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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Easy-to-sing enka: A roundup of recommended enka songs for karaoke (1–10)
A Man’s Pure HeartYuto Tatsumi
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.
Brother ShipsIchiro Toba
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.
Woman Harbor TownAki Yashiro
Aki Yashiro is a female singer with an adorable look and a strikingly deep, husky voice.
She has produced many classic songs, and the track I’d like to recommend today is Onna Minatomachi.
It features an upbeat melody and gritty vocals reminiscent of Hibari Misora’s Makkana Taiyo.
Because it has a good groove, it’s also a song where you can get away with a bit of roughness.
Since Yashiro herself isn’t the type of singer who overwhelms with sheer vocal power, it’s recommended even for those who find it hard to belt.
Be sure to check it out.
Easy-to-sing enka. Recommended enka for karaoke (11–20)
As I am in love…Junko Akimoto
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.
Sake InnKaori Kouzai
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.
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 TwilightHiroshi Itsuki
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.