New Enka Single Release [May 2025]

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

A new breeze is beginning to blow through the enka scene in the Reiwa era.

In May 2025, a string of notable new songs is arriving—works that honor the long-cherished traditions of enka while exuding a contemporary vitality.

Whether you’re well-versed in enka or relatively new to it, you’ll likely find your heart moved by its tones and voices.

In this article, we invite you into a fresh world of enka, where emotive vocals and lyrics that reflect the times are woven together.

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

Tsugaru Nakase-bushiTakashi Hosokawa

Tsugaru Nakase-bushi

Tsugaru Nakase-bushi by Takashi Hosokawa

Set against the Sea of Tsugaru, this is an authentic enka that passionately sings of a love steeped in melancholy.

Only Takashi Hosokawa could deliver such a powerful yet deeply expressive vocal that captivates the heart.

The dynamic interplay of Tsugaru shamisen and strings is also superbly crafted.

Released in May 2025 as a work commemorating his 50th year in the performing arts, it drew significant attention from enka fans.

It’s perfect not only for those who love traditional enka, but also for anyone eager to be enthralled by the commanding sound of the Tsugaru shamisen.

It’s also well-suited for karaoke performances.

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In conclusion

In May 2025, the enka scene is beginning to radiate a new allure.

While cherishing tradition, a number of new songs are showing flexible changes that resonate with the times.

I would be delighted if these encounters with songs, colored by deep emotion and rich expressiveness, are taking place.

New Articles

: Enka that gets the crowd going at karaoke | Fire up the room with easy-to-sing classics!

: New Enka Single Release [July 2024]

: New enka single release [August 2024]

: New enka single release [September 2024]

: New Enka Single Release [October 2024]

: New Enka Single Release [November 2024]

: New enka single release [December 2024]

: New Enka Single Release [January 2025]

: New Enka Single Release [February 2025]

: New enka single release [March 2025]

In producing this article

Editorial Policy

I regularly check release information across various music media and pick out noteworthy works. Drawing on my experience working as a sound engineer for performances such as enka singer concerts and amateur karaoke competitions—and the knowledge I gained there—I research songs and share information carefully. This week, I’m featuring titles including Yoko Nagayama’s “Showa no Onna”!

Wakagen Araki (a Vocaloid producer who is also a music writer)

[Evidence]

[About the order of publication]

Based on the editorial team’s research results, the final decision also takes into account the total number of your “Rank Up” and “Rank Down” button presses.

[Update History]

July 7, 2025: Published the article.
May 20, 2025: Added/updated 8 reviews.
May 8, 2025: Added/updated 7 reviews.