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

Homeward Journey to the NorthAkira Kobayashi

Homeward Journey to the North

Hokkikō, a work that depicts the feelings of a man returning to his hometown.

This piece is characterized by a very gentle melody that perfectly matches its theme.

Above all, the tempo is extremely slow, allowing ample preparation before each entry in any part.

In addition, the vocal line itself is simple, and it does not feature the complex lines that often appeared in popular songs of that era using enka-style melismatic ornamentation.

With its narrow vocal range, it ranks among the easiest of Akira Kobayashi’s songs to sing.

festivalSaburō Kitajima

Saburo Kitajima “Matsuri” (Official Audio)

When it comes to Saburo Kitajima’s songs, many people probably think of Matsuri first.

As the title suggests, this piece features a very dazzling melody with a festival theme.

Because of the powerful instrumentation, the vocal line is often perceived the same way, but in fact.

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among enka songs, this one has a particularly narrow vocal range.

Especially for men, almost anyone should be able to sing it without difficulty.

The use of kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) is also surprisingly limited, so it’s definitely an enka song suited for beginners.

Calm or stormKanta Ichijo

[New Song] “Calm or Storm” LIVE version.

As the third installment in a series themed around the ocean, this work powerfully depicts fishermen who keep moving forward with unwavering resolve, whether the seas are calm or raging.

The lyrics by Takashi Banjo and the melody woven by Kenji Miyashita blend beautifully, while Kanta Ichijo’s clear, expansive vocals resonate deeply.

Brimming with speed and dynamism, this piece is sure to accompany those standing at a crossroads in life, offering courage to take a new step forward.

Dear MomIkuzo Yoshi

To Mom <50th Anniversary Album Ver.>

A masterpiece of the enka world known as one of Ikuzo Yoshi’s most tear-jerking songs, “To Mother.” As an enka singer, Ikuzo Yoshi is a rare singer-songwriter.

Because he writes both the lyrics and music for most of his songs, his work is compelling for its vivid sense of reality.

This song, sung by Yoshi, was created in memory of his late mother.

It is characterized by a deeply subdued atmosphere, and techniques such as kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) are kept to a minimum to serve that world view.

While it demands a high level of expressive ability, its overall difficulty as a typical enka piece is relatively low, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

The South... spring and summerIkuzo Yoshi

Ikuzo Yoshi “Nanbu… Spring and Summer” [Official] | Full Chorus MV

Ikuzo Yoshi is well known for songs that praise his hometown, and among them, the one I especially recommend for its ease of singing is “Nanbu.

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Spring and Summer.” Its lyrics overflow with scenes of home and a deep nostalgia for them, and the melody is crafted with a warm tone to match.

With a very relaxed tempo, it features no fast, intricate kobushi (ornamental turns) or kobushi that span more than three scale steps, so even those who feel uneasy about enka should be able to sing it without trouble.

Blues of SorrowIkuzo Yoshi

Ai no Blues — Yoshikazu Ikuzō

Ikuzo Yoshi’s classic “Ai no Blues” is memorable for its passionate vocal delivery.

Although it falls into the so-called ‘onnagata’ (woman’s song) category, Yoshi’s husky voice brilliantly conveys a woman’s sorrow.

One reason this piece is easy to sing is its frequent repetition.

From the A section to the B section, the same vocal lines are often repeated, and because these repeated parts don’t include kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), the overall difficulty naturally decreases.

There is a slightly higher passage toward the end, but the overall vocal range remains narrow, so it’s undoubtedly an easy song to sing.

passionate flameIkuzo Yoshi

Passionate Flames — Ikuzo Yoshi

Ikuzo Yoshi is well regarded for his “onna-uta” (songs from a woman’s perspective), and among them, the track Joen is widely praised as a hidden masterpiece.

While its lyrics and melody exude a poignant melancholy, the vocal line is surprisingly straightforward, with gentle rises and falls in pitch.

There are few kobushi (ornamental turns), and the ones that do appear are often close to an extension of vibrato, so even those who feel uneasy about enka-style phrasing should be able to sing it without issue.

The song stays within a comfortable vocal range, making it easy to sing for both men and women.