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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- A roundup of duet songs sung by men—classic tracks renowned for their compelling harmonies and call-and-response.
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Nostalgic duet songs (51–60)
Now, the Earth awakens.Naosumi Kamata, Yuko Yamaji
A captivating piece featuring a grand, hope-filled melody and powerful yet delicate harmonies.
Baritone singer Naosumi Kamata, known for his deep knowledge of classical music, and gospel singer Yuko Yamaji bring out each other’s individuality, delivering a remarkable vocal performance.
Released as an EP by Polydor Records in 1978, this work was used as the opening theme for the NHK TV anime Future Boy Conan.
Composer Shinichiro Ikebe created the music specifically for this production, which marked Hayao Miyazaki’s directorial debut.
Singing it as a duet with someone special—at karaoke or in a cozy bar—will bring out the song’s charm even more.
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.
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.
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!
Nostalgic duet songs (61–70)
A Love Story in GinzaShunko Makimura / Yujiro Ishihara
It’s a song whose popularity is evident: it became a hit as an insert song in the film “From Town to Town Like a Whirlwind,” and another movie, “A Love Story in Ginza,” was even released using it as the theme.
It’s a staple male–female duet, memorable for its relaxed tempo and a mature, sensual atmosphere.
While the sound suggests a calm, adult romance, a closer look at the lyrics reveals a passionate love between a man and a woman, conveying the strength of their feelings for each other.
It’s a piece that calls for a faithful rendition—honoring the mood while singing with heartfelt passion.
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.
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.