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.
- Enka Karaoke Popularity Rankings [2025]
- [For Women] A roundup of enka songs that can score high in karaoke
- Easy-to-sing enka: A roundup of recommended enka songs for karaoke
- Classic Showa-era songs that are easy to sing at karaoke
- Enka’s recent hit songs in 2025: Must-watch popular kayō tracks
- Enka Singers Most Popular at Karaoke [2025]
- Karaoke songs that are easy to sing even if you’re not confident in your pitch (for women in their 50s)
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the ’70s to 2000s that are perfect for livening up karaoke
- Legendary enka songs that fire up the crowd. A song catalog of enka picks you won’t go wrong with at karaoke.
- [October 2025] Latest Enka and Kayōkyoku roundup. Check out the buzzworthy new songs!
- [2025] Easy-to-Sing Enka: From Classic Masterpieces to Recent Hits [Female Singers Edition]
- Songs that are easy to sing at karaoke even for people who think, “I might be tone-deaf...” or aren’t good at singing
- [2025] Recommended enka by male singers with captivating high notes
Famous enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks (1–10)
cherry shellHiroshi Itsuki
This is a single released by Hiroshi Itsuki in 2014 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his entertainment career.
Although it was originally included on a 1997 album, the song was re-recorded and released as a single.
It reached No.
1 on the Oricon Enka/Kayō single chart dated March 31 and April 7, 2014, making it a fitting highlight for his 50th anniversary.
Land of Abundant Rice (Mizuho no Kuni)Akari Yamanishi
Akari Yamazaki’s third single, “Mizuho no Kuni,” released in August 2025, is a work themed around rice—the quintessential landscape of Japan and the foundation of its cuisine.
The lyrics, which conjure images of gratitude for bountiful harvests and people living in harmony with nature, warm the heart just by listening.
Her expansive, powerful vocals resonate deeply in the chest.
It’s an enka number that inevitably makes you long for your hometown.
Heart SakeAyako Fuji
It was released in 1992 as Aya Fukuda’s third single.
It debuted at No.
6 on the Oricon chart and became her biggest hit.
The song sold over one million copies in total, earned Aya Fukuda the 25th Japan Cable Awards, and led to her first appearance at the 43rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It is cherished as one of her signature songs.
Enka masterpieces you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular songs (11–20)
Boat SongAki Yashiro
One of Aki Yashiro’s signature songs, it was released in May 1979.
It has received numerous awards, including the Gold Prize at the 21st Japan Record Awards and the Broadcast Music Award at the 10th Japan Song Awards.
It’s no exaggeration to call this a treasured masterpiece of Japanese enka and kayōkyoku.
Yashiro’s vocals are truly magnificent—her powerful technique and expressive singing are something anyone can appreciate from the very first listen.
Woman’s DepartureNobue Matsubara
A signature work by Nobue Matsubara that brought a fresh breeze to the world of enka.
The lyrics strikingly depict a woman’s delicate feelings and inner strength.
Centered on the theme of setting sail, it skillfully expresses the anticipation and anxiety of a new life, as well as the poignancy of parting.
Released in 1979, this song is also known as Matsubara’s debut single and won the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards that year.
Highly recommended not only for enka fans, but also for anyone standing at a crossroads in life.
Sing it at karaoke, and you’re sure to feel a moving resonance in your heart.
Crossing Amagi PassSayuri Ishikawa
If you want an enka-style love song, I recommend Sayuri Ishikawa’s “Amagi-goe.” If you sing it with heartfelt emotion—expressing the passionate feelings of a woman—right in front of the man you like and confess your love, he will surely accept your feelings.
“Amagi-goe” was released in July 1986, and MLB player Ichiro used it as his walk-up song during the 2008 season.
North TavernTakashi Hosokawa
A signature song by Takashi Hosokawa that portrays a man and woman seeking warmth on a chilly night.
Released in March 1982, it became a major hit, ranking fifth on that year’s Oricon annual charts and winning the Japan Record Award.
Its upbeat melody woven with heartrending lyrics captivates listeners and won’t let go.
Beginning with a fateful encounter in a northern tavern, the love story invites listeners to fond memories of an izakaya.
It’s a perfect track for the cold season and is sure to get the crowd going at karaoke.
Why not spend a heartwarming moment with friends and family?