Legendary enka songs that fire up the crowd. A song catalog of enka picks you won’t go wrong with at karaoke.
For those who think, “When I go to karaoke, I want to hype up the room with enka, but I don’t know what to sing,” and for anyone who wants to surprise their coworkers, friends, or family by singing something different than usual—this is a must-read! In this article, we’ll introduce a lineup of classic enka songs that are guaranteed to get the crowd going.
We’ve picked not only upbeat tracks and songs that are fun for call-and-response, but also well-known enka standards.
Use this as a guide when choosing your next karaoke setlist.
- Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that get everyone excited. Songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke.
- [For Women] A roundup of enka songs that can score high in karaoke
- Easy-to-sing enka: A roundup of recommended enka songs for karaoke
- [2025] Easy-to-Sing Enka: From Classic Masterpieces to Recent Hits [Female Singers Edition]
- [2025] Easy-to-Sing Enka — From Timeless Classics to Recent Hits [Male Singers Edition]
- Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing for men in their 70s: Enka and nostalgic Showa-era pop
- [2025] A Collection of Classic Enka and Kayōkyoku Duets (Male-Male)
- [2025] A Collection of Classic Enka and Kayōkyoku Duets by Women
- [Treasure of Powerful Enka] Takashi Hosokawa’s Easy-to-Sing Songs
- A roundup of male enka singers in their 80s: veterans who left their mark on the enka world
- Compilation of enka duet songs. Introducing popular kayōkyoku hits as well!
- Enka’s recent hit songs in 2025: Must-watch popular kayō tracks
Uplifting enka masterpieces: A selection catalog of enka songs you won’t fail with at karaoke (1–10)
I long for Southern HokkaidoYudai Koyama
How about an inspiring number that stirs a burning longing for your hometown? It’s the debut single by Yudai Koyama, known as the “Magic Voice,” released in April 2024.
The song powerfully celebrates the landscapes of his hometown—such as Noboribetsu and Esashi—and the bonds with family.
Close your eyes and you can picture the Sea of Japan and snowy scenes that awaken a deep nostalgia in listeners.
Sing it at karaoke with friends who share that love for home, and it’s sure to resonate deeply in everyone’s hearts.
matchMisaki Iwasa
If you want to immerse yourself in the world of contemporary enka, how about this one song? It’s a track by Misaki Iwasa, an enka singer who got her start in AKB48.
It was released in August 2024 as her 11th single.
The lyrics are achingly bittersweet, likening a fading flame of love to the flicker of a match swaying in a nighttime snack bar.
If you fully inhabit the protagonist and sing with rich emotion, I think it will resonate deeply with listeners.
I love Osaka.Aki Higashi
This song, released in April 2025 as Aki Toa’s major debut single, is a support anthem for the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
Its lyrics convey a straightforward love for the city of Osaka, discovered through the experience of falling in love.
The emotive vocals and warm sound are perfect for brightening up the mood at karaoke! And if everyone sings together, it might create a sense of unity and make the time even more fun.
Classic Enka Songs That Get the Crowd Going: A Karaoke-Proof Enka Selection Catalog (11–20)
the sunAya Shimazu
How about a warm enka song that gently stays by your side in life? It’s a quintessential, classic number powerfully sung by Aya Shimazu.
Released as a single in May 2024.
With lyrics that gently embrace life’s uncertainties and encourage you to be your true self, doesn’t it seep into your heart? Take your time singing it at karaoke and give a supportive push to those listening.
Naniwa SpiritFuyumi Sakamoto
It’s a powerful song that makes you want to call it the spirit of Osaka.
It’s Fuyumi Sakamoto’s first cheer song themed around Osaka, released in March 2025.
Selected as a recommended track by TBS Radio, the piece also drew attention for reuniting her with composer Chiaki Oka after roughly nine years.
The lyrics’ worldview—emphasizing the importance of moving forward without succumbing to adversity and portraying people who grow through perseverance—really hits home.
Sing it at karaoke, and you’re sure to lift your listeners’ spirits.
Like myself…Tokyo Rickshaw
How about a powerful, heart-stirring enka ballad? It’s a song by Tokyo Rikisha, a group of active rickshaw pullers from Asakusa, set to be released as a single in February 2025.
It’s also been a hot topic because Joji Yamamoto, a legend in the enka world, wrote the lyrics based on his own experiences.
While looking back on the past, the song portrays a burning resolve to live true to oneself, and just listening to it makes your heart swell.
Belt it out at karaoke and it might even deepen the bonds with your friends.
Urban Shooting StarNatsumi Mizuki
If you’re looking to sing an up-tempo number, this one’s a must.
It’s a single by Natsumi Mizuki, released in June 2025.
Written and composed by Kiyohiro Kashiwa, the song is set in the city at night and portrays a woman’s strength as she tries to overcome the heartache of a breakup.
With dynamic guitar sounds paired with Mizuki’s powerful vocals, this rock-enka track gives you courage just by listening.
Belt it out at karaoke, and you’re sure to get everyone fired up with you.