When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
Of course, those who spent their youth in the Showa era will relate, but in recent years, thanks to subscriptions and TikTok, Showa hit songs have been catching on with younger generations too.
At karaoke, people of all ages sing classic Showa tunes, but many of those songs are quite difficult, so a lot of people struggle with what to choose.
So this time, we’ve picked out songs released in the Showa era that are relatively easy to sing.
Many of them are famous, so they’re perfect for karaoke no matter who you go with!
- Classic Showa-era songs that are easy to sing at karaoke
- Even for those not confident in their singing! Easy-to-sing karaoke songs released in the Reiwa era
- Songs everyone knows across generations. A roundup of karaoke tracks anyone can sing, regardless of age.
- Popular songs that are easy to sing at karaoke. Recommended classics and hit songs.
- Easy-to-sing youth songs for karaoke: recommended classics and popular hits
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for men in their 80s: Showa-era classics to perform at karaoke
- Great for karaoke song selection! Recommended easy-to-sing songs for Gen Z women
- Popular 80s hits for karaoke. Sing kayōkyoku and pop songs!
- [Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke
- [Karaoke] Recommended Songs for Men in Their 80s: A Collection of Showa-Era Classics You’ll Want to Belt Out
- A lineup of classics! Easy-to-sing Heisei-era songs, perfect for karaoke picks
- Now karaoke isn’t scary! Easy-to-sing songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- A must-see for Gen Z men! Easy-to-sing songs by male artists for karaoke
Stumped on what to sing at karaoke? Easy-to-sing classics released in the Showa era (1–10)
I look up as I walkKyu Sakamoto
It’s a classic song from the Showa era that sings about the resolve to hold back tears and keep looking forward as you walk on.
While depicting the changing seasons, it conveys the feelings of searching for happiness on lonely nights.
Released in 1961, it became a huge hit not only in Japan but around the world.
In the United States, it was especially beloved under the title “Sukiyaki,” reaching No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Kyu Sakamoto’s warm vocals and Rokuso Eri’s heartfelt lyrics are captivating.
The melody is easy to remember and sing, making it a song that people of all generations can enjoy, especially at karaoke.
Love is overOuyang Feifei
A song known as a classic of the Showa era, whose smooth melody and wistful lyrics resonate deeply.
Faye Ouyang’s rich, resonant voice beautifully conveys the complex feelings of a woman who chooses to part ways.
Although it was released as a B-side in 1979, word of mouth sparked its popularity, leading to the rare feat of being released as a single the following year.
The lyrics, which depict the sorrow of separation and deep love for the other person, are relatable across generations.
It’s a karaoke favorite among a wide range of age groups, so it’s sure to be a hit no matter who you go with.
Winter LightningAlice
This work is notable for its lyrics that express emotions like crashing thunder and for Takao Horiuchi’s powerful vocals.
It features folk-rock elements and energetic instrumentation.
Released in October 1977, it became one of Alice’s signature songs, entering the top 10 of the Oricon weekly chart the following year.
Its 2020 reissue on MEG-CD also drew attention, and it continues to be loved across generations.
The lyrics, which sing of the pain of parting, will resonate with many people.
If you sing it at karaoke, I recommend putting your emotions into it.
If you’re stuck choosing karaoke songs! Easy-to-sing classic hits released in the Showa era (11–20)
High School LullabyImo Kin Trio
This debut single by Imo-Kin Trio, a group born from a variety show, beautifully captures the bittersweetness of youth.
Its lyrics depict scenes from high school life, blending with techno sounds to create a uniquely captivating world.
Released in August 1981, it became a massive hit, topping the Oricon weekly chart for seven consecutive weeks.
It also held the No.
1 spot on the TV show “The Best Ten” for eight straight weeks, attesting to its popularity.
With its fast tempo and catchy melody, it’s a great pick when you want to liven up a karaoke session.
Celebrated as a classic of the Showa era, it’s a song loved across generations and works with any karaoke group.
GLORIAZIGGY
Known as signature songs of the rock band ZIGGY—whose glam rock-inspired look and pop-savvy sound within rock have won them popularity—these are the band’s second and fifth singles.
Released in May 1988, the tracks became a massive hit the following year when one was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Dō-Kyū-Sei” (Classmates).
With a catchy, kayōkyoku-tinged melody fronted by a full-on band sound, it’s a tune that will likely evoke a nostalgic sense of youth for those in their 40s.
This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at karaoke.
Ruby RingAkira Terao
A signature song by Akira Terao, who thrived in both acting and music.
It features poignant lyrics reminiscing about a lost love and a mature, sophisticated melody.
Released in February 1981, it became a massive hit, topping the Oricon chart for 10 consecutive weeks.
It was also used in a Yokohama Tire commercial, making it popular across generations.
Although the melody sits generally in a lower register, it becomes easier to sing if you adjust the key on a karaoke machine.
Keeping the bounce of the shuffle beat in mind while singing will help you capture the original vibe.
Known as a classic of the Showa era, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at karaoke with people of any age.
Until we meet againKiyohiko Ozaki
A signature work by Kiyohiko Ozaki, known as one of the quintessential songs of the Showa era.
Released in March 1971, this gem of a ballad about an adult breakup was created by the famed duo Yū Aku and Kyōhei Tsutsumi.
Rather than directly expressing the pain of parting, the lyrics present a forward-looking way to say goodbye—an uncommon perspective in pop music of the time.
The song won numerous awards and was also chosen as the entrance march for the 44th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in 1972.
Beloved across generations, it’s easy to sing at karaoke and is sure to be a hit with any group.