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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 single release [June 2025]
- New enka single release [April 2025]
- New enka single release [March 2025]
- New Enka Single Release [February 2025]
- New Enka Single Release [January 2025]
- Enka’s recent hit songs in 2025: Must-watch popular kayō tracks
- [October 2025] Latest Enka and Kayōkyoku roundup. Check out the buzzworthy new songs!
- [2025] Thriving in the enka and kayōkyoku scene! A roundup of beautiful enka singers
- New enka single release [December 2024]
- New Enka Single Release [July 2024]
- New Enka Single Release [October 2024]
- [2025] Recommended enka by male singers with captivating high notes
- New enka single release [August 2024]
New Enka Releases [May 2025] (1–10)
AGAIN ~In the Spring Breeze~Koji Yamaguchi
A lyrical ballad that gently paints springtime scenery and the feeling of falling in love.
Set for release in May 2025 as a major-label debut, it was written and composed by Koji Yamaguchi, with arrangement by Toshiya Shimizu.
Within a simple, piano-centered arrangement, Yamaguchi’s warm vocals resonate throughout.
The lyrics, softly whispering “I’ll fall in love again and again,” are truly lovely.
It’s a perfect song to listen to while taking a spring stroll or enjoying cherry blossoms.
Sayonara, you.Reiju
This song perfectly blends the nostalgic charm of Showa-era kayōkyoku with modern arrangements.
Released in May 2025 by Tokuma Japan Communications, it features emotionally rich vocals by Leiju, an artist from Taiwan, intertwined with a sentimental melody that beautifully captures the ache of heartbreak.
It’s the kind of song that makes you inevitably reflect on your own past loves.
Highly recommended for anyone who has experienced a painful goodbye or who feels drawn to Showa-era pop.
Reiju’s BluesReiju
This work weaves together the deep lyricism and wistful melancholy of blues and enka, creating a world that transcends genre boundaries.
Released in May 2025 to commemorate Ms.
Reiju’s 15th anniversary of her debut in Japan, the single turns her own story into music bearing her artist name.
Junko Takabatake’s richly evocative lyrics merge with Hiroshi Tokuhisa’s masterful composition to create a song that resonates in the listener’s heart.
Her vocal performance shines with the sincerity that is distinctly hers.
It’s a track you’ll want to play on quiet, contemplative nights or whenever you’re seeking a song that speaks to the soul.
Anko Camellia is the flower of loveHiroshi Miyama
It gently wraps a single-minded story set on Izu Ōshima in Hiroshi Miyama’s characteristically warm singing voice.
Included on the album “I Have the Honor of Singing My Beloved Teacher Tetsurō Hoshino’s Works! — 100th Birthday Commemorative Collection of Tetsurō Hoshino’s Songs,” it will be released in May 2025.
Listening to this work, I think you’ll rediscover the profound flavors of enka.
Please immerse yourself in this richly emotive world that is cherished across generations.
Karakuri Kabuki KaleidoscopeRie Nakanishi
From Reiwa to Edo, and all the way back to Heian.
This ambitious work portrays a groundbreaking love story that transcends time and place.
It’s Rie Nakanishi’s 15th single, set to be released by Nippon Crown in May 2025.
The song features an all-star creative team: lyrics by Reiji Mizuki, composition by Keisuke Hama, and arrangement by Megumi Wakakusa.
Its mysterious, time-hopping twists were the talk of the recording sessions, with a sense of fun that’s impossible not to smile at.
While honoring the traditional flavor of enka, it’s adorned with a fantastical, bewitching arrangement.
By stepping beyond the boundaries of enka, it pioneers a new genre that music lovers of all kinds can enjoy.
No way!/Not a chance!Mika Jinno
This work features a warm, comforting vocal that stays close to the heart.
It’s a single by Mika Shinno—renowned as a powerhouse in the enka world—set for release in May 2025, blending enka’s traditions with a modern arrangement.
The lyrics directly portray a man’s way of life, harmonizing beautifully with her powerful singing.
It’s a song not only for enka fans, but also for those standing at a crossroads in life or feeling emotionally shaken.
Kegon FallsKaori Aoi
The dramatic arrangement—featuring strings that evoke grand natural scenery and the inclusion of traditional Japanese instruments—leaves a strong impression.
Aoi Kaori’s “Kegon no Taki,” released in May 2025, beautifully harmonizes a worldview inspired by Kegon Falls in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, with her heartrending vocals, just as the title suggests.
The lyrics, reflecting a woman’s feelings as she tries to forget a love that has ended, really hit home.
This is enka at its finest—be sure to experience it for yourself.