Easy-to-sing enka: A roundup of recommended enka songs for karaoke
Enka, a genre that represents Japanese music.
Its singing method uses a technique called kobushi, which is highly distinctive, and its unique sound—built on pentatonic scales and triads—has been loved for many years.
That said, because enka relies on kobushi, many people may feel it’s difficult to sing.
For those people, we’ve selected songs that minimize the use of kobushi and don’t require a wide vocal range.
We also cover the technical aspects in detail, so if you want to sing enka well, this is a must-read!
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- A must-see for low-voiced women! Popular songs that are easy to sing at karaoke
- [Men] Enka Songs That Can Score High in Karaoke
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Classics for Karaoke — Women Singers Edition
- [Men in their 60s] Even if you're not good at singing, it's okay! Easy-to-sing songs for karaoke
- Karaoke songs recommended for men with low voices or who are good at singing in a low register
- [For Women] A roundup of enka songs that can score high in karaoke
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Masterpieces for Karaoke — Male Singers Edition
- [Enka/Kayōkyoku] Challenge! A collection of songs that make it easy to put in kobushi (melismatic embellishments)
- No worries even if you’re not confident in your singing! Simple, easy-to-sing songs for karaoke.
- [For women] Songs with a narrow vocal range that are easy to adjust the key for!
Easy-to-sing enka: A roundup of recommended enka songs for karaoke (1–10)
A Man’s Pure Hearttatsumi yūto
Yuto Tatsumi is a male enka singer who enjoys overwhelming support from older female fans.
His voice is high and evokes memories of Kiyoshi Hikawa’s earlier sound, with a gentle sweetness to it.
While he has an idol-like presence, he possesses solid vocal skills and is expected to achieve even more in the future.
Among Yuto Tatsumi’s songs, the one I especially recommend to beginners for its singability is Otoko no Junjo (A Man’s Pure Heart).
If you try to sing it exactly the way he does, you’ll need to use strong kobushi (melismatic ornamentation), which can be difficult.
However, the song’s structure is relatively simple for enka, so if you don’t insist on the kobushi, it’s a very approachable song to sing.
As I am in love…Akimoto Junko
Junko Akimoto is a female singer with the unusual background of coming from a Hawaiian band.
She also performs jazz and has a wide expressive range.
When it comes to her songs, many people probably think of “Ai no Mama de…”.
While this track contains elements of enka, it leans more toward kayōkyoku (Japanese popular song).
As a result, there’s little kobushi (ornamental vibrato), making it very easy for beginners to sing.
The song does span a slightly wide vocal range, so if you’re not confident with high notes, try lowering the key.
Brother ShipsToba Ichirō
This is the debut single by enka singer Ichiro Toba, who serves as president of the Funamura Toru Dōmonkai and is also known as the older brother of fellow singer Yutaka Yamakawa.
The song was created based on a general public submission that won honorable mention in a Hokkaido-only lyric contest, and it perfectly suits the distinctive pathos that only Ichiro Toba—who was born and raised in a fishing family—can convey.
Because the key is low and the melodic range isn’t very wide, it likely falls into the category of enka that’s easier to sing.
If pitch isn’t an issue, I’d like listeners to try vibrato that makes the most of its rich, low-tone melody—this is one of Ichiro Toba’s signature songs.
Easy-to-sing enka. Recommended enka for karaoke (11–20)
Sake InnKouzai Kaori
Among Kaori Kozai’s songs, this is one of the most popular.
When it was released in 2012, it was performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, so many people have probably heard it.
It features a calm, quintessential enka tempo and a melody that feels familiar to Japanese listeners.
Once you listen closely and memorize the tune, it’s a song that feels very easy to sing.
The range is accessible for women with an average vocal register, though it may be slightly wide, so it’s a good idea to try singing it a few times in advance.
Cape ErimoMori Shinichi
Shinichi Mori’s classic “Erimo Misaki.” For anyone in their 50s or older, it’s no exaggeration to say there’s hardly a person who doesn’t know this song.
With its powerful vocals, it can seem difficult, but in fact it’s one of the easiest enka songs to sing.
The biggest reason it’s so singable is the minimal use of kobushi (melismatic ornamentation).
Since kobushi is the most challenging technique in enka, having less of it is a huge relief for us amateurs.
The pitch movement isn’t overly dramatic, either, so give it a try.
marine snowjero
Jero, a singer who was once hugely popular as the “Black Ship” of the enka world.
Many of you may know him since he even appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Speaking of Jero’s signature songs, it has to be Umi Yuki.
It follows orthodox enka while incorporating catchy elements of kayōkyoku here and there.
The chorus is a bit fast, so try to sing that part with power.
It’s better to deliver it more like speaking than singing.
This song really shines when you create a clear contrast between the chorus and the A-melody, so please use that as a reference.
Yokohama TwilightItsuki Hiroshi
Hiroshi Itsuki is one of the most popular enka singers in Japan.
He’s widely regarded as a vocalist with great skill, but rather than possessing overwhelming vocal power, he might be better described as a singer who performs more carefully and meticulously than anyone else.
He’s a genius at singing with exceptional precision and beauty, and his perfectly tuned pitch is especially striking.
Among his songs, “Yokohama Tasogare” is particularly easy to sing.
The chorus sits quite high for chest voice, so you may find that part challenging.
In such cases, it’s also a good idea to avoid forcing your voice—just as Hiroshi Itsuki does—and finesse it instead.
Give it a try for reference.