Enka’s recent hit songs in 2025: Must-watch popular kayō tracks

Sinful LoveSouichi Futami

Soichi Futami “Sinful Love” MUSIC VIDEO

Soichi Futami, a native of Kunitomi Town in Miyazaki Prefecture, drew even more attention with his October 25, 2023 release, “Tsumi no Koi” (A Sinful Love).

With its accessible melody and echoing “mountain-echo” vocal timbre, this love song candidly conveys the feelings of a protagonist who, though tormented by forbidden love, pours his whole passion into it.

The song’s delicate yet powerful emotional expression is sure to leave a deep impression on listeners.

Infused with the singer’s sensual allure, this exquisitely heartrending yet gentle number offers solace to people carrying many different emotions.

It has remained high on the charts into 2024, showing signs of becoming an even longer-running hit.

Be sure to listen while thinking of someone you love.

My wife... thank you.Joji Yamamoto

Joji Yamamoto 'Dear Wife... Thank You' Music Video

A heartfelt song filled with deep love and gratitude.

It was released in July 2024 to commemorate Joji Yamamoto’s 50th debut anniversary.

His emotions for his longtime partner are delivered through a richly expressive vocal performance.

It conveys his gratitude to his wife, with whom he has shared and overcome both hardships and joys.

Combined with Yamamoto’s soulful singing, I believe it is a masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.

It’s a perfect track for celebrating a wedding anniversary or expressing appreciation to someone special.

Yugiri PortKonomi Mori

Konomi Mori “Yugiri Port” Music Video

A powerful enka released by Konomi Mori in July 2024.

Set in a fog-shrouded port town, it portrays a heart-wrenching love.

Drawing on her unique vocal prowess honed through folk music, she conveys both the misty harbor scenery and the protagonist’s feelings with rich emotion.

Said to be modeled on Kojōhama in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, the lyrics—written by Madoka No—were inspired by her amazement at the fog-covered landscape, and Chiaki Oka set them to a poignant melody.

Mori shares behind-the-scenes stories on her blog, and the song has been generating buzz among fans.

It’s the kind of piece you’ll want to listen to when you’re remembering someone dear or spending a quiet night alone.

trendKiyoshi Maekawa

trend

Released by Kiyoshi Maekawa in November 2024, this work is a gem of a song themed around the struggles of living in today’s world.

Written specifically for him by singer-songwriter Ryuun Nagai and arranged by Mitsuo Hagita, it captures the feelings of middle-aged and older listeners who have walked a long road in life, along with introspection about how to live from here on.

Maekawa’s distinctive vocal style and emotional expression really stand out.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to reflect on the importance of living true to oneself.

In the Wandering TownKazuya Himuro

Kazuya Himuro “In a Wandering Town” MUSIC VIDEO

A gem of a number from November 2024 by Kazuya Himuro that conveys the full allure of mood kayō.

Miwa Ito’s lyrics, tracing the sweetly heartrending feelings of a man, and Himuro’s deeply emotive delivery resonate with the heart.

The melancholy melody, hinting at the ending of a love story, and the plaintive vocals singing of lingering feelings for a former lover will leave a deep impression on listeners.

Following Himuro’s signature songs “Acacia Monogatari” and “Acacia Elegy,” this work is poised to become a new milestone in mood kayō.

It’s a recommended track for those wishing to heal the pain of heartbreak or look back on memories with someone dear.

As one gets drunkKumi Iwamoto

Kumi Iwamoto “As Drunk As Can Be” Music Video

Yumi Iwamoto, a native of Ugo Town in Akita Prefecture, released her single “You Hodo ni” on January 10, 2024.

This song is a masterpiece of enka that portrays the scene of a heartrending heartbreak being dulled by alcohol.

With lyrics by Aya Ito and music by Chiaki Oka, it vividly expresses the feelings of a protagonist who drinks while gazing alone at sleet.

Iwamoto’s delicate yet powerful vocals draw out emotions of lingering attachment and loneliness, resonating deeply with listeners.

Her immersive singing, as if you were right there, is perfect for long, lonely nights.

Many will surely relate to the emotions that well up with every drink.

Be sure to give it a listen when you’re feeling lonely.

TATSUYAAimi Tanaka

Aimi Tanaka “TATSUYA” to be released on July 24, 2024!

A song with shocking content has been released and is making waves.

Its lyrics frankly portray the struggles of a mother, deeply resonating with listeners.

With a distinctive voice that weaves husky tones and soaring highs, the performance evokes the heartfelt warmth of classic Showa-era hits.

Although Aimi Tanaka felt anxious about singing this piece, she decided to pour her soul into it.

Released in July 2024, the single also includes the coupling track “Shikaranaide” (“Please Don’t Scold Me”).

It’s a song that will touch not only those raising children, but anyone standing at a crossroads in life.

Do give it a listen.