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: Recommended enka for karaoke (21–30)
abandonedYoko Nagayama
One of Yoko Nagayama’s signature songs and an absolute karaoke favorite! Released in 1995, “Suterarete” cemented her status as an enka singer after she transitioned from idol singer to enka in 1993.
Her “demo ne” pose also became a hot topic at the time.
While it’s an enka number, it carries a slightly kayōkyoku-like flavor.
Although techniques like subtle kobushi (grace notes) and vibrato appear throughout, the overall difficulty isn’t that high, and there are no extreme high notes, making it relatively easy to sing.
It’s a great choice even for beginners singing Nagayama’s songs for the first time!
Anemone flaccida (nirinsō; literally “two-flowered anemone”)Miyuki Kawanaka
This is the 42nd single by enka singer Miyuki Kawanaka, who is active not only in music but also across a wide range of fields, including TV dramas, films, voice acting, and radio presenting.
From the intro that evokes classic enka to her emotional vocals, the arrangement—shaping what could be called the very heart of Japan—earned high acclaim and won the Excellent Work Award at the 40th Japan Record Awards.
Although the melody is dramatic and intricately moving, the tempo is relaxed and the vocal range is not wide, making it relatively easy to sing if you approach it calmly.
It’s a recommended karaoke song for those who think, “If I’m going to sing enka, I want something that anyone would recognize as enka.”
Easy-to-sing enka: A roundup of recommended enka for karaoke (31–40)
A beautiful day for lifeMiyuki Kawanaka
From her debut, Miyuki Kawanaka has been known for her distinctive, rich voice, and lately that voice has gained even more power and presence.
As a result, she’s been releasing more forceful songs as her career progresses.
One recommendation is Jinsei Biyori, released in 2024.
It features a powerful delivery with effective shouts.
While executing the shouts can be challenging, the song has few long sustained notes and doesn’t use rapid melismatic ornamentation (kobushi), so for those familiar with enka, it should be relatively easy to sing.
Green Que Sera SeraMidori Oka
It’s a fun, upbeat Reiwa-era rhythm kayō masterpiece that makes any Japanese person want to clap along and start dancing! “Midori no Que Sera Sera” is a song released by Midori Oka in 2021, and as the title suggests, you can sing it comfortably with a carefree “que sera sera—whatever will be, will be” feeling.
The instantly catchy chorus sticks after one listen, and if everyone in your karaoke group sings it together, it’ll definitely liven up the room.
The signature enka vocal flourishes—like heavy kobushi and wide vibrato—are kept modest, and the more natural delivery makes it approachable even for those who feel unsure about singing traditional enka.
First and foremost, have fun and sing along to the cheerful rhythm!
Lesser cuckooSachiko Murakami
Sachiko Murakami is an enka singer whose breathy vocals evoke Aki Yashiro, leaving a strong impression.
Rather than sheer power, she excels in melancholy and sensuality, and she also possesses high vocal ability.
She produced several classic songs in the 1980s, so many of you may be familiar with her.
Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Hototogisu.
While it’s not a song with few kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), because the kobushi are used in sections where the volume is pulled back, it’s actually easier to sing than it sounds.
Drunken GlowKim Yonja
Youngja Kim is a Korean-born enka singer beloved by enka fans.
Rather than a trot singer, her appeal lies in her authentic enka vocals, and she has produced a string of classics thanks to her exceptional expressiveness and steady singing technique.
Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Yoiakari.
It’s solidly enka, but features relatively few kobushi (melismatic ornaments).
The range is somewhat wide, so try singing it while paying attention to key adjustment.
Boatwoman's SongMichiya Mihashi
Michiya Mihashi is an enka singer known for his rugged charm and powerful presence.
Although he has a relatively high vocal timbre, his use of kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) is strikingly tasteful, applying just the right amount in the most satisfying spots.
Among his songs, the one I especially recommend is Onna Sendō Uta (Boatwoman’s Song).
While this piece spans a wide vocal range, its pitch movement is gentle, and among his repertoire the kobushi technique required is on the easier side.
It does call for a certain level of fundamental singing ability, but it’s still an enka song that can be considered relatively easy to sing.