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
Nostalgic duet songs (11–20)
Naomi’s DreamHedva and David
A male–female duo, Hedva and David, deliver a gem of a love song, wrapping feelings for a beloved in a gentle melody.
The intertwined male and female harmonies, set against a beautifully wistful tune, stir the heart with drama.
Released on the RCA label in January 1971, the song sparked a huge response in Japan.
Starting in April, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for four consecutive weeks and became a massive hit with 670,000 copies sold.
It’s a track where the duo’s signature lush harmonies blend exquisitely with the exotic charm of Israel.
You're lying—again tonight.Los Indios & Sylvia
A masterpiece of mood kayō that portrays the poignant push-and-pull of love between a man and a woman.
Released in 1981 by Los Indios & Silvia, this song exquisitely balances a man’s earnest confession of love with the woman’s complex feelings as she cannot accept it.
Performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it vividly sings of a couple’s missed connections and remains a karaoke and snack-bar favorite.
Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a duet with a like-minded opposite-sex friend or someone you meet on the spot.
elder sister and younger brotherRuriko Asaoka / Mitsuo Hamada
A timeless Showa-era classic where Ruriko Asaoka’s soft, embracing vocals and Mitsuo Hamada’s gentle yet powerful voice weave a pleasant harmony.
The lyrics richly portray the caring bond between an older sister and her younger brother, perfectly matched with a calm, emotive melody to create a gem of a song.
Released in July 1965, this track is also included on Ruriko Asaoka’s album “Golden★Best,” and is known as the second duet by her and Mitsuo Hamada.
It’s recommended for those who want to feel the warmth of Showa-era family love, or for anyone who wishes to sing together with someone while sharing a heartfelt, comforting mood.
The Two of Us in 5 Minutes and 5 SecondsRose and Yusuke
A duet song by Rose and Yusuke that portrays the bittersweet parting of a slightly tipsy man and woman on a Saturday night.
Set to a beautiful melody that fully conveys a mature sense of romance, the scene of the two reaffirming their feelings for each other resonates deeply.
The exquisite harmony woven by the traditional vocals of the third-generation Columbia Rose and the warm singing of Yusuke Hashiri has captivated many fans since its release in November 2012.
With clearly divided male and female parts, it’s perfect for duets at karaoke or in snack bars.
It’s a charming piece that makes you want to share the feeling of lingering over a farewell with someone dear.
Bar-hopping for men and womenTetsuya Takeda / Yoshimi Ashikawa
It’s a classic duet song that always makes an appearance at snack bars and at parties for middle-aged folks.
A common practice is to change the woman’s name in the lyrics to the name of the person you’re singing with.
It’s performed by Tetsuya Takeda and Yoshimi Ashikawa.
The composer, Koji Makaino, has also worked on many Johnny’s projects, including Arashi’s debut single.
Modern Golden DemonShizuko Kasagi / Shunji Sakai
This song is an unconventional collaboration between Shizuko Kasagi, the “Queen of Boogie” who epitomized the postwar music scene, and Shunji Sakai, a hugely popular comic actor.
Released in the early 1950s, it was also chosen as the theme song for the film “Zakuzaku Musume.” Set to a lively boogie-woogie rhythm, it humorously portrays views on love and money, offering a unique piece that expresses the world of classical literature through the popular music of the time.
Kasagi’s vibrant vocals and Sakai’s comedic banter blend into a perfect harmony.
Sung as a duet, it’s sure to brighten the atmosphere wherever it’s performed.
Nostalgic duet songs (21–30)
Angels of the CityTakao Horiuchi / Eun-sook Gye
I like how “City Angels” feels more like a regular pop/enkā-style song than a typical duet.
I picture a man and woman living in the city, loving each other while soaked in the loneliness of urban life.
The collaboration between Takao Horiuchi’s sweet, gentle male vocals and Ginshi Kajura’s husky, sultry female vocals is wonderful.