A roundup of male enka singers in their 80s: veterans who left their mark on the enka world
Here are some male enka singers in their 80s who have long supported the world of enka and are still active today.
By the time you reach your 80s, you’re a true veteran in the enka world.
These are all living legends whose names are known not only to enka fans but even to people who don’t usually listen to enka.
You can feel the depth of their life experience in their vocals, and the emotion embedded in each song is powerfully conveyed.
Get to know these enka singers, feel the history of enka, and let this be your chance to start listening to the genre.
- [Enka] A special feature on female singers in their 80s. Singers who were active from the early to mid-Showa era.
- [2025] Easy-to-Sing Enka — From Timeless Classics to Recent Hits [Male Singers Edition]
- Enka Karaoke Popularity Rankings [2025]
- Enka Singers Most Popular at Karaoke [2025]
- [2025] Recommended enka by male singers with captivating high notes
- [2025] A Collection of Classic Enka and Kayōkyoku Duets (Male-Male)
- Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing for men in their 70s: Enka and nostalgic Showa-era pop
- Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
- [2025] Recommended for those who struggle with high notes! Enka by male singers that can be sung in a low register
- [2025] Thriving in the enka and kayōkyoku scene! A roundup of beautiful enka singers
- Legendary enka songs that fire up the crowd. A song catalog of enka picks you won’t go wrong with at karaoke.
- Compilation of enka duet songs. Introducing popular kayōkyoku hits as well!
- New enka single release [August 2024]
Roundup of male enka singers in their 80s: Veterans who left their mark on the enka world (1–10)
OyukiKunio Naito
Kunio Naitō, born in 1939 in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, is a leading Japanese shogi player who has also enjoyed success as an enka singer.
He is known for his signature song “Oyuki,” and his richly expressive voice has long been loved by many fans.
His appearances in TV dramas and commercials have also helped endear him to viewers and bolster his popularity.
Since his debut in 1976, Naitō has continued to pursue a musical path for decades, earning support not only from enka enthusiasts but from a wide audience.
Even now, his singing carries a timeless power that captivates listeners and refuses to let go.
grandchildItsuro Oizumi
The singing voice nurtured by Yamagata’s great natural beauty in Itsuro Oizumi’s music conveys the richness of the life he has led.
His smash hit “Mago” (Grandchild) has been loved by many as a memorable melody ever since its 1999 release.
In 2000, it surpassed one million copies sold, becoming a million-seller, and has been especially cherished by grandparents who think of their grandchildren.
His music is rich in flavor and offers a warmth that gently accompanies the listener’s heart.
Why not experience the profound appeal of enka through Oizumi’s songs, which continue to shine even as he grows older?
Youth lies beyond the clouds.Kazuo Shirane
A leading figure in the enka world, Kazuo Shirane has released numerous classic songs since his 1953 debut with “Yogiri no Sakaba” (Night Fog Tavern).
In 1955, he achieved a major breakthrough with “Jinanbō Garasu” (The Younger Son Crow), the title track and theme song for the film of the same name.
On the stage of the 1957 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, he performed one of his signature songs, “Omokage Izuko” (Where Is the Shadow of the Past), leaving a lasting impression on many with his voice and presence.
The deep life experience Shirane has accumulated over his long career seems to transform directly into a voice that resonates with the heart.
Even while facing various troubles and overcoming adversity, his songs empower listeners and convey the profound depth of enka.
Roundup of male enka singers in their 80s: Veteran artists who left their mark on the enka world (11–20)
festivalSaburō Kitajima
Saburo Kitajima was born in 1936 and has released many great hit songs.
One of his signature numbers, “Matsuri,” is a tune that virtually every Japanese person has heard at least once.
Released in 1984, the song has been performed many times on programs such as NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Affectionately known as “Sab-chan,” his personality—sometimes stern yet gentle—deeply resonates with people.
His resounding, powerful vocals are filled with the years he has lived and his passion, inspiring all who listen.
Rōkyoku LullabyIssetsu Tarō
A stalwart of the enka world, Issetsu Taro has been captivating fans with his moving voice ever since his debut in 1961.
Born in 1941, his career now spans over 60 years, and the many hit songs he produced during that time are still beloved today.
In particular, “Rokyoku Lullaby,” released in 1963, is known as his signature song and became a massive hit, selling two million copies.
Even so, he continues to take on new challenges, giving the impression of energetic activity that keeps pace with the times—for example, starting a YouTube channel in 2020.
His contributions to his hometown of Niigata City also speak volumes about his character.
Listening to his music even now, you can feel the depth of enka where nostalgia and freshness blend together.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced male enka singers who are still active in their 80s, as well as the veteran giants who have long supported the enka world.
Many of them have voices with a compelling persuasiveness that reflects years of singing, vividly conveying the emotions and scenes embedded in each song.
Their powerful vocals, which make you feel they have truly walked through life and staked everything on the path they believe in, are a big part of their appeal.
And it’s not only those who have lived solely as enka singers—there are also people from other professions who have released enka, which shows just how beloved the genre is.