[2025] Easy-to-Sing Enka — From Timeless Classics to Recent Hits [Male Singers Edition]

Will you marry me?Kenji Niinuma

Will you marry me?

Released in 1976, this song portrays a pure-hearted young man’s view of marriage and is known as one of Kenji Niinuma’s signature works.

It’s striking how his sincere vocals convey his feelings for a woman whose beauty and innocence evoke cherry blossoms.

The lyrics also offer rich imagery, from a young man playing guitar in a park at dusk to sipping a solitary mizuwari at a late-night snack bar.

With Yu Aku’s profound sensibility and Makoto Kawaguchi’s meticulous composition shining through, this masterpiece won a newcomer’s award upon release and earned its first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The lyrics, which capture the emotions of a naive young man, resonate with listeners, making it a popular karaoke choice.

Its charm stands out when sung with a gentle, warm voice and heartfelt delivery.

The language of flowers of fleabane (Erigeron)Hiroshi Takeshima

Hiroshi Takeshima “Floriography of the Harujion” Music Video

It’s a new enka masterpiece born in the Reiwa era.

Veteran enka singer Hiroshi Takeshima’s seasoned vocals gently resonate with listeners’ hearts.

Singing of the bittersweet feelings for a former lover and the wish to meet again, this piece stands out for its lyrics that portray a mature romance.

Released in July 2024, the song has performed well on the Oricon charts.

Since the overall pitch range is on the lower side, it’s especially worth trying for those who struggle with high notes.

Of course, if you aim to sing it seriously, it does demand advanced technique; however, its melody—close to pop and kayōkyoku—should be easy to pick up even for those not used to enka.

North TavernTakashi Hosokawa

North Tavern

A classic song depicting a man and woman’s encounter and the beginning of love set in a northern-country tavern was released by Takashi Hosokawa in March 1982.

Though an enka piece, it features a lively, pop-influenced melody and is loved by many.

The work richly portrays a romance that begins with a meeting in a bar, evoking the atmosphere of an izakaya and the warmth of human connection.

After being performed on the TV show “Kin-chan no Doko made Yaru no!” it became a huge hit and was also sung at the 33rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

Its brisk, friendly melody and Hosokawa’s powerful yet delicate vocals are captivating, making it a karaoke favorite and a staple.

It’s a highly recommended track even for newcomers to enka.

Person Sought in the NorthTakuya Nakazawa

Takuya Nakazawa “The Person I Seek in the North” MUSIC VIDEO

Here’s a song that truly conveys Takuya Nakazawa’s charm.

Within its light, easy-listening enka style, his passionate yet gentle vocals leave a strong impression.

It tells the story of a man who travels to the northern country in search of an unforgettable woman, sung over a melody that lingers in the heart.

Released in January 2020, the track drew attention as a new step following his previous work, “Akane-iro no Koi.” Though it has a light enka feel, Nakazawa’s expansive vocals shine throughout.

It’s approachable even for enka beginners and comes recommended as a song you’ll want to sing at karaoke.

Sake of Dreamy PassionSouichi Futami

Futami Soichi “Sake of Dreamy Feelings” Music Video

Released in 2021 by Soichi Futami, a rising star in the enka world, this gem of a song richly conveys the bittersweet emotions of lingering over a past love.

Created by an all-star team—with lyrics by Tomo Morisaka and composition by Hideo Mizumori—the piece is set in a bar, portraying the process of transforming heartbreak into something transcendent.

Futami’s clear, pure voice resonates deeply with listeners.

The lyrics draw you into their world, and the melody is approachable even for those new to enka.

In November 2021, he also performed at the “We Are the 7th Generation of Enka! Special Concert,” appearing alongside fellow young enka singers of his generation.

It’s a recommended track not only for enka fans but also for anyone reflecting on love and life.

The Northern LandSaburō Kitajima

The Northern Land

It’s a powerful masterpiece by the legendary enka singer Saburō Kitajima, one of his signature songs, depicting the majestic nature of Hokkaido and the lives of its people.

The melody is rich with emotion, and the lyrics superbly convey both the beauty and the severity of the vast land.

Released in January 1991 and used in a commercial for Kowa Pharmaceutical’s “Una Kowa,” the song was also performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It won the Japan Record Award the same year and has continued to be cherished as one of Kitajima’s representative works.

While not an easy song to sing, it’s well-known and therefore relatively easy to remember, and people from Hokkaido in particular may find it resonates with feelings for their hometown.

Traveler of the NorthYujiro Ishihara

Ishihara Yujiro "Traveler of the North"

A wistful classic set in a northern port town, depicting a man in pursuit of a lost love.

Yūjirō Ishihara’s rich, resonant vocals convey the aching emotions with great depth.

Released in August 1987, it was also used as an insert song for the TV Asahi drama “Seibu Keisatsu.” With a melody centered on the low to mid range, it’s an approachable choice for karaoke.

The key is to sing at a relaxed tempo, picturing the scenes in the lyrics.

Try delivering it gently, as if you’re journeying through the northern lands.