[October 2025] Latest Enka and Kayōkyoku roundup. Check out the buzzworthy new songs!

Crying... NagasakiNEW!Hiroshi Kadokawa

Crying... Nagasaki ~ Hiroshi Kadokawa

Hiroshi Kadokawa has been active in the enka world for nearly half a century since his debut in 1976.

Released in October 2025, “Namida Bōkyō Kazemizaki” is set in Nagasaki on a rainy night and portrays the poignant feelings of someone who keeps waiting for a person who never comes.

Weaving in Nagasaki scenes like Hollander Slope and Shianbashi, it delicately expresses loneliness and longing.

Kadokawa’s deep, resonant voice blends beautifully with the song’s world.

Be sure to listen carefully and savor it.

Now, aloneNEW!Keiko Kano

“Now, Alone” Keiko Kano [Official Music Video] Celebrating 80 Years with Music #kayōkyoku #new_song #karaoke #female_vocal

This is a kayōkyoku song that voices the feelings of stepping into the future while cherishing time alone.

It’s the fifth single by Keiko Kano, an artist active in the worlds of enka and kayōkyoku, released in September 2025.

The track has a light, upbeat tempo that makes for an easy, pleasant listen.

Kano herself wrote the lyrics, and the theme of “being true to who I am now and in the days ahead” gently resonates with listeners.

It’s a warm, encouraging work that gives a supportive push when taking a new step in life.

Ephemeral FlowerNEW!Sayoko Mizuki

Ephemeral Flower

Though they know it’s a forbidden love, they can’t stop the feelings that keep growing.

Utakata no Hana, sung by enka vocalist Sayoko Mizuki—whose expressive power honed through Japanese dance is striking—gives voice to that aching, bittersweet longing.

It’s a ballad of deep emotion that portrays the perilous feelings of a married career woman who finds herself drawn to a younger man.

As she’s unsettled by his straightforward, youthful gaze, her heart sways beyond her control, and the protagonist’s inner conflict is conveyed with piercing clarity through Mizuki’s gently resonant voice.

If you’re struggling with the complications of adult love, this song might quietly stay by your side.

Tears and laughterNEW!Chisato

Chisato “Crying and Laughing” Music Video

Chisato is a singer with authentic vocal technique honed through classical training.

Since her re-debut in June 2010, she has captivated fans with her rich expressiveness.

This track commemorates the 15th anniversary of her singing career.

With lyrics by Toyohisa Araki and music by Tetsuya Gen, the song adopts a relaxed “spoken-song” style, weaving a portrayal of the complex emotions felt toward a loved one.

It’s a gem that blends an urbane mood with a deeply human mix of affection and frustration.

Be sure to check it out.

Showa-era manNEW!Ichiro Toba

Ichiro Toba “Showa no Otoko” MUSIC VIDEO

Enka singer Ichiro Toba, who has long sung of the spirit of “men of the sea.” As its title suggests, “Showa no Otoko” is a classic enka number that portrays the way of life of a man who ran straight through the Showa era.

The protagonist, clumsy yet unwavering in his convictions and walking through life with sincerity, is brought to life by Toba’s powerful yet warm vocals.

Toba himself has said he poured his strong feelings for his father, who survived the Showa era, into the song—and you can feel that intensity resonating in his voice.

Perfect for those who want to hear a song about a man with an unshakable backbone, or when you want to touch the heart of good old Japan.

Journey of lingering attachmentNEW!Sho Godai

Godaisho “Journey of Lingering Affection” MUSIC VIDEO

Sho Godai is an enka singer from Fukui Prefecture.

After winning NHK’s Nodo Jiman, he made his debut in 2019 with the single “Mikazuki Lullaby,” showcasing formidable talent.

His greatest appeal lies in his expressive range—seamlessly shifting between spoken narration and singing—that calls to mind his revered idol, Hiroshi Itsuki.

His fourth release, Miren no Tabiji, arrived in September 2025.

This work is a classic travel-themed enka that portrays a lingering-hearted journey, wandering the northern provinces in pursuit of an unforgettable silhouette.

The melancholic scenes stretching from Kanazawa to Hakodate intertwine with Godai’s vibrato-rich vocals, leaving a deep impression on the listener.

If you enjoy enka with a strong sense of storytelling, be sure to check it out.

Last Train to the NorthNEW!Alan

Alan 'Final Northbound Flight' Music Video

Alan, known for his strikingly deep, rich voice.

Hailing from Hokkaido and having studied under composer Akihiro Otani, he is a seasoned talent who won numerous song contests even before his debut.

His memorable debut single, “Kitaguni Saishūbin” (The Last Flight North), was released in September 2025.

Set in an airport, the song expresses an unshakable longing for a departing lover.

The poignant scene of entrusting love to the last flight disappearing into the night sky is portrayed with a melody that blends sprightliness and wistful melancholy.