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 for karaoke (31–40)
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.
Rainy PierTadashi Mikado
Tadashi Mikado, an enka singer who rose to popularity after leaving his salaried job.
He’s an enka singer from Kishiwada in Osaka, and despite his gallant appearance, his gently enveloping vocal timbre is striking.
Among his songs, the one I especially recommend is Amaguru Hatoba (Rainy Wharf).
While this piece is undoubtedly a solid, traditional enka number, the kobushi (ornamental vibrato) only appears in sections where it’s easy to execute.
The tempo is quite slow as well, so if you can manage basic kobushi, you should be able to aim for a high score.
Easy-to-sing enka: A roundup of recommended enka for karaoke (41–50)
Izakaya HotaruKaori Uesugi
Kaori Uesugi, a female enka singer also known as a member of the Rainbow Usagi-gumi, enjoys idol-like popularity while possessing solid vocal ability, with a style reminiscent of Kaori Kozai.
Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Izakaya Hotaru.
The vocal range is fairly wide, but the tempo is slow and the kobushi ornamentation is relatively easy.
However, be careful at the end of the chorus, where there are about three consecutive kobushi turns.
Fragments of Men and WomenKiyoshi Maekawa
Singer Kiyoshi Maekawa has gained popularity for his rich vocal tone and steady singing.
While many may associate him more with kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs) than with enka, he does perform solid, ornamented enka depending on the song.
Among his enka pieces, one I particularly recommend is “Otoko to Onna no Kakera” (Shards of Man and Woman).
It features very few kobushi (traditional vocal turns), appearing only once in the verse and twice in the chorus.
Because it’s an enka number with a very strong kayōkyoku flavor, it’s quite easy to sing.