![[2025] Thriving in the enka and kayōkyoku scene! A roundup of beautiful enka singers](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9jmy8qJ5Ui8/hqdefault.jpg)
[2025] Thriving in the enka and kayōkyoku scene! A roundup of beautiful enka singers
Among female enka singers who, with exceptional vocal prowess, draw out the full charm of a song—sometimes seductively, sometimes sweetly—there are many who are also celebrated for their beauty and enjoy great popularity.
If you remember the late Showa to early Heisei era, you may know the term “endoru,” coined to describe enka singers who enjoyed idol-like popularity at the time.
In this article, we researched and introduce singers who are reputed to be beautiful enka performers.
Of course, standards of beauty vary from person to person, but we hope this is an opportunity to discover the appeal of various beautiful enka singers—from the legendary divas of the Showa era to the young talents born in the 2000s who are active today in the Reiwa era.
[2025] Active in the Enka and Kayō World! A Roundup of Beautiful Enka Singers (1–10)
Northern land, coastlineMidori Oka
Midori Oka, who transitioned from a master of folk songs to an enka singer, has continued to captivate many fans since her 2005 debut with her beautiful voice and approachable personality.
From her debut song “Okesa Migratory Bird” to hits like “Kiri no Kawa” and “Sado no Yubue,” she has produced numerous popular tracks.
In 2017, she made her first appearance at the 68th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen and went on to perform for three consecutive years, a testament to her widely recognized talent.
In 2019, she received the Japan Composers’ Association Encouragement Award at the 61st Japan Record Awards.
Drawing on the solid vocal skills she cultivated in folk music, Oka masterfully performs a wide range of songs.
Her voice is recommended not only for enka fans but also for younger listeners.
Heart SakeAyako Fuji
Aya Koji, a diva who represents the enka world and hails from Akita Prefecture.
She debuted in 1987 under the name Manami Murase and relaunched her career in 1989 after changing her stage name.
In 1992, she won the 25th Japan Cable Awards with “Kokoro-zake” and made her first appearance on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
She went on to produce hits such as “Murasaki Ujo” and “Hana no Waltz,” and has performed at Kouhaku an impressive 21 times.
Captivating many fans with her rich, alluring voice and glamorous stage presence, Koji is also a singer-songwriter who releases her own compositions.
Celebrating the 35th anniversary of her debut in 2022, she continues to be highly active.
She’s a highly recommended artist for anyone who wants to fully savor the charm of enka.
KoishunkaMizuki Hayama
Mizuki Hayama, an enka singer from Tsuruoka City in Yamagata Prefecture, made her debut in 2016.
Selected as the Grand Prix winner from among 1,328 contestants, she debuted with the single “Benibana Bojo.” In the same year, she received the New Artist Award at the 58th Japan Record Awards, earning high praise for her talent.
With the catchphrase “A soothing kobushi born in Yamagata,” her clear, expansive vocals and a character that evokes the grace of traditional womanhood bring a refreshing breeze to the enka and kayō music scene.
In 2018, she formed the female enka singer unit “Michinoku Musume!” with fellow artists from the Tohoku region.
Through their YouTube channel, they share a variety of content, including J-pop covers and lessons in the local Shonai dialect, deepening their connection with fans.
While preserving the traditional style of enka, Hayama incorporates new ideas and her unique personality into her music, earning the support of many fans.
She is highly recommended for anyone looking to discover fresh appeal in enka.
Trace/Regret BridgeRuka Mochizuki
Ruka Mochizuki, who hails from Kanagawa Prefecture, is a multi-talented artist active not only as an enka singer but also as a gravure model and a former member of the idol group “Minzoku Happy-gumi.” She made her solo debut in July 2020 with “Shitsuren Bojō,” which reached No.
1 on Oricon’s Enka/Kayōkyoku chart.
She has since released singles such as “Omokage / Miren-bashi,” achieving two consecutive No.
1 debuts.
In 2021, she won the New Artist Award at the 63rd Japan Record Awards, solidifying her status in the enka scene.
Drawing on her experience studying piano from the age of three, she showcased her versatility by performing a jazz pianist’s piece during a live stream in September 2021.
Be sure to enjoy Mochizuki’s captivating voice as she pushes beyond the boundaries of enka to explore new musical expressions.
Keiko's Dream Opens at NightKeiko Fuji
Keiko Fuji, an enka singer who had a major impact on the Showa-era music scene, captivated many fans with her distinctive vocal style and deep expressiveness.
Debuting in 1969, she scored an immediate smash hit with “Shinjuku no Onna,” and went on to release classics such as “Onna no Blues.” She achieved remarkable milestones, including winning the inaugural Japan Kayō Awards and keeping her album “Shinjuku no Onna” at No.
1 on the Oricon charts for 20 consecutive weeks.
Fuji’s charm—delivering wistful ballads and powerful enka with a husky voice—has never faded with time.
The contrast with her delicate appearance further endeared her to not only enka fans but also a wide range of generations.
Listen to her songs and you’re sure to feel the full atmosphere of the Showa era.
Pure-hearted RevolutionKae Fujii
Born in 1988, Kaori Fujii grew up immersed in dance and singing, and was active as a magazine model during high school.
After various musical endeavors, she made her debut as an enka/kayōkyoku singer in July 2018 with “Tokyo Rouge.” Since her debut, she has released songs that express both the delicacy and strength of women’s emotions, resonating with many fans.
In 2020, she received the Encouragement Award at the Japan Composer’s Association Music Festival.
In April 2024, she released her sixth single, steadily building her career.
Fujii’s appeal lies in the expressive power she has cultivated through her lifelong musical experience and diverse activities.
Bringing a fresh breeze to today’s kayōkyoku scene, her voice is recommended for listeners who want to enjoy everything from classic Showa-era hits to contemporary kayōkyoku.
Nozomi SakeKonomi Mori
Konomi Mori, a native of Sapporo, Hokkaido, is a singer who evolved from folk music to enka, captivating many fans with her beautiful appearance and outstanding vocal skills.
She made a glittering debut in 2013 by winning the 55th Japan Record Awards New Artist Award.
Also known as a master of Esashi Oiwake, the folk singing prowess she cultivated from childhood is fully showcased in the world of enka.
In 2017, she further solidified her career by receiving the 59th Japan Record Awards Composer Association Recommendation.
Her emotionally rich and passionate voice resonates not only with enka fans but also with younger generations.
She is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a fusion of folk music and enka.