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!
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Showa-era classic songs that are easy to sing at karaoke (1–10)
The Refrain Is ScreamingYumi Matsutoya
Singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya has released numerous hit songs, both her own originals and songs she has written for others.
“Reflections Are Crying Out,” included on her 20th album Delight Slight Light KISS, conveys a sense of poignancy from the very first notes.
The vocal range is narrow, so the key isn’t an issue, but because the melody contains a lot of syncopation, you need to be careful not to fall out of rhythm.
Even though it wasn’t released as a single, it’s widely known not only among fans but also among general listeners, making it a sure-fire crowd-pleaser at karaoke.
Shadows of YouthTulip
Tulip is a four-piece band in which all members—including singer-songwriter Kazuo Zaitsu—handle lyrics, composition, lead vocals, and harmonies.
Their sixth single overall, “Seishun no Kage,” which has been featured widely in TV dramas, films, and commercials, marked a turning point that led Tulip—who had been pursuing a more idol-oriented direction at the time—back to their original musical roots.
The song sits in a generally high key, and in the latter half of the chorus the melody drops suddenly from the highest note down to a low register, so be careful not to lose pitch when singing it at karaoke.
Although the track sustains high notes, forcing your voice will spoil the mood; if the key feels too high, adjust it to a comfortable setting and sing with ease.
The Summer That Vanished Beyond the GlassMasayuki Suzuki
Masayuki Suzuki, a singer also known as a member of Rats & Star and dubbed the “King of Love Songs” for his soulful vocals.
His debut single, Glass Goshi ni Kieta Natsu (The Summer That Vanished Behind Glass), chosen as the campaign song for Nissin’s Cup Noodles, features an emotional vocal performance that resonates over a transparent, floating-feel ensemble.
The tempo is relaxed, but the song spans a wide vocal range, so adjust the key to suit your voice when singing it at karaoke.
Adding a touch of kobushi (that characteristic Japanese vocal ornament) will bring you closer to the original vibe, so if you’re comfortable, give it a try.
Showa-era classic songs that are easy to sing at karaoke (11–20)
era; age; time; periodMiyuki Nakajima
Miyuki Nakajima is a singer-songwriter known as the only solo artist to have topped the singles chart across four decades—from the 1970s through the 2000s.
Her second single, “Jidai,” which is included among Japan’s 100 Best Songs, has been featured in music textbooks and sung at graduation ceremonies, making it a beloved number that transcends generations.
Overall, the key is low and the tempo is relaxed, but if you don’t consciously feel the bounce of the shuffle beat, it can end up sounding flat, so take care.
Emulating her distinctive vibrato will bring you closer to the original vibe, so if you can do it, consider incorporating it.
Lullaby of the Holy MothersHiromi Iwasaki
Hiromi Iwasaki, a singer who made her debut with the catchphrase “Let your voice ring to the heavens, Hiromi Iwasaki,” continues to be highly active today.
Her 28th single, “Lullaby of the Holy Mothers,” chosen as the first ending theme for the TV drama series Tuesday Suspense Theater, is memorable for its dramatic melody and wistful atmosphere.
The overall key isn’t very high, so it’s relatively easy to sing, but the melody darts rapidly between low and high registers, so be careful not to slip off pitch.
It’s a famous song that almost everyone has heard at least once, and a classic Showa-era hit that will liven up karaoke with people of any generation.
GLORIAZIGGY
ZIGGY is a rock band that was hugely active in the ’80s.
Although the term didn’t exist back then, they drew popularity with a look similar to what we now call visual-kei rock bands.
Among ZIGGY’s works, the song I especially recommend as easy to sing is GLORIA.
It’s a standard rock tune by today’s measures, but in the Japanese music scene at the time, this kind of classic rock felt fresh.
It might sound like a high-range song, but the vocal line is extremely catchy and the range isn’t that wide.
Definitely give it a try.
CheersTsuyoshi Nagabuchi
Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi is a singer-songwriter who has won a devoted fanbase with a powerful performance style that embodies his belief that “an acoustic guitar isn’t for playing—it’s for pounding.” The title track of his third album, “Kanpai,” has long been cherished for its lyrics as a classic song for weddings and graduation ceremonies.
Its narrow vocal range and lack of big dynamic swings make it easy to sing, and since it’s a song almost everyone has heard at least once, it’s perfect for group sing-alongs at karaoke.
If you sing it with a slight, deliberate pause, you’ll get closer to the feel of the original—give it a try if you’re comfortable.