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 Classics You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke: Recommended Popular Songs (31–40)
Rainbow BayonKiyoshi Hikawa
It was released in 2010 as Kiyoshi Hikawa’s 21st single.
The song has a Showa-era kayōkyoku style, and he performed it at the 61st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2010.
It reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, and the chorus is crafted to make it easy to add call-and-response chants, resulting in a track that’s quintessentially Kiyoshi Hikawa.
Funamizaka (Funami Slope)Sora Taiju
Set in a northern port town, this is a wistful love song.
Released in May 2025, it is positioned as the third installment in Daiki Sora’s “Hokkaido Series.” The story, set against famous sights in Otaru, paints vivid scenes in the listener’s mind.
Sora’s sweet yet heartrending vocals beautifully capture the delicate emotions of the male narrator.
The worldview, where the cityscape overlaps with a bittersweet romance, is a must-hear.
Be sure to give it a close listen!
Come back.Kazuko Matsumura
Kazuko Matsumura’s “Kaette Koi yo,” brightly and energetically sung with a shamisen on her shoulder, is a karaoke cheer-up song perfect for farewell parties when a coworker has been demoted and transferred to a regional post, helping lift their spirits.
“Kaette Koi yo” was released in April 1980 and was Kazuko Matsumura’s debut single.
Sake InnKaori Kouzai
It was released in 2012 as Kaori Kozai’s 35th single.
Issued as a song commemorating the 25th anniversary of her debut, it became a long-running hit for over a year and marked her return to the 63rd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen after five years.
It received the Excellent Music Award at the 45th Japan Cable Radio Awards and the Excellence Work Award at the 54th Japan Record Awards.
Midnight ShowerYin Shun Kei
Kayō Ginsuku, known for her alluring husky voice, sings the sublime melody of “Midnight Shower,” a stylish piece that feels less like mood enka and more like watching a polished French esprit drama.
If you want to express the coquettish, cute charm of a woman in front of him, this song is perfect.
Classic enka songs to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks (41–50)
Osaka RhapsodyChisato and Mari Umihara
Osaka Rhapsody is a duet song sung by two women, featuring a beautiful accordion melody in the intro and an upbeat, bright, and lively feel.
It’s a song that lifts the mood and gets everyone excited, making it perfect for karaoke at year-end parties and the like.
Released in 1975, Osaka Rhapsody became a big hit when performed by the comedy duo Senri and Mari Unabara.
full moonNatsuko Godai
It was released in 2000 as Natsuko Godai’s 15th single.
The song was unveiled as an original track for the NHK TV program “Comedy: Oedo de Gozaru,” in which Godai was a regular cast member.
Featuring an intro that begins with the sound of an electric guitar, it differs significantly from her previous songs and was crafted as a grand, expansive piece that opened up new ground for her.
She performed it at the 51st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.