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.
- [Karaoke] Duet songs for men and women. A roundup of popular and classic tracks.
- A love song you can sing as a duet. From Showa-era kayōkyoku to the latest J-pop!
- [Karaoke] Duet Song Rankings [2025]
- Classic Showa-era songs that are easy to sing at karaoke
- Compilation of enka duet songs. Introducing popular kayōkyoku hits as well!
- When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
- [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.
- [Spotlight Again] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era hits trending now [2025]
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- [2025] A Collection of Classic Enka and Kayōkyoku Duets by Women
- Timeless classics everyone knows! Wedding songs born in the Showa era
Duet songs of nostalgic hits (’71–’80)
Ghost RockHiromi Go, Kiki Kirin
A humorous song that depicts a heartwarming love story through the extraordinary presence of a ghost.
Released in September 1977, it was also used as the theme song for TBS’s Wednesday Theater series “Mu.” The unique personalities of Hiromi Go and Kiki Kirin blend exquisitely, and with its lively rhythm and comical lyrics, it’s a tune everyone will find themselves humming.
When the two performed it together again after 36 years, Kiki Kirin reportedly donned her costume from back then and said, “I felt like I’d gone back to those days.” Perfect for Halloween, of course, but also for any upbeat party time—bound to liven up a snack bar or karaoke box!
Meoto KaidoYoshimi Tendo & Shosuke Ichikawa
A masterpiece by Yoshimi Tendo and Shosuke Ichikawa that moves the hearts of enka fans.
Its appeal lies in deeply emotional lyrics portraying the bonds of a married couple and the joys and hardships of life.
The lyrics also weave in the changes from the Showa to Heisei eras, powerfully expressing the journey the couple has walked together.
Released in December 1989, this song came out as a single cassette from Teichiku Entertainment.
Loved by enka fans for many years, it remains a popular number often sung at karaoke and in snack bars.
It’s the perfect song for reflecting on memories with your spouse or family, or for reaffirming your bond with someone special.
By all means, try singing it together with someone.
Liquor of the LovelornSayuri Ishikawa & Masato Sugimoto
A duet by Sayuri Ishikawa and Masato Sugimoto that sings of adult heartbreak.
Included on the album “Onna Jin’ya” released in January 2016, this song features an upbeat yet wistful melody that leaves a strong impression.
It portrays a man and woman, both heartbroken, trying to heal their wounds over drinks, with lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners.
Beloved by many, it has ranked high on karaoke charts.
It’s recommended not only for those carrying the pain of a breakup, but also for anyone who wants to sing with someone special.
Ladybug SambaCherish
A hit song by the husband-and-wife duo Cherish, released as their seventh single in July 1973.
It became a big hit, selling over 400,000 copies on the Oricon charts, and even today it remains one of the standard wedding songs.
Especially as of 2020, many people in their 40s and older may have had this song performed at their own weddings, or have sung it at friends’ weddings.
While it strongly carries the flavor of 1970s folk and kayōkyoku, its highly universal melody still feels perfectly pleasant to listen to today.
It might also be fun to sing it at karaoke with a wedding scenario in mind to get everyone excited!
Sunset HillYujiro Ishihara / Ruriko Asaoka
It’s a duet song performed by Yujiro Ishihara, a major star of the Showa era, and the alluring actress Ruriko Asaoka.
The song was used as the theme for the film of the same title, Sunset Hill, released in 1964, in which the two also appeared.
Because the song directly reflects the world of the story, some viewers of the movie have found it deeply moving.
Although it’s a lyrical piece that leaves a lingering sense of sadness after it ends, that very quality makes it strangely addictive.
If the spring wind is blowingTakuro Yoshida / Keiko Yoshida
A duet by Takuro Yoshida and Keiko Yoshida featured as the sixth track on the original album “Kusazoshi,” released in June 1973.
With guitar tones that feel like welcoming the arrival of spring, this 1970s folk song and its refreshingly pleasant duet melody evoke warm, sunlit days.
Let yourself be intoxicated by this piece, as if carried on a spring breeze.
Osaka RhapsodyChisato and Mari Umihara
When you think of Senri and Mari Uminara’s signature songs, many people probably picture this duet.
Released in February 1976, this classic depicts the sweet moments of lovers set against the city of Osaka.
While landmarks like Midosuji and Dotonbori appear, the song is notable for conveying the couple’s emotions more than offering detailed scenery.
The performance by the Meiji University Mandolin Club lends it a unique atmosphere.
It’s a number you’ll want to sing with someone special at karaoke or in a snack bar, and it’s sure to resonate even with those who don’t know Osaka.