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
Classic enka songs that fire up the crowd. A catalog of enka picks you won’t fail with at karaoke (21–30)
Life is full of ups and downs.Chiyoko Shimakura
Chiyoko Shimakura is a grand figure in the enka world, beloved by many fans for her rich expressiveness and vocal prowess.
Her signature song “Jinsei Iroiro” (“Life Has Its Ups and Downs”), released in 1987, is a piece that sings of the complexity and beauty of life.
The song delicately depicts a range of emotions—sorrow and joy, setbacks and hope—experienced throughout one’s life.
Its deeply resonant message and Shimakura’s powerful vocals have given courage and hope to countless listeners.
It was once featured in a Gatsby commercial as well, and remains a popular song widely known across generations.
Two-person sakeMiyuki Kawanaka
Miyuki Kawanaka’s “Futari-zake” is one of the signature songs that marked a turning point in her career, and it has been loved by many since its release in 1980.
The song centers on the deep bond and affection between a married couple, singing of the strength and tenderness that help them overcome hardships together.
Its calm tempo and relatable lyrics have resonated with many men and women.
Although the tempo is relaxed, the bright tone makes it a song you can enjoy and get excited with.
Classic Enka Songs That Hype Up the Crowd: A Fail-Proof Karaoke Selection Catalog (31–40)
Cape ErimoShinichi Mori
Shinichi Mori is an enka singer born in 1947 who has had a major impact on the Japanese music scene for many years.
Among his works, Erimo Misaki, released in 1974, is one of his signature songs; it won the 16th Japan Record Award and the 5th Japan Kayō Award that year.
The piece gently portrays the daily lives and emotions of people living around Cape Erimo in Hokkaido, conveying complex feelings such as loneliness and anxiety about the future, yet somehow instilling a sense of hope.
Because it is such a well-known song, it is especially recommended for karaoke with family and friends, where people of different generations can enjoy a fun time together.
Northern SpringMasao Sen
The song “Kitaguni no Haru,” released in 1977, is known as one of Masao Sen’s signature works.
It long held the No.
1 spot on the Oricon Singles Chart until Miyuki Nakajima set a new record in 2003 with “Chijō no Hoshi / Headlight, Taillight.” Its popularity is evident from the fact that it has reportedly been sung by 1.
5 billion people across Asia, including China, not just in Japan.
Its overwhelming name recognition and the pleasantly flowing melody—whether you sing it or listen to it—are especially captivating.
Boat SongAki Yashiro
Since her debut in 1971, Aki Yashiro has been known as a singer who represents the Japanese music scene.
In particular, her 1979 release Funauta has continued to be loved by many listeners for its vocal prowess and emotional depth.
The song portrays scenes of spending time in an izakaya while thinking of a former lover, evoking poignancy and melancholy.
Even decades after its release, this enduring piece is recommended not only for fans of enka, but also for listeners across generations.
Sung at karaoke, its memorable, beautiful melody and relatable lyrics will make time spent together all the richer.
O-Shichi and the Night Cherry BlossomsFuyumi Sakamoto
Fuyumi Sakamoto is one of the enka singers beloved across generations.
One of her signature songs, “Yozakura Oshichi,” is an up-tempo, crowd-pleasing number.
The song centers on heartbreak, with lyrics that evoke lingering attachment and a memorable, beautiful melody.
In particular, the imagery of portraying the sorrow of lost love beneath the cherry blossoms resonates deeply with listeners.
Sakamoto’s profound expressiveness and the song’s ethereal melody make it beloved by people of all ages.
In terms of its tone, popularity, and lyrical content, it’s a track that’s sure to get everyone excited.
North TavernTakashi Hosokawa
Takashi Hosokawa debuted in 1975 and has racked up numerous hits in the enka world.
In particular, Kitasekaba, released in 1982, became a massive hit, reaching No.
5 on the Oricon year-end chart.
The song depicts a man and woman meeting in a northern-country bar and a one-night romance, featuring an upbeat melody and passionate lyrics that evoke the start of love.
Hosokawa’s excellent vocal prowess and the heartwarming melody touch listeners’ hearts.
It’s a song that even people who don’t usually listen to enka are likely to know, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser for karaoke.