[2025] Thriving in the enka and kayōkyoku scene! A roundup of beautiful enka singers

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

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 (11–20)

Longing for TomonouraMisaki Iwasa

Misaki Iwasa “Tomo no Ura Bojō” (Released Wednesday, January 8, 2014) [Full MV]

Tomonoura Longing by Misaki Iwasa

Born in 1995, Misaki Iwasa is a songstress with a unique background who transitioned from being a former AKB48 member to an enka singer.

With her debut single released in 2011, she immediately broke into the top 10 on the Oricon Enka/Kayō singles chart, bringing a fresh breeze to the enka world.

Her style, which fuses traditional enka with contemporary elements, has also earned support from younger audiences.

In 2015, a song with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto became a major hit.

As a teen enka singer, she set numerous records, and her vocal ability and distinctive musical style have been highly acclaimed.

As a talented young artist who conveys the appeal of enka to the present day, Iwasa’s music is highly anticipated going forward and is recommended not only for enka fans but also for those seeking new musical encounters.

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In conclusion

As mentioned at the outset, while the sense of beauty varies from person to person, the artists introduced here are all renowned enka singers celebrated as “beautiful singers.” Of course, it’s not just about appearances; since they compete in the realm of enka and kayōkyoku, their skills as vocalists are guaranteed.

These beautiful enka singers, each with their own diverse appeal, might just be the spark that gets you hooked on enka in the future!