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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- 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
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- Timeless classics everyone knows! Wedding songs born in the Showa era
Nostalgic duet songs (51–60)
I won’t let you go tonight.Ritsuko Abe / Yukio Hashi
Here is the song that is none other than Yukio Hashi’s 149th single.
Riuko Abe was reportedly chosen as Hashi’s partner through an audition.
Sales surpassed 300,000 copies, and the song received a Special Award at the Japan Cable Awards.
Because it’s often sung at drinking parties in karaoke, this kind of theme feels like the classic image of a duet song.
Miracle of LoveHide and Rosanna
This song, beloved by many as a quintessential Showa-era duet, continues to capture hearts.
The clear, pure voices of Hide and Rosanna gently wrap around the ache of unrequited love.
Although it was their 1968 debut, its popularity surged after release, becoming a million-seller.
Its charm remains undimmed across generations, with numerous artists covering it over the years.
The lyrics, which express feelings for a former lover and the hope of being loved again, resonate deeply with listeners.
Sing it with friends at karaoke or in a snack bar, and it will surely become a wonderful memory.
Maybe PART IIKatsuhiko Miki / Sachiko Kobayashi
This is “Moshikashite Part II,” released by Sachiko Kobayashi—who is a regular on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen—and singer Katsuhiko Miki.
It’s a song that offers a glimpse into the jealousy and mind games between an adult man and woman.
It’s not just young women who get jealous and sulk, after all.
The sultry vocals of Sachiko Kobayashi and the mature, steady presence of Katsuhiko Miki are wonderful.
This is a track that really makes you feel that age has nothing to do with being in love.
Just a little...Chiyoko Shimakura & Yūki Meguro
It’s a classic song that captures the poignant moment of parting.
The seamless duet by Chiyoko Shimakura and Yuki Meguro is especially memorable.
Released in September 1994, the piece created quite a buzz among enka fans.
The lyrics delicately portray the wavering emotions of a man and woman on the verge of separation, resonating deeply with listeners.
Shimakura’s sweet, wistful voice blends perfectly with Meguro’s calm tone.
It’s an ideal song to sing together with someone special at karaoke or in a snack bar.
Highly recommended for those who have experienced breakups or heartbreak.
Nostalgic duet songs (61–70)
Secret tryst with DioMARIE, Hiroshi Itsuki
The duet song “Dio Shinobi-ai” by singer Hanako Nohara and Hiroshi Itsuki, performed under the stage name MARIE.
For MARIE, this song became a turning point that boosted her popularity.
The highlight of the piece lies in its sultry lyrics and melody.
It leans more toward mood kayō than traditional enka, portraying a man–woman romance with alluring, seductive expressions.
MARIE’s parts go quite high, so if you can use falsetto or mixed voice, definitely give it a try.
white guitarCherish
This song has long been cherished by many as a classic from the Showa era.
Cherish’s warm harmonies sink deep into the heart.
The lyrics, which beautifully portray feelings for a loved one and the small changes of everyday life, resonate closely with listeners.
Released in September 1973, it reached No.
5 on the weekly Oricon charts and sold a total of 800,000 copies, becoming one of Cherish’s signature songs.
It’s perfect for singing together with someone special at karaoke or in a cozy snack bar.
Why not sing it, pouring your feelings into its gentle, soothing melody?
Raised in ShinjukuYoko Tsuyama / Hideo Oki
It’s a duet song that makes you imagine a somewhat lonely man and woman.
They see each other all the time but pretend not to be interested, even though they can’t help but be curious deep down.
Two shy people in a cute way.
It’s a song that makes you excited to see how their relationship will develop.
Invite the person you’re interested in and try singing it together!