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 (21–30)
SWEET MEMORIESSeiko Matsuda
Seiko Matsuda is known as a quintessential idol of the 1980s and continues to be an active singer-songwriter today.
SWEET MEMORIES, originally included as the B-side to her 14th single Glass no Ringo (Glass Apple), became a famous song widely embraced by listeners after it was used in a Suntory CAN Beer commercial.
Because it has a very relaxed tempo with a shuffle beat, be careful not to rush or fall out of the rhythm.
Since it’s a bluesy number, singing with a slight laid-back feel will suit the song’s atmosphere.
freezing rainMika Hino
Akio Kayama’s classic song “Hisame” (Freezing Rain) has been covered by many singers and continues to be loved today as a mood-kayō style enka.
Among the various versions of “Hisame,” the one I especially recommend is by Mika Hino.
She sings it with a more subdued, reflective atmosphere than the original.
Enka can often feel difficult, but if you emulate her singing style, I think you’ll be able to deliver it well.
It’s recommended for anyone who wants to sing a mature, mood-filled number.
Maybe PART ISachiko Kobayashi & Katsuhiko Miki
The duet song “Moshikashite PART I” by Sachiko Kobayashi and Katsuhiko Miki is a quintessential example of an enka duet and is still sung at karaoke today.
It’s a very easy song to sing.
While it’s best performed as a duet, it’s arranged so it can also be sung solo.
Since it has few kobushi (the characteristic enka vocal ornamentation), even those who aren’t confident in their singing ability should be able to handle it without any trouble.
A Hazy Moonlit Nightsong
A song that beautifully portrays a spring evening depicts, with delicate nuance, a scene where the setting sun and haze spread over a field of rapeseed blossoms, and a pale moonlight floats in the sky.
Alongside the tranquil countryside, it gently embraces quintessential images of spring in Japan—the hues of the forest, people walking along rice-field paths, the croaking of frogs, and the tolling of bells.
Released in 1914 as a Ministry of Education school song, the work seamlessly marries lyrics by Tatsuyuki Takano with music by Teiichi Okano, and it has long been cherished in educational settings.
It has continued to be loved across generations, with Aiko Moriyama covering it in 2009 and Ai Nishida performing it on a program in June 2023.
As a song to hear on a calm spring evening, it offers a warmth that deeply touches the heart.
I am crying.Lily
Singer-songwriter Lili, who was hugely active in the Showa era.
She also thrived as an actress, and in the 1970s her momentum rivaled that of Keiko Fuji.
Her greatest charm was, without a doubt, her husky voice.
Making the most of that timbre, her songs turn big vocals into something more downbeat.
Her signature song “Watashi wa Naiteimasu” is arranged in that style as well, so even those who aren’t confident in their vocal power can sing it without trouble.
Give it a try.
Parting at 22wind
Kaze is a folk duo formed by Shozo Ise from Kaguyahime and Kazuhisa Okubo from Neko.
With two iconic singers representing the folk scene performing together, they became extremely popular at the time.
Speaking of Kaze’s classics, of course it has to be “22-sai no Wakare” (“Parting at 22”).
True to the folk style, this song is sung in a subdued and somber tone.
The vocal line is so simple that even those who can’t hit high notes can sing it without trouble, so give it a try.
winter desolationAmi Ozaki
A singer-songwriter with a distinctive husky voice, Ami Ozaki.
She has produced many classic songs, but among them, the one I especially recommend as easy to sing is “Fuyugare.
.
.”.
It’s a delicate piece in which she, unusually for Ozaki, showcases a thinner vocal style.
When you actually sing it at karaoke, don’t match her high key; instead, set the key to what’s comfortable for you.
The overall range is narrow, so even if you can’t hit high notes, you should be able to sing it without issues depending on the key.