Easy-to-sing enka: A roundup of recommended enka songs for karaoke

Boat SongAki Yashiro

Aki Yashiro / Boat Song (1981)

This is the 28th single by enka singer Aki Yashiro, known for her distinctive husky voice and powerful vocals that allow her to master not only enka but also kayōkyoku and jazz.

Alongside her 30th single “Ame no Bojō,” it stands as one of her signature songs—a number where the evocative lyrics and her wistful, melancholic voice blend perfectly.

Overall, the key is low and the range isn’t wide, making it relatively easy to sing, though it may be difficult to imitate Yashiro’s unique phrasing and vocal production.

Since there aren’t particularly challenging technical sections, it’s a classic enka song where beginners should first aim to sing it all the way through.

Longing for RainAki Yashiro

Longing for Rain

Aki Yashiro is an enka singer who’s popular even among younger listeners.

Her husky voice and wistful vocals resonate with the heart no matter the era.

“Ame no Bojo” is one of her signature songs.

While it sounds like a typical enka number, the vocal style actually leans closer to kayōkyoku.

Among her repertoire, this track does require some vocal power, but since it relies primarily on dynamic nuance, it’s still relatively easy to sing even for those who don’t have a big voice.

Be sure to check it out.

Like the flow of a riverHibari Misora

Like the flow of a river

Japan’s songstress, Hibari Misora.

She has produced many timeless hits, and among them the song I especially recommend is “Like the Flow of the River.” Although it’s categorized as enka, it actually leans more toward a kayōkyoku flavor, with the vocal ornamentation kept relatively restrained overall.

However, at the end of the chorus you need to add some vibrato-like kobushi while mixing in falsetto.

I think this part is difficult, but if you just can’t hit it, be bold: give up the falsetto and lower the key.

A solitary journey to MichinokuJoji Yamamoto

A solitary journey to Michinoku

Joji Yamamoto, an enka singer representing Yamaguchi Prefecture.

His sleek looks and deep, husky vocals have kept him popular for many years.

Among his songs, the one I especially recommend as an easy-to-sing enka number is “Michinoku Hitoritabi.” Because it has elements of kayōkyoku (traditional Japanese pop), it’s relatively easy to sing for an enka song.

However, since it contains many low notes, it may be difficult for women to sing.

The song doesn’t require a wide vocal range, so if you find it hard to sing, try raising the key by one semitone.

Northern SpringMasao Sen

Spring in the Northern Country / Masao Sen (with lyrics)

This is the 24th single by singer Masao Sen, known as a giant in the enka world and, as a businessman, so talented he’s been dubbed the “singing real estate king.” It’s a massive hit that has sold over three million copies in total and is also known for being widely covered by artists both in Japan and abroad.

With its relaxed tempo and minimal pitch variation, it’s probably one of the easier songs to sing even within the enka genre.

However, because there are distinctive melodic turns here and there, such as in the A melody, be sure to listen closely to the original recording before heading to karaoke so you don’t fall behind the melody.

Two-person sakeMiyuki Kawanaka

Two-person sake

It’s one of Miyuki Kawanaka’s signature songs, released in 1980 and a massive hit that sold over a million copies.

Even if you’re not a fan of enka, many people in their 50s and older will likely have heard it.

The song has a relaxed tempo with a theme of marital love, and the lyrics aren’t densely packed, so you can calmly sing while checking each rhythm and note.

The vocal range also falls within an easy range for women with an average voice, making it a very approachable song to try.

I'm going to Tokyo.Ikuzo Yoshi

I'm going to Tokyo.

Enka singer Ichi Ikuzō, known for his wide-ranging musicality from comic songs to songs in a female voice and heart-wrenching ballads.

Unusual for an enka singer, he also has the side of a singer-songwriter, and his original songs, for which he writes both lyrics and music, are full of creativity and have remained beloved across generations.

Speaking of Ikuzō Yoshii’s masterpieces, it has to be “Ora Tokyo sa Iguda,” doesn’t it? While it has elements typical of enka, it features many spoken-style parts, so the overall difficulty is on the lower side.

As a comic song, it really gets the crowd going, so be sure to add it to your repertoire.