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.
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Classic Enka Songs That Get the Crowd Going: A Karaoke-Proof Enka Selection Catalog (11–20)
Tipsy Breeze TavernYuito Nakamura
If you’re looking to liven up the mood with a sparkling, refreshing enka number, how about this one? It’s the debut single by Yuito Nakamura, who made waves as an active high school enka singer, released in June 2025.
This work is a bright, pop-influenced tune—an uplifting song for life that soothes the fatigue of the day.
The lyrics paint a heartwarming scene of a friendly, human touch-filled bar that will warm listeners’ hearts.
Sing it at karaoke with your coworkers and it’s sure to resonate.
You could even throw in some call-and-response and turn it into a big sing-along.
Like the flow of a riverHibari Misora
Hibari Misora is one of the indispensable singers of the Showa era music scene.
Among the many songs she released over her lifetime, “Kawa no Nagare no Yō ni” (“Like the Flow of a River”) is especially popular and well-known.
Released in 1989, this work embodies Misora’s deep emotions and life philosophy.
Its gentle, flowing melody and profound lyrics quietly nestle into listeners’ hearts, at times revealing the depth of life.
For those who have experienced various phases of life, it is a song that resonates with their own memories and outlook.
With its beautiful melodic line, it’s the kind of song that, when sung at karaoke, will draw everyone present to listen intently.
Kiyoshi's Zundoko SongKiyoshi Hikawa
When it comes to enka songs that fire up a crowd, you can’t leave out Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi! It’s a smash hit by Kiyoshi Hikawa, who in recent years has worked across a wide range of genres beyond enka, and it was released as a single in 2002.
The song sparked a huge craze, so chances are you’ve heard it at least once.
When you sing it at karaoke, adding call-and-response chants makes it even more exciting.
It’s a song that people of all ages can enjoy!
With a fiery heartAkira Kobayashi
Akira Kobayashi is an actor and singer born in 1938, known for his distinctive vocal style nicknamed the “Akira-bushi.” One of his signature songs, “Atsuki Kokoro ni,” was released in 1985, with lyrics by Yū Aku and music by Eiichi Ohtaki, and it was also used in a commercial.
The song is a moving piece themed around lingering feelings for a woman after a breakup and the changing of the seasons.
Its resonant melody and warm lyrics evoke both nostalgia and freshness.
It’s especially popular among fans of Showa-era enka and kayōkyoku, so consider singing it when you go to karaoke with older folks.
Late-Blooming HEROYuasa Michiru
Among Yuasa Michiru’s songs, this is one of the most striking—a single released in May 2024.
It’s defined by an exotic atmosphere and avant-garde vocals, resonating with many as an anthem for those who keep chasing their dreams.
It portrays people who, even while drenched in the rain, refuse to give up and keep working hard, offering the courage to face difficulties.
It’s perfect for anyone looking to take on a challenge or holding a strong, unyielding will.
festivalSaburō Kitajima
Saburo Kitajima has produced numerous classic songs.
When it comes to his signature tunes, isn’t “Matsuri” the one that comes to mind? Its poppiness and lively energy—unusual for enka—are irresistibly catchy.
Incidentally, the “festival” sung about in this song is a bountiful-catch festival.
These days, though, it’s become common—and beloved—to tweak the lyrics to suit the occasion, turning it into things like a “Kouhaku Festival” or a “Heisei Festival.” Because it’s so easy to customize, it can fit all sorts of situations, from birthdays to welcome parties.
Classic enka songs that fire up the crowd. A catalog of enka picks you won’t fail with at karaoke (21–30)
Marionette Fallen into the Eternal SwampKota Okamoto
A passionate kayō-pop song performed by Kota Okamoto.
Released in September 2025 as his third single, with lyrics penned by Junretsu’s Kazuyoshi Sakai.
It portrays an irresistible world of love that will captivate you after just one listen.
While expressing intense feelings for the other person in rhythmic words, it also conveys a subtle sense of loneliness, drawing you into its compelling, story-rich depth.
Be sure to listen closely!