[2025] A Collection of Classic Enka and Kayōkyoku Duets (Male-Male)

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

There are countless classic duet songs around the world, but when it comes to male-female units, same-gender duos are generally more common in fields like pop and R&B.

In enka and kayōkyoku as well, duos are typically male-female pairings.

However, this article compiles standout tracks featuring male–male duets—songs where two men team up in the enka and kayōkyoku genres.

While the number is relatively small, these are passionate, intense, and at times deeply refined songs—centered around the great masters—that let you fully savor the rugged world of men.

Enjoy these timeless classics.

[2025] A Collection of Classic Enka and Kayōkyoku Duets by Two Male Singers (11–20)

Brotherly linked-verseKitajima Brothers

Kitajima Brothers 'Brother Linked Verse'

Kyodai Renga Kitajima Kyodai

A passionate song of bonds by a powerhouse duo from the enka world! Two artists connected to Saburo Kitajima have teamed up to deliver a friendly, pop-flavored enka.

The voices of Takeshi Kitayama and Yutaka Oe weave a sense of male friendship that resonates in the heart.

Released in February 2019, this work is the final piece by Daichi Tsuchiko, Saburo Kitajima’s second son.

With plenty of choreography, it offers a different kind of fun from typical enka.

Perfect for livening up a karaoke session or when you want to feel the bond with your close friends.

As a rare enka that sings about male friendship, it’s definitely worth checking out!

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Azusa No. 2hunter

Azusa No. 2 / Kariudo

Azusa No. 2 Hunter

This is a signature song by a male duo from the Showa era.

I love folk songs from this period! In “Azusa No.

2,” the A and B sections are relatively quiet, but once the chorus hits and the harmonies come in, it suddenly soars! It’s incredibly cool and feels so good to sing! The harmony is basically a third below, but since the main melody’s chorus sits around G4 and has that belting quality, the harmony should come in firmly so it doesn’t get overshadowed.

When entering the chorus, listen carefully to the backing track and breathe together so you both come in at the same time! The unison at the end of the chorus after all that harmonizing is wonderful, too.

It might be a somewhat wistful song, but when the harmonies lock in, it’ll give you goosebumps—so definitely find a partner and give it a try!

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A street corner where stars fallToshi Itō and Happy & Blue

Star-Falling Street Corner — Toshii Ito and Happy & Blue, 2000 (reunited with vocals from 17 years earlier)

At the street corner where stars fall — Toshi Itō and Happy & Blue

Set to a bossa nova rhythm, this work vividly portrays a blissful moment spent with a lover on a quiet city night.

Released in 1977 by Satoshi Itō and Happy & Blue, it garnered numerous honors, including participation in the 6th Tokyo Music Festival (Domestic Competition) and winning both the Vocal Award and the Special Excellence Award at the 1st Osaka Popular Music Festival.

The memorable, striking choral work and sophisticated performance blend beautifully to create a sweet, immersive world.

Enjoy the gentle, heartfelt vocals when you want to revisit cherished memories with a loved one or spend a calm, peaceful evening.

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How Angels and Demons LoveWind Wheel

Wind Ring: “How Angels and Demons Love” MV [Official]

Angel and Demon Love Style: Wind Ring

A heart-stirring duo song where diverse musical styles blend together.

“How Angels and Demons Love” was released in April 2025 as Fuurin’s third single.

Crafted by the accomplished songwriting team of Masato Sugimoto and Mami Takubo, it’s a sweet yet bittersweet love song.

With a romantically atmospheric arrangement that highlights the duo’s clear, expansive vocals, the track shines.

It’s a perfect pick for anyone seeking a love-boosting kayōkyoku-style tune.

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In conclusion

As I mentioned at the beginning, duets are basically exchanges between a man and a woman, so there are actually very few songs in the enka and kayōkyoku genres that were sung as male–male duets.

When I did some research, I honestly found myself thinking, “Oh, these two sang a duet together?” If you dig deeper, you might uncover some unexpected tracks!