[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 Powerful Enka] Takashi Hosokawa’s Easy-to-Sing Songs (11–20)
See you at the bar.Takashi Hosokawa
Among Takashi Hosokawa’s songs, the masterpiece “Sakaba de Abayo” stands out with a distinctly unconventional vibe.
Its biggest draw is the bass line: the slap bass, with its bouncy groove, ties the entire track together with a highly rhythmic feel.
Perhaps due to this arrangement, the enka elements are quite minimal, and there’s no use of kobushi—the ornamental melisma that requires intricate pitch movements.
It also doesn’t demand much vocal power, so even those who struggle with kobushi can sing it without issue.
Consider adding it to your repertoire.
Life is like a Naniwa-bushi (a melodramatic ballad).Takashi Hosokawa
After training under Michiya Mihashi, Takashi Hosokawa showed an explosive improvement in his vocal ability.
Even after his vocals improved, he continued to release many tracks that emphasize catchiness.
Among them, Naniwabushi Dayo Jinsei wa is one of his most singable songs.
Aside from the kobushi at the end of the chorus, the song features only minimal melismatic turns that mostly move by a single note, and despite a BPM of 128, there are no rapid-fire sections, resulting in an overall low level of difficulty.
The range is fairly wide, so be sure to find the key that suits you before singing.
Tsugaru Nakase-bushiTakashi Hosokawa
Set against the Sea of Tsugaru, this is an authentic enka that passionately sings of a love steeped in melancholy.
Only Takashi Hosokawa could deliver such a powerful yet deeply expressive vocal that captivates the heart.
The dynamic interplay of Tsugaru shamisen and strings is also superbly crafted.
Released in May 2025 as a work commemorating his 50th year in the performing arts, it drew significant attention from enka fans.
It’s perfect not only for those who love traditional enka, but also for anyone eager to be enthralled by the commanding sound of the Tsugaru shamisen.
It’s also well-suited for karaoke performances.
In conclusion
This time, since the songs were by Takashi Hosokawa—one of Japan’s finest vocalists—they were all high in difficulty, even if they were relatively easy to sing.
Truly a national treasure of enka.
To sing enka, mastering kobushi (the characteristic vocal ornament) is essential.
The kobushi that appears in ballad-style songs is easier, so I recommend starting your practice with those kinds of tracks.