Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
Enka, the genre of music that helped energize Japan up through around the 1980s.
Countless masterpieces were born in this field of enka.
This time, we’re featuring the crème de la crème—timeless enka hits that defined their eras and are perfect for singing at karaoke.
From well-known classics to hidden gems known only to aficionados, we’ve selected songs across a wide range of years and styles, so be sure to find the one that suits you.
We’re introducing quite a number of tracks, making this a great pick for anyone who wants to reminisce alongside enka.
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Enka masterpieces you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular songs (91–100)
Premonition of PartingMiyuki Yamamoto
Miyuki Yamamoto, an enka singer, delivers an emotionally rich rendition of Wakare no Yokan, a beautiful melody line that evokes a subtle sense of melancholy.
If your relationship has gone on for a while and you’ve started to neglect things a bit, try singing it in front of him and surprise him.
The original song, familiar in Japan, was released by Teresa Teng in June 1987.
Will you marry me?Kenji Niinuma
This is a song released by Kenji Niinuma in 1976 that portrays the marriage views of a simple young man from the countryside.
The lyrics were written by Yū Aku and the music composed by Makoto Kawaguchi, and it has become one of Kenji Niinuma’s signature songs.
He made his first appearance at the 27th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1976, and the song won the Best New Artist Award at the 18th Japan Record Awards and the Broadcast Music Newcomer Award at the 7th Japan Song Awards.
Enka masterpieces you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular songs (101–110)
Madam of the Pleasure QuarterTatsue Kaneda
A classic enka song released in June 1973 is Tatsue Kaneda’s signature work.
Set in a red-light district, its lyrics depicting a mother’s love and life’s hardships moved the hearts of many.
Although it was initially self-released only in the Osaka area, steady effort led it to become a nationwide smash hit, ranking 16th on the 1979 annual singles chart.
That same year, she made her debut appearance at the 30th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The work was adapted into a film in January 1980 and into a TV drama starting in October 1979.
It’s highly recommended for those with rich life experience and for listeners who value lyrics that resonate deeply.
Cape ErimoShinichi Mori
Shinichi Mori’s song “Erimo Misaki” was released in 1974, so it’s been about 40 years, but its freshness hasn’t faded—it still feels new and brims with gentleness.
It’s a perfect choice for karaoke when you want to feel refreshed.
The composer is Takuro Yoshida, a leading figure in the folk music world.
devotionYutaka Akiba & Alon Knights
Akiba Yutaka and The Arrow Knights’ lead vocalist Akira Kinoshita has a voice that’s both lustrous and sharp, and “Kenshin” is a masterpiece of mood enka that highlights his appeal even more.
If you sing it to make up after a fight with your girlfriend, she’ll surely forgive you—so give it a try.
Unstaffed stationMisaki Iwasa
It was released in 2012 as a solo debut single from AKB48.
While continuing her activities with AKB48, she made her solo debut as the group’s first enka singer, and the CD drew attention for including an enka version of AKB48’s major hit “Heavy Rotation.” Both the lyrics and production were handled by Yasushi Akimoto.
In conclusion
This time, we introduced classic enka songs that have colored the history of Japanese music—didn’t many of them stir up a sense of nostalgia? The indirect, tasteful turns of phrase you won’t find in many modern songs, along with the sentimental yet powerful vocal delivery, are truly the unique charm of enka.
We have many more articles that showcase the allure of enka, so be sure to check those out as well!