Classic Showa-era songs that are easy to sing at karaoke
With the recent revival boom, the Showa era is once again drawing attention among younger generations.
In particular, hit songs from the 1980s are frequently featured in the media.
This time, we’ve selected especially easy-to-sing pieces from among those classic Showa hits.
Since we’ve chosen well-known songs, people from that generation of course—and even younger listeners—may find them familiar.
We’ve also included tips for singing, so be sure to use them as a reference!
Showa-era classic songs that are easy to sing at karaoke (1–10)
Wandering Love SongTsuyoshi Nagabuchi
Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi is a singer-songwriter who has been active for many years.
He has produced numerous classic songs, but among them, the one I especially recommend as an easy song to sing at karaoke is Junrenka.
This piece strongly reflects folk characteristics, yet its melody is crafted to be a bit more powerful than typical folk.
That said, the vocal line sits in the low-to-mid range, so there’s no need to worry about hitting high notes.
It’s also easy to sing because the song’s style allows for a slightly rough, gritty delivery without any problem.
To Marie on Fifth AvenuePedro & Capricious
Pedro & Capricious, who celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2021, draw on a wide range of musical roots including jazz, folk, and Latin.
Their fifth single, “Goban-gai no Mari e” (“To Mary on Fifth Avenue”), has been covered by numerous musicians, and the powerful yet lyrical vocals of Mariko Takahashi, who was the lead singer at the time, are truly pleasing to the ear.
Because the melody and tempo are relaxed and the key is low, it’s also a great choice for those who aren’t very confident at karaoke.
Just be mindful that there are many sustained notes, so try to sing with intention to avoid a shaky voice or running out of breath mid-phrase.
As time goes byKenji Sawada
Kenji Sawada is a singer who gained popularity not only for his overwhelming vocal prowess but also for his striking visual presence.
His 14th single, “Toki no Sugiyuku Mama ni,” which became a massive hit as an insert song for the TV drama “Akuma no Youna Aitsu,” has been covered not only by domestic musicians but also by numerous artists in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, and more.
The song is easy to sing thanks to its relaxed tempo and sparse melody, but because there are many sustained notes, care must be taken to keep the pitch steady.
In karaoke, being mindful of dynamics brings out the mood, making this a classic from years past that you should definitely try.
stationMariya Takeuchi
Singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi, who won the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Art Encouragement Prize in 2019 and continues to perform live energetically, self-covered the song she originally wrote for Akina Nakamori as her 16th single, “Eki” (Station).
Today, it is known as one of Takeuchi’s signature songs among a wide range of listeners.
With its generally low key and relaxed tempo, it’s also recommended for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.
It’s a classic Showa-era masterpiece that we hope you’ll sing with dynamic expression while picturing the scenes in your mind.
Ruby RingAkira Terao
Akira Terao, a singer known for his signature deep, husky voice who was active both as an actor and a musician.
His sixth single, “Ruby no Yubiwa,” used in a Yokohama Tire ASPEC commercial, is widely recognized as one of the quintessential songs of the Showa era that many people have heard at least once.
Although the melody sits quite low overall, Terao himself often raised the key when performing on TV and elsewhere, so if the original key is hard to sing, try adjusting it on the karaoke machine.
Also, since riding the bouncy feel of the shuffle beat is crucial, keeping that in mind as you sing will bring you closer to the original vibe.
atonementTeresa Teng
Singer Teresa Teng, who drew attention after winning a singing contest at the age of ten and was known as the “Songstress of Asia.” Her 14th single, Tsugunai, which is still covered by many musicians today, is known as one of her signature songs alongside her 16th single, Toki no Nagare ni Mi o Makase.
Because its melody has a simple rhythm and relatively little pitch movement, it’s easy to try even for those who aren’t confident singers.
If you sing it with a slightly wistful touch, you can capture the feel of the original—so once you get used to it, why not keep that in mind as you sing?
Subaru -Subaru-Shinji Tanimura
Singer Shinji Tanimura, who left behind many classic songs.
Although he passed away in 2023, the music he left continues to give strength to many listeners.
Speaking of Shinji Tanimura’s works, this “Subaru” comes to mind.
It’s so famous that even people in China know it, and it gained popularity for its profound message.
The song is also very easy to sing.
Its vocal range is neither especially wide nor narrow, but above all, the tempo is slow.
The entry is easy to grasp as well, making it one of the most singable songs among the great hits of the Showa era.