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 (11–20)
Look up at the stars in the nightKyu Sakamoto
Singer Kyu Sakamoto, who released numerous hit songs such as “Ue o Muite Arukō” (“Sukiyaki”) and “Ashita ga Aru Sa,” passed away suddenly in a plane crash in 1985.
His cover of “Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi o,” originally the theme song from a musical first performed in 1960, is also famous for having been covered by many artists across generations.
With its gentle melody and relaxed tempo, and relatively few notes overall, it’s easy to sing; however, if you sing it too flatly, the mood changes, so be mindful of dynamics.
Since it’s a classic everyone knows, it’s an easy number to sing at karaoke with people of any generation.
outdatedEigo Kawashima
Singer-songwriter Eigo Kawashima, who gained popularity for his profound, message-driven songs.
He was also active in writing songs for others, and the number of masterpieces he’s produced is practically countless.
Among Kawashima’s works, the one I especially recommend as an easy choice for karaoke is Jidai Okure (Behind the Times).
It’s a classic that shines with masculinity, and its vocal range is well-suited for male singers.
When performing this song, it’s best to sing in a rugged, full-bodied style.
White LabyrinthTakao Kisugi
Takao Kisugi has left many classic songs, both as a composer and as a singer-songwriter.
As a singer-songwriter, his sweet voice was particularly memorable.
Among his works, the one I especially recommend as easy to sing is Shiroi Labyrinth.
Though the melody is very fragile, the vocal range is quite narrow, so people with any voice type can sing it.
Since it’s based on kayōkyoku (Japanese popular song), its familiar melodic structure also makes it easy for Japanese listeners to sing.
Keiko's Dream Opens at NightKeiko Fuji
Keiko Fuji, a singer who was also known as the mother of Hikaru Utada and who passed away suddenly in 2013.
Her third single, “Keiko no Yume wa Yoru Hiraku,” based on the kayōkyoku song “Yume wa Yoru Hiraku,” was a massive hit, winning the first Japan Song Grand Prize.
Although its vocal range is narrow and the tempo is relaxed, it features many distinctive delays (ma), so be careful in karaoke as it’s easy to lose the rhythm.
It’s a classic with a moody feel rarely found in modern popular music, making it a refreshing song to sing at karaoke even today.
Another SaturdayShogo Hamada
Known by the nickname “Hamashō,” singer-songwriter Shogo Hamada has influenced many musicians with his commitment to rock sung in Japanese.
“Mou Hitotsu no Doyoubi,” released as the B-side to his 18th single “LONELY—Ai to Iu Yakusokugoto,” later became one of his signature songs, even receiving double A-side status when reissued as a single.
The key isn’t very high, so it’s relatively easy to sing, but focusing on dynamics—such as using edge voice and projecting in the climactic parts—will bring you closer to the original feel.
However, because there are many pitch rises and falls within a narrow range, be careful not to go off pitch.
Goodbye to sorrowSafe zone
Anzen Chitai is a band that has built an era with a uniquely Japanese sound brimming with originality, fusing kayōkyoku, pop music, and rock.
They have so many hit songs that whatever you sing will likely get the crowd going, but this time I’d like to introduce “Kanashimi ni Sayonara,” which is especially easy to sing among their repertoire.
This work is a major-key ballad that, despite its sorrowful lyrics, somehow retains a refreshing tone.
The vocal range is quite narrow at mid1B to mid2F#, so if you adjust it to your optimal key, you should be able to sing it without difficulty.
Showa-era classic songs that are easy to sing at karaoke (21–30)
scarecrowMasashi Sada
Among people in their 60s, those in the latter half of the decade likely experienced the heyday of folk music.
Many of you may have been particularly struck by Masashi Sada’s lyrics, overflowing with originality and narrative depth.
Of all his songs, the one I especially recommend is Kakashi.
Its range is an average mid1 A# to mid2 F#, and because the pitch movement is fairly steady, it’s easy for anyone to sing.
The melody has an ennui-like mood, so be sure to sing it together and get the vibe going.