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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

In this article, we’ll introduce the latest hit enka songs recommended not only for longtime fans but also for those who’ve recently gotten into the genre.

We carefully selected tracks by comparing multiple charts, balancing freshness with popularity.

While enka is often associated with passionate, emotionally charged performances, we found that many recent songs are quite accessible and easy to enjoy.

Give them a listen and you may discover something new—or even find a favorite singer you didn’t know before.

Use this article as a guide when researching today’s most popular enka tracks!

[2025] Recent enka hit songs. Must-watch popular kayō songs (91–100)

Sad LipstickMegumi Shinkawa

Megumi Shinkawa “Sad Lipstick” MUSIC VIDEO

Sad Lipstick Megumi Shinkawa

A song that entrusts the end of love and the loneliness that follows to a shade of lipstick.

It’s a gentle number that portrays Megumi Shinkawa’s inner turmoil.

With each layer of makeup, the heartache accumulates, resonating as a melody that seeps in.

Written by Chisato Sakura and composed by Tetsuya Gen, this work was released in May 2024.

It’s a richly flavored piece recommended not only for those who love the enka aesthetic, but also for anyone weary from love.

Shinkawa’s delicate vocals will gently soothe you.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to hear slowly in a tavern.

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Rainy Harbor StationYukimi Hanasaki

Yukimi Hanasaki “Rainy Harbor Station” MUSIC VIDEO

Yukimi Hanasaki at Rainy Minato Station

Yukimi Hanasaki’s new song paints a poignant scene in a port town.

It’s a work that lets you fully savor the allure of a tender enka ballad.

The feelings of a woman parting at a rainy train station are beautifully conveyed through Hanasaki’s rich, lustrous voice.

Released in June 2024, this is her first new track in about a year and a half.

While preserving the best of traditional enka, it also incorporates a modern sensibility, making it a piece that a wide range of listeners can enjoy.

It’s a perfect song for the rainy season.

Please take your time and give it a careful listen.

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Shirakami-SanchiYoko Nagayama

Shirakami-Sanchi

Shirakami-Sanchi Yoko Nagayama

A striking piece featuring powerful vocals and the resonant sound of the shamisen.

Released in June 2024, it takes as its theme a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site spanning Aomori and Akita.

Yoko Nagayama’s enka charm is on full display, imbued with respect for the richness of nature.

The major key gives the song a sense of strength, and her heartfelt voice captivates listeners.

Her expressive power—unique to someone who transitioned from idol singer to enka artist—also shines.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to recall Japan’s beautiful landscapes or enjoy enka that truly resonates with the heart.

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Ama divers of TobaIchiro Toba

Ichirō Toba “Toba no Ama” MUSIC VIDEO

Toba’s Ama, Toba Ichiro

A song distinguished by a melody that resonates with the heartstrings and gentle lyrics.

Its poignant yet powerful words portray the life of an ama diver and the bonds of family, permeating through with Ichiro Toba’s rich, resonant voice.

Released in May 2024, this work has become one of the most personally meaningful songs in his long career.

Filled with love for his hometown of Toba, it’s perfect for those who feel nostalgic for their roots or cherish family ties.

It’s a song with a quiet, lingering savor—one that makes you want to relax with a drink as you breathe in the scent of the sea.

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Keiji, the flower that blooms on the battlefieldSachiko Kobayashi

[MV] Sachiko Kobayashi 'The Flower Keiji That Blossoms in Battle' [Hana no Keiji: Kabuki Itten] #Pachinko

Keiji of Flowers Blooming in Battle — Sachiko Kobayashi

One of the theme songs from the Hanano Keiji series, widely acclaimed as Newgin’s greatest masterpiece.

I’m sure many people are hooked on its irresistible groove, which rivals, if not surpasses, the series’ biggest hit, Noburo Kakuta’s “Yossha Otoko Uta.” The lyrics are a must-hear too, with one bold line after another, like “A man shines only when he fights; the battlefield is a man’s stage.” And with Sachiko Kobayashi—the final boss of the enka world—singing it, how could you not get excited? I highly recommend it even to those who don’t play pachinko or pachislo!

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night-flowering jasmineMidori Oka

Oka Midori “Yakanran” Music Video

Yakanran Oka Midori

A gemlike love song released in February 2025 that richly portrays the sweetness and ache of first love.

Carried by a gentle, companionable melody, the fragility and sorrow of love are delicately woven together.

Celebrating Midori Oka’s 20th anniversary since her debut, this work beautifully harmonizes Reiji Mizuki’s lyrics with Masato Sugimoto’s composition to sensitively express a woman’s heart swayed by love.

Like soap bubbles, a fleeting romance and the anxious feelings blown by the wind are tenderly sung in a clear, transparent voice.

A recommended track for those who want to empathize with tender yet bittersweet emotions.

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I am most delighted.Mai Kitazawa

Mai Kitazawa “So Delightful” MV [Official]

Mai Kitazawa, I'm so very happy.

A pure love song wrapped in kindness, expressing the feelings of unrequited love with the classical word “ito.” It’s a work by Mai Kitazawa, released by Tokuma Japan Communications in February 2025.

The song celebrates the timeless beauty of love that doesn’t change with age, conveying a warm message that simply caring for someone is itself a source of happiness.

With its calm vocals and emotionally rich arrangement that resonate deeply, this is her third single since moving to Tokuma Japan.

The worldview woven from archaic language and a modern melody will gently accompany anyone who holds dear feelings for someone special.

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