A Showa-era duet song. A timeless karaoke/snack-bar classic!

You can go ahead and forget — the end of loveTomoko Ogawa / Shinji Tanimura

You can forget it — The Curtain Fall of Love — Tomoko Ogawa, Shinji Tanimura.

It’s a duet version of “Forget Me If You Like,” a track from Tanimura’s album Embrace -SATIN ROSE-, and it’s said to capture in song the world of Tanimura’s favorite TV drama, To Friday Wives.

It’s a piece that leaves you with a moving feeling, as if you’ve just finished watching a drama rather than listening to a song.

There’s a bit of staging where Tanimura slips his hand into Ogawa’s neckline, but let’s refrain from doing that during karaoke.

elegyKen Takakura & Aki Yashiro

Ken Takakura, Aki Yashiro – Elegy

This work is a duet song woven by a legendary actor of the Showa era and the queen of enka.

Its melancholy melody and lyrics that convey deep emotion are striking, resulting in a piece that showcases both performers’ unique personalities.

Ken Takakura’s rugged baritone and Aki Yashiro’s powerful vocals blend beautifully, creating a song that truly resonates.

Released in June 1990, it became a major topic on music shows and in the media at the time.

The lyrics, depicting the pain and loneliness of men and women scarred by the past, struck a chord with many and have been loved for years.

It’s a recommended track for those who feel the solitude of life or wish to connect heart-to-heart with someone.

The Apple Murder CaseHiromi Go / Kiki Kirin

Hiromi Go & Kiki Kirin – The Apple Murder Case (1978)

Many people have probably seen the video of Hiromi Go and Kiki Kirin singing along with a unique dance.

The song is upbeat and so fun that it makes you want to start dancing.

Be sure to pay attention to the witty lyrics written by hit songwriter Yu Aku.

Whether you already know the song or not, listening to it will put you in a good mood, so it’s worth keeping in mind—you can use it in all kinds of situations, like party entertainment or wedding receptions!

The two are young.Dick Mine, Reiko Hoshi

Futari wa wakai

Futari wa Wakai (The Two Are Young) is a duet song by singer Dick Mine and actress Reiko Hoshi, released in 1935 as the B-side to the theme song of the comedy film The Peeped-at Bride.

A duet between a major pre- and postwar star—who was even labeled delinquent for singing jazz before the war—and a movie star drew widespread attention.

With lyrics by Hachirō Satō and music by Masao Koga, its sweet words and bright, light melody resonated with the public, and it reportedly became a bigger hit than the A-side.

Men and women, no matter how old they are.Ryotaro Sugi & Yuri Murata

Ryotaro Sugi & Yuri Murata: Men and Women, No Matter the Age

Known as a duet by Ryotaro Sugi and Yuri Murata, this piece is a beloved classic that resonates with the hearts of the mature generation.

Its lyrics, which focus on relationships and emotions between men and women that remain unchanged with age, are particularly relatable for listeners with rich life experience.

Released in March 1996, it carries the essence of Showa-era kayokyoku while conveying a message that still speaks to the present day.

Cherished for many years as a karaoke and bar staple, it’s a song that fully showcases the appeal of a duet sung by two people.

With a calm yet warm vocal tone and lyrics that feel close to the heart, its charm lies in the gentle comfort it offers.

silver ringYujiro Ishihara & Ai Machiko

Yujiro Ishihara & Machiko Ai – Silver Ring

The duet “Silver Ring” by Yujiro Ishihara and Machiko Ai is a moving piece themed around parting and the hope of reunion.

Through the “silver ring,” which symbolizes the memory of a single night in a port town, it portrays the deep bond between the two.

Released in September 1967, the song is notable for its melancholic melody that overlaps with the image of Ishihara’s films.

With Ishihara’s powerful, emotive vocals intertwining exquisitely with Ai’s clear singing voice, this work is especially popular among Showa-era mood kayō (mood music).

It’s a song you’ll want to sing at karaoke or in a snack bar with someone special.

Blue MountainsIchiro Fujiyama / Mitsue Nara

Blue Mountain Range — original song by Mr. Ichiro Fujiyama and Ms. Mitsue Nara

A beloved classic that captured the hearts of the Japanese people after the war was sung by Ichiro Fujiyama and Mitsue Nara.

Released in 1949, this song was born as a movie theme and has continued to be cherished by many ever since.

Its lyrics, expressing a yearning for the Blue Mountains and hope for a new life, beautifully reflect the sentiments of the Japanese people at the time.

Fujiyama’s dignified vocals and Nara’s warm harmonies resonate deeply with listeners.

It has remained loved across generations, even receiving special performances at the 1979 and 1989 Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Why not sing it together with someone dear to you, along with fond memories?