New enka single release [December 2024]

A solitary homeward journeyYuko Kita

A solitary homeward journey

A song by Yuko Kita themed around homesickness.

It was released as a digital single in November 2024.

Set in the northern lands, its lyrics depicting a solitary journey resonate deeply.

The nostalgic melody and her emotionally rich vocals are sure to leave a lasting impression.

The coupling track, “Kita no Koiakari” (Northern Love Lights), is also included, unfolding a romantic story set in Hakodate.

Yuko Kita, a native of Minakami in Gunma Prefecture, held a 10th anniversary charity concert in 2022.

This work will offer comfort to those who have left their hometowns or carry loneliness in their hearts.

Woman of Oku-HidaTeppei Tsukahara

Teppei Tsukahara “Okuhida Woman” [Melody Records] Official Performance Video

A medium-tempo ballad that portrays a woman’s feelings as she continues to long for someone she can’t forget, set against the rich natural backdrop of Okuhida.

Teppei Tsukahara’s delicate vocals gently embrace the bittersweet emotion.

Released in December 2024, this track marks his first single since moving to Melody Records.

Lyrics themed around nostalgia and love resonate deeply with listeners.

This piece offers solace to those who have experienced parting from someone dear, or who carry unspoken feelings in their hearts.

It might be nice to savor a cup of hot tea on a quiet night while listening to Tsukahara’s voice.

Scales of the MoonRie Iwanami

[Full MV] Rie Iwanami “Scales of the Moon” [Official]

It’s a song that irresistibly draws you into the profound world of kayōkyoku.

Released by Rie Iwanami in December 2024, it’s her first single in about two years and five months.

While preserving the charm of 1980s–90s kayō pops, it also incorporates modern elements.

Written and composed by Naohisa Taniguchi, the lyrics overlay a fragile future and fading beautiful memories with the light of the moon.

With a mid-tempo groove and vocals that balance poignancy and strength, it’s sure to move your heart.

Recommended for those who have experienced heartbreak or parting, or who want to revisit memories with someone dear.

Be sure to listen to this track packed with Rie Iwanami’s appeal.

gokuraku tonboHiroko Hattori

Hiroko Hattori “Gokuraku Tonbo” Music Video

A new single celebrating Hiroko Hattori’s 35th anniversary debut has arrived! Released in November 2024, the song is characterized by a fantastical and moving atmosphere.

Lyrics by Ayumi Tomori and composition by Satoshi Hibara highlight Hattori’s warm, expressive vocals, which elevate the track’s appeal.

It’s a piece that makes you feel dreams and hopes, as if guiding you from everyday life into an ideal world.

Blending enka and pop, the work preserves Hattori’s signature style while exploring a fresh musical approach.

Her deeply resonant voice enriches the song’s theme even further, making a lasting impression on listeners.

Highly recommended for karaoke fans, too!

YukoYūji Matsuo

Yuko

A rising star in the world of enka who gives voice to the spirit of Japan, Yushi Matsuo has unveiled a heartwarming new song that gently embraces the life of a woman.

The title track is a tender enka ballad filled with thoughts for “Yuko,” who faces the hardships of life.

Matsuo’s rich, resonant vocals—enhanced by his signature rolled r’s—soak into the heart.

The single also includes the coupling track “Kuyashi Namida” (Tears of Frustration).

Scheduled for release on December 4, 2024, this single will come with a limited bonus: autographed copies signed by hand.

It’s the perfect song for when you feel worn down by life or want to deepen your feelings for someone dear.

It’s sure to stay close to your heart.

silenceKanna Kiryu

Kana Kiryu / Silence

A dramatic ballad that evokes the stillness of the night, brimming with Kana Kiryu’s allure.

Released in November 2024, this work marks her major-label debut and stands at the forefront of a new genre dubbed “mysterious kayō,” breathing fresh life into traditional Japanese pop.

The lyrics portray a love that is both fragile and intense, beautifully harmonizing with Kiryu’s heartrending vocals to resonate deeply with listeners.

You can feel the protagonist’s anguish as they sink their thoughts into a cold sea, along with the strength to keep loving nonetheless.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night—one that will surely stay close to your heart.

fault; mistake; error; sin (context-dependent)Akira Hiyama

Akira Hiyama “Ayamachi” Music Video

This is a powerful, brooding enka-rock track that opens a new chapter for Akira Hiyama.

Featuring a striking arrangement that fuses enka and rock, its emotionally rich lyrics—centered on parting and mistakes—resonate deeply.

Released for digital distribution in November 2024, the song marks another ambitious step in Hiyama’s ongoing pursuit of new challenges and stands out as a notable follow-up to the single “Kyo Kagiri” (Only for Today).

Expressing the complexities of love with a mature, understated intensity, it’s sure to speak to listeners with a wealth of life experience.

Master it at karaoke, and you might just discover a new side of yourself.