New enka single release [April 2025]

Osaka Love DropletKaori Mizumori

Kaori Mizumori “Osaka Koishizuku” MV Full Chorus (Release Date: March 18, 2025) [Official]

A song marked by a warm melody that gently embraces wounded hearts and lyrics rich with emotion.

Released in March 2025, it is Kaori Mizumori’s 30th anniversary debut commemorative single.

Mizumori is known for numerous regional-themed songs like “Tottori Sand Dunes” and “Kumano Kodo,” and in this work, too, her characteristically gentle voice evocatively portrays the cityscape of Osaka.

It’s a love song that encourages you with a message to look ahead and keep walking, overcoming the sadness and loneliness you’ve experienced in life.

Woman's ElegySetsuko Shimizu

Setsuko Shimizu / Woman's Elegy

A poignant song that portrays a woman’s deep love and sense of loss.

This track is included as the B-side to the February 2025 single “Koibi,” featuring a powerhouse creative team with Junpei Oda composing and Tatsuo Matsui arranging.

Setsuko Shimizu’s alluring, resonant low register pairs beautifully with the emotionally rich, blues-influenced sound.

Drinking while reminiscing about that day.

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It’s sure to resonate deeply with anyone nursing a broken heart or those who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

NinaNaoki Sanada

Ｎｉｎａ

Sanada Naoki’s husky voice brings out the charm of the song.

Written and composed by his mentor, Ikuzo Yoshi, this track was released in April 2025 in three editions: the Pink Snake version, the Blue Stripe version, and the JD version.

It’s a poignant number that looks back on one’s youthful days spent with a loved one.

The powerful arrangement feels like emotions overflowing.

Please listen while recalling your own younger days.

Strait Woman ShipMiko Takekawa

Strait Woman Ship

This is a song by Mikiko Takegawa, notable for its emotionally rich vocals and wistful melody.

Released in April 2025, the lyrics were written by Mami Takubo and the music composed by Gendai Kano.

It dynamically portrays a woman’s single-minded feelings and love, offering a model for how to walk through life.

You can feel the inner strength of someone who continues to think of a loved one.

A gem of a track recommended for anyone who wants to savor the deep pathos of enka.

A life of paying it forwardAkio Kanejima

A life of paying it forward

A gem of a ballad that carries a heart of gratitude on a beautiful melody.

Released in March 2025 as Akio Kanishima’s third single, this anthem to life is imbued with his feelings of cherishing the kindness he has received throughout his life so far.

Shinichi Ishihara’s warm lyrics and Chiaki Oka’s soul-stirring melody blend exquisitely.

Another highlight of this work is the depth of a voice steeped in life experience.

It has a unique persuasiveness that could only come from Kanishima—who, despite his business success, made his debut as an enka singer at the age of 76, an extraordinary career path.

flower raftKiyoko Takahashi

flower raft

“Hana Ikada” is a song released by Kiyoko Takahashi in March 2025, composed by Saburo Kitajima, also known as Joji Hara.

The image of a woman living as if against the flow of the river is beautifully conveyed through the emotive melody and Takahashi’s rich, velvety vocals.

The lyrics, which reflect a life view of “living while carrying one’s scars” and “never forgetting the kindness received from others,” are deeply moving.

It’s an enka piece that can serve as a compass for how to live.