Lovely hit song

When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era

Freelance music writerTakashi Hoshino
I’m Takashi Hoshino, a freelance writer currently juggling work with parenting. I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 years since I first picked it up when I started high school, and I’m still active in a band today. Ever since I began playing, I’ve been drawn to hard rock and heavy metal, and I enjoy intense music, whether Japanese or Western. At the same time, I keep in mind something I was told long ago: “If you want to play rock, you should know more than just rock!” With that in my heart, I make a point of listening to a wide range of genres every day. My experience as a writer is still growing, but I’ll keep working hard to recommend all kinds of music to as many people as possible!

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!

If you’re stuck choosing karaoke songs! Easy-to-sing classic hits released in the Showa era (11–20)

If I Could Play the PianoToshiyuki Nishida

If I Could Play the Piano ~ Toshiyuki Nishida

If I Could Play the Piano - Toshiyuki Nishida

Still beloved today as a classic from the Showa era, this song was created as an insert track for the drama “Ikenaka Genta 80 Kilos.” The lyrics capture a bittersweet feeling: if only I could play the piano, I’d be able to express my feelings to you.

Toshiyuki Nishida’s warm voice beautifully conveys the emotions of the awkward protagonist.

In 1981, at the 32nd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, he made his first appearance with this song.

With its beautiful melody and relatively low key, it’s also recommended for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.

If you want to sing with your feelings for someone special, this is a great choice.

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MonicaKoji Yoshikawa

Monica (2004 Original)

Monica Kōji Yoshikawa

People around 60 to 63 are the generation that experienced the peak of the second band boom.

Since the band craze continued through acts like COMPLEX and BOØWY, those who have kept following rock have probably listened to Koji Kikkawa’s songs a lot.

One track I recommend is Monica.

Its vocal range is slightly on the high side at about mid1 D to hi A#, but since notes around mid2 C to mid2 D appear frequently, you won’t really feel a wide range is required.

The pitch movement is also relatively gentle, making it very easy to sing.

It’s a song that can get people in their 50s excited too, so definitely add it to your repertoire.

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In conclusion

How was it? This time, we introduced songs from the Showa era that are easy to sing at karaoke.

We selected mainly tracks with lower keys and without large melodic leaps, so we hope you’ll find songs that suit your voice.