[Treasure of Powerful Enka] Takashi Hosokawa’s Easy-to-Sing Songs
Takashi Hosokawa is one of Japan’s leading enka singers.
Originally, he focused solely on enka, but partway through his career he met Michiya Mihashi and began studying folk songs under him.
As a result, his already impressive vocal ability was elevated to a near-monster level, and he went on to release highly challenging songs like “Tsugaru Yamauta” and “Bokyō Jongara.”
Because of this, many people likely have the impression that “Takashi Hosokawa’s songs = difficult.”
So this time…!
We’ve selected some of Takashi Hosokawa’s songs that are especially easy to sing.
From catchy hits to hidden gems known to the initiated, we’ve picked a wide range—be sure to check them out to the end!
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[Treasure of Power-Style Enka] Takashi Hosokawa’s Easy-to-Sing Songs (1–10)
Harbor night viewTakashi Hosokawa
When you think of Takashi Hosokawa, his powerful and intricate vocal lines come to mind.
That applies to his ballads as well, but this work is different.
It’s a piece that blends enka and ballad, suffused with a sense of melancholy, yet he sings it with notable softness for one of his songs.
There are a fair number of kobushi (ornamental turns), but none are particularly difficult, and there are no parts that require belting, so the overall difficulty is quite low.
Definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.
Ring! All together, Japan!Takashi Hosokawa
Enka singers with a foundation in folk music are often seen as releasing many traditional, serious songs.
However, Takashi Hosokawa differs from that image, putting out many catchy tracks as well.
Among them, the one I especially recommend is “Wa! Moro Moro Nippon.” While this piece follows the enka tradition, it also incorporates a slightly rock-influenced flavor.
Perhaps because of that musical direction, there are very few instances of kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), and no complex vocal lines appear.
The range is a bit wide, so be mindful of key adjustments when you give it a try.
Sadamé RiverTakashi Hosokawa
Takashi Hosokawa’s classic “Sadamegawa” is notable for its gentle melody.
Among his songs, this one is particularly slow in tempo.
A slower tempo means the kobushi (ornamental vocal turns) are more relaxed.
It’s not that kobushi appear less often, but because there’s no need to rapidly move up and down in pitch, it’s far easier than typical enka.
With the slow tempo comes many long tones, so be sure to take breaths properly during rests.
[Treasure of Powerful Enka] Takashi Hosokawa’s Easy-to-Sing Songs (11–20)
Let’s ONDO AgainTakashi Hosokawa
Takashi Hosokawa’s unique masterpiece, “Let’s ONDO Again.” Thanks in part to its English title, it may seem like a trendy, Western-style song, but it firmly follows the foundations of enka.
That doesn’t mean it’s difficult—there are no highly demanding kobushi.
By “difficult kobushi,” we mean repeatedly raising and lowering pitch on the same vowel, but this song features few such ornaments, so even those who aren’t comfortable with complex kobushi can sing it well.
However, the melodic range is somewhat wide, so you’ll need to identify your optimal key and adjust accordingly.
Dream-Drunk PersonTakashi Hosokawa
In recent years, Takashi Hosokawa has not only been releasing enka songs with formidable difficulty, but also simple, catchy tracks that the general public can enjoy.
Among them, the one I especially recommend is Yumesui-bito.
While it’s a bona fide enka number with a fair amount of kobushi ornamentation, the chorus is shaped into a melody that leans quite close to pop.
The kobushi themselves aren’t particularly difficult, so if you’re accustomed to singing enka, you should be able to handle it without any trouble.
Ah, what a beautiful woman.Takashi Hosokawa
Takashi Hosokawa is also skilled at expressing masculine melancholy.
Among his songs, the one that especially conveys this mood is “Ah, A Good Woman.” Although it has a very cool, mature melody, the enka elements aren’t particularly strong; the vocal line leans more toward kayōkyoku.
As a result, there are no kobushi (the intricate pitch bends that require complex rises and falls).
If you follow the pitch accurately and add vibrato where needed, it’s quite singable—so much so that you can aim for a high karaoke score.
Lingering Snow, TsugaruTakashi Hosokawa
With each stage of his career, Takashi Hosokawa has acquired an increasingly powerful singing voice.
While later works tend to feature more difficult songs, this piece is an exception.
“Zansetsu Tsugaru” is a solid, vigorous number, yet its vocal line is surprisingly straightforward, with no sections that require belting.
In addition, there are no kobushi embellishments that move the pitch up and down two or three times, making it far easier to sing than it might sound at first.
Consider adding it to your repertoire.