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New enka single release [March 2025]

In March 2025, a wave of new releases is breathing fresh life into the world of enka.

While honoring the genre’s classic emotional core, these songs incorporate contemporary arrangements and melodic lines, firmly capturing the hearts of enka fans.

The current enka scene, which preserves tradition while embracing innovation, could well be described as a period of transformation.

From debut tracks to the birth of future classics, here are the new songs drawing attention now.

New enka single releases [March 2025] (1–10)

Kamuro-zaka in the chill of cherry-blossom seasonNahomi

[MV Full Chorus] Nahomi “Kanzaki’s Chilly Bloom” [Official]
Nahomi on the chilly spring night of Kamuro-zaka

This enka piece weaves a poignantly bittersweet love in rich emotion against a backdrop of cherry blossoms fluttering along an urban slope that still carries the lingering air of Edo.

Set at Shinagawa’s symbolic cherry-blossom landmark, it portrays the inner feelings of a person harboring unspoken love with lyrical sensitivity.

Nahomi’s delicate vocals evoke the quiet yet resilient strength of a mature woman, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in March 2025 by Tokuma Japan Communications, with lyrics by Naofumi Yanagida and composition by Akito Shikata, it’s a song perfect for the season when spring arrives—recommended for those who think of a cherished someone during cherry blossom time.

Like sakura blooming in a corner of the city, its fragile yet beautiful portrait of love will surely touch the hearts of those who can relate.

Turn me onAyano Aya

A single by Aya Ayano that beautifully captures the loneliness and lingering attachment left after a breakup.

The scene where the desire to gradually erase the memories of love intersects with the feelings that can’t be forgotten seeps into the heart atop a beautiful melodic line.

Released in February 2025, this piece retains the flavor of Showa-era kayōkyoku while featuring a modern arrangement.

It’s a perfect song for those who resonate with the bittersweet emotions of adult love or who want to let their hidden feelings ride on a song.

hourglassKosuke Matsuzaki

Kosuke Matsuzaki 'Hourglass' MUSIC VIDEO
Kousuke Matsuzaki, the Hourglass

This is a soul-stirring enka that likens the heartbreak everyone experiences at least once to an hourglass.

Released by Nippon Crown in February 2025, it’s a song by Kousuke Matsuzaki.

His lustrous vocals richly convey the poignant struggle to erase memories.

Written and composed by Junichiro, it beautifully portrays memories and feelings fading with the passage of time.

It’s a song that stays by your side when you want to heal your heart or when you find yourself thinking of someone dear.

New Enka Song Releases [March 2025] (11–20)

night-flowering jasmineMidori Oka

Oka Midori “Yakanran” Music Video
Yakanran Oka Midori

A gemlike love song released in February 2025 that richly portrays the sweetness and ache of first love.

Carried by a gentle, companionable melody, the fragility and sorrow of love are delicately woven together.

Celebrating Midori Oka’s 20th anniversary since her debut, this work beautifully harmonizes Reiji Mizuki’s lyrics with Masato Sugimoto’s composition to sensitively express a woman’s heart swayed by love.

Like soap bubbles, a fleeting romance and the anxious feelings blown by the wind are tenderly sung in a clear, transparent voice.

A recommended track for those who want to empathize with tender yet bittersweet emotions.

Wind cherry blossomAkemi Sato

Akemi Sato “Kaze Zakura (Wind Cherry Blossoms)” Official Music Video
Fusakura Akemi Sato

This is a distinctly Japanese lyrical song that portrays ways of living through contrasts.

Akemi Sato’s clear, translucent voice deftly conveys the song’s delicate emotions.

Created by the renowned duo of lyricist Takahiro Maeda and composer Shunichi Makaino, the piece was released in February 2025.

While celebrating the importance of living true to oneself, it movingly captures the profound expressive power of depicting life’s opposing emotions—joy and sorrow.

It’s a perfect track for moments when you want to pause in your daily life and reflect on yourself.

The graceful melody, harmonizing the tones of traditional Japanese instruments with modern arrangements, is also part of its charm.

I am most delighted.Mai Kitazawa

Mai Kitazawa “So Delightful” MV [Official]
Mai Kitazawa, I'm so very happy.

A pure love song wrapped in kindness, expressing the feelings of unrequited love with the classical word “ito.” It’s a work by Mai Kitazawa, released by Tokuma Japan Communications in February 2025.

The song celebrates the timeless beauty of love that doesn’t change with age, conveying a warm message that simply caring for someone is itself a source of happiness.

With its calm vocals and emotionally rich arrangement that resonate deeply, this is her third single since moving to Tokuma Japan.

The worldview woven from archaic language and a modern melody will gently accompany anyone who holds dear feelings for someone special.

Husband-and-wife sugorokuMachiko Kitano

Machiko Kitano “Husband and Wife Sugoroku” Music Video
Married Couple Sugoroku Kitano Machiko

This is a heartwarming enka song that likens a married couple’s journey through life to a sugoroku board game.

Sung with rich expressiveness by Machiko Kitano, the piece portrays the joys and trials of life with deep emotion.

Within its unhurried tempo lies a moving resolve to keep walking forward while building a life of love together.

Released in February 2025 by King Records, the song was composed by Hiroshi Tokuhisa with lyrics by Takashi Manjo.

It’s a perfect choice for celebrating a wedding anniversary or for peaceful moments spent together as a couple.

The resonant vocals and warm lyrics will surely deepen the bond with someone dear.