanazawaMiyuki Kawanaka / Ryuji Miyamoto
Kanazawa no Ame, a famous song by Miyuki Kawanaka released in 2006, is well known to many, especially since it won the Gold Award at the 49th Japan Record Awards in 2007.
There is also a duet version featuring former NHK announcer Ryuji Miyamoto.
Because the arrangement assigns all the high parts to the female vocalist, it’s an easy duet for men with lower voices to sing.
However, the male part includes some slightly challenging kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), so be mindful of that.
Withered Susuki Grass of the Shōwa EraSakura and Ichiro
This is a song titled “Shōwa Karesusuki” released in 1974 by the male-female duo Sakura and Ichirō.
It sings of the hardships and loneliness of living through the Shōwa era.
Although it didn’t sell well at first, after it was featured in a television drama that aired at the time, it became so popular that it achieved million-seller status.
It is a classic beloved by major singers such as Naomi Chiaki and Hibari Misora.