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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Classic Enka Songs You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke: Recommended Popular Tracks (51–60)
Mount TsurugiTakeshi Kitayama
It was released in 2009 as Takeshi Kitayama’s eighth single.
Composed by Saburō Kitajima, the song is powerfully crafted, overlaying a man’s life with Mount Tsurugi, a famous peak that offers a distant view of the Seto Inland Sea.
It was performed at the 60th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen and reached No.
16 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
festivalSaburō Kitajima
Saburo Kitajima’s song “Matsuri” features a magnificent festival accompaniment of booming drums and lilting flutes; its brilliant sound makes your soul throb with excitement and joy.
It’s a masterpiece that could be called a hallmark of the national enka genre.
It’s the perfect song to sing at karaoke for celebrations or whenever you want to get everyone fired up.
grandchildItsuro Oizumi
A signature song by Itsuro Oizumi that sings of deep love for a grandchild.
Released in 1999, it brought a fresh breeze to the enka world.
Told from a grandfather’s perspective, it warmly portrays watching a grandchild grow, conveying family love that transcends generations.
There are versions for a boy and for a girl, each with lyrics tailored to their respective stages of growth, which adds to its charm.
The song won the Excellent Work Award at the 42nd Japan Record Awards.
It’s recommended not only for enka fans but for anyone who cherishes family.
Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to warm your heart.
A Flower of This WorldChiyoko Shimakura
Released in 1955 as Chiyoko Shimakura’s debut single, this work became a massive hit, selling two million copies within six months of its release.
The lyrics, themed around youth and first love, poignantly portray the hearts of young maidens, likened to a variety of flowers.
The melody and lyrics blend beautifully, creating a masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.
A film of the same title was produced in 1977, and the song has continued to be cherished by many over the years.
It’s a perfect choice not only for those who want to sing enka at karaoke, but also for anyone seeking a song that speaks to the heart.
Why not revisit your youthful memories through Chiyoko Shimakura’s voice?
Enka Masterpieces You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke: Recommended Popular Songs (61–70)
Two-person sakeMiyuki Kawanaka
It is a single released by Miyuki Kawanaka in 1980, said to have become a hit thanks to the popularity of the late-night Cultural Broadcasting program “Hashire! Kayōkyoku,” on which Kawanaka served as the host at the time.
Selling over one million copies, it became one of Kawanaka’s signature songs and was performed three times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The Northern LandSaburō Kitajima
This is a single released by Saburo Kitajima in 1991.
The song is themed around the land of Hokkaido, Kitajima’s own hometown, and, crafted by the duo Tetsurō Hoshino and Tōru Funamura—who worked on many of Kitajima’s songs—soars as it sings of the subtleties of life.
It won the Grand Prize in the Enka/Kayōkyoku category at the 33rd Japan Record Awards, and Kitajima performed it at the 42nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Kyoto NostalgiaMaiko Takigawa
Kyoto Bojo has a gently wilted, faintly bittersweet melody, and it creates a mysteriously enchanting atmosphere that makes male listeners see the woman singing it as very cute and want to protect her.
Please try singing it as your winning song to capture the heart of the man you love.