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

The northern city, HakodateDaisuke Kitagawa

Daisuke Kitagawa “Northern Town Hakodate” MUSIC VIDEO

Daisuke Kitagawa has woven a poignant, adult love story set in a port town.

While richly retaining the nostalgic flavor of Showa-era kayōkyoku, this piece features a tenor saxophone that resonates to great effect, creating a gem of a song where wistfulness and warmth blend beautifully.

Scheduled for release in February 2025, the track is set in Hakodate and conveys feelings for a once-beloved partner now separated, expressed with remarkable vocal prowess.

Interweaving evocative depictions of Hakodate—its brick-lined streets and nightscapes—the song brings a heartfelt yearning for someone precious to the fore.

As a mellow, mature enka best savored alone on a quiet night, it leaves a deep and lasting impression.

A man should just cry in silence.Kenji Miyashita

Kenji Miyashita “Men Should Cry in Silence” [Melody Records] Official Performance Video

A passionate new work marking the re-debut of veteran enka composer Kenji Miyashita as a singer.

This gem portrays the melancholy of men living through the Showa era, powerfully expressing deep-seated emotions and struggles.

While honoring the traditional enka style, it features modern arrangements for a heartwarming finish.

Released in February 2025, it captivated audiences at the KOBE Ryūkōka Live in Kobe with a fervent performance reminiscent of his days as a traveling street singer.

The coupling track includes “Jinsei Mayoizaka” (Life at the Crossroads).

Sincerely singing of life’s doubts and inner conflicts, this piece is recommended to enka fans as a song that gently soothes hearts weary from everyday life.

Yosare Onna-bushiSachiko Shiina

[Music Video] Sachiko Shiina “Yosare Onna-bushi” <Full>

Set against the climate and festivals of the Tsugaru region, a new enka song beautifully portrays the feelings of a woman who keeps waiting for her beloved in her hometown.

Inspired by the folk song “Kuroishi Yosare,” the interwoven scenes of festive bustle and wistful melancholy are deeply moving.

Sachiko Shiina’s powerful yet delicate vocals superbly convey the protagonist’s strong will and aching heart.

Released on February 12, 2025, the song features lyrics by Kanade Hino-ura and composition by Chiaki Oka—both highly accomplished creators.

Its universal themes—such as the anguish of an unfulfilled love and a profound attachment to one’s hometown—resonate with anyone.

Highly recommended for those who find themselves recalling their nostalgic hometown on lonely nights in the city.

Crimson ButterflyKeisuke Yamauchi

Keisuke Yamauchi “Crimson Butterfly” [YouTube Edit]

The new single from Keisuke Yamauchi, known as the “Prince of Enka,” is a gem of a ballad that overlays the emotions of love with the dance of a crimson butterfly.

Projecting the beauty and transience of love onto the vivid flutter of a butterfly, it poignantly expresses bravado, inner conflict, and a pure heart in search of true love.

Released in February 2024, the single comes in four versions, each featuring a different coupling track—another appealing point.

Yamauchi’s gentle, mellow vocals seem to tenderly wrap around hearts troubled by love.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to feel both the joys and pains of romance.

The Last DrinkTohji Kimura

Tetsuji Kimura “Last Drink” MUSIC VIDEO

This song, which evokes a bittersweet farewell that tugs at the heart, was released by Tetsuji Kimura in February 2024.

Its lyrics capture the aching emotions of two people who decide to part ways as they sit before a mugicha soda.

Kimura’s powerful vocals beautifully convey both the sorrow and the beauty of parting, resonating deeply with listeners.

This track showcases the full extent of Kimura’s talent, recognized with the New Artist Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards.

Written by his older brother, Ryuzo Kimura, the song also reflects a strong bond between the siblings, resulting in a truly wonderful piece.

It’s a must-listen for anyone experiencing the tenderness of love or the pain of farewell.

rampaging shipDan Muraki

Dan Muraki / Abare-bune (Reckless Boat)

Released on January 24, 2024, Dan Muraki’s single “Abarebune” has been drawing attention.

Since his 2016 debut, he has been bringing a fresh wave to Japan’s traditional enka scene.

This work portrays the drama woven from the gritty spirit and passion of men who live by the sea, conveying the indomitable will of sailors and their deep love for family.

The melody by Hiroshi Tokuhisa and arrangement by Shingo Nishimura perfectly match Muraki’s voice, which blends rugged masculinity with sensual warmth.

It’s a must-listen not only for enka fans but also for music lovers eager to explore a new world.

You’re guaranteed an epic, stirring experience, as if you were voyaging across the open sea.

Aizu Namida BridgeMiyu Tsubuki

Miyu Tsubuki “Aizu Namida-bashi” Music Video

Miyu Tsubuki from Fukushima Prefecture released her song “Aizu Namida-bashi” on January 10, 2024—an enka masterpiece that delicately sings of sorrowful partings and hope.

Her straightforward, powerful voice brings even deeper emotion to the story set in Aizu.

While using as its motif a farewell at Yanagi Bridge over the Yukawa on the Echigo Highway, the song carries a universal message that resonates strongly with modern listeners.

The feelings of the wandering protagonist, who keeps an enduring love close to the heart, seem to mirror the way we live our own lives.

This strong yet warm vocal performance, which weaves wishes for reunion after parting, is sure to reach not only enka fans but also listeners eager to discover the genre’s new charms.

Take your time to savor this song, which leaves a gentle afterglow in the heart, and the world spun by Miyu Tsubuki.