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 hit enka songs. Must-watch popular kayō tracks (131–140)

ErikoRyo Amano

[Full MV] Ryo Amano 'Eriko' [Official]

Eriko Amano Ryo

Released on January 10, 2024, Ryo Amano’s “Eriko” is a song themed around lost love and its lingering echoes.

The narrative voice reads like a letter to the missing Eriko, delicately portraying her inner strength and kindness.

While acknowledging the complexity of her heart and society’s misunderstandings, Amano sings of his unwavering resolve to keep offering love.

His emotionally rich vocals, in particular, amplify the sorrow and reverence at the core of the song.

The poignant melody and Tetsuya Gen’s composition evoke a sense of homesickness, resonating with music fans who cherish and keep alive the memory of someone dear.

With its distinctive worldview, this work is especially recommended for those who have lost a deep love or who hold true love in the highest regard!

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Sea Roar TrainMaiko Kozakura

Maiko Kozakura “Uminari Resha” Music Video (Short Ver.)

Sea-Rumbling Train Maiko Kozakura

Maiko Kozakura’s single “Uminari Ressha” (Sea-Roaring Train), released on December 13, 2023, portrays a heartrending departure in search of lost love, set against the emotionally rich scenery of the Uetsu Main Line that connects Niigata Prefecture to Akita Prefecture.

In this song, Maiko Kozakura showcases remarkable expressive power, conveying both a clumsy determination to reclaim love despite tears and an unyielding strength that refuses to give up.

Particularly striking are the word choices that evoke both a lonely state of mind and the image of a train running along the coastline—sure to stir listeners’ hearts.

Even for those new to enka, the familiar, approachable melody and Kozakura’s clear vocals make it easy to listen to.

It’s a perfect track for a slightly sentimental long winter night.

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Koitou (Koitome) CoastHiromi Yamaguchi

Hiromi Yamaguchi “Koitoi Coast” Music Video

Hiromi Yamaguchi, Koi-toi Coast

A song that gives voice to the bittersweet feelings of a woman in the northern land was released in July 2024.

Hiromi Yamaguchi’s emotionally rich vocals weave together the pain of heartbreak and hope for the future, set against the backdrop of Koitoi Coast in Hokkaido.

It’s a piece where the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Ocean harmonizes perfectly with Yamaguchi’s charm.

The songwriting team of Koyomi Asa (lyrics) and Chiaki Oka (composition), who also found success with “Mitsui no Banshō,” crafted the track to bring out Yamaguchi’s appeal to the fullest.

It’s the perfect song for reflecting on love and life, or for soothing a wistful heart.

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A drop of tearsTokyo Rickshaw

Tokyo Rickshaw “A Drop of Tears” Music Video

A Tear Drop — Tokyo Rickshaw

A song by Tokyo Rikisha, distinguished by its emotive, powerful vocals.

This kayōkyoku number, woven by a unit of rickshaw pullers based in Asakusa, conveys the poignant feelings of a man in love.

The lyrics were written by Kazuya Sakai of Junretsu, and the track was released in August 2024.

The earnest desire of a man who wants to convey his feelings to the one he loves—even if it means giving up everything—strikes a chord.

This work masterfully balances the unique strength and delicacy characteristic of Tokyo Rikisha.

It’s a song that will stay close to your heart at life’s crossroads or when facing a farewell with someone important.

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It's only one life, after all.Nobue Matsubara

[Official] Nobue Matsubara - Because It's Only One Life [MV Full Chorus]

It's only one life, but Nobue Matsubara

Nobue Matsubara’s single “Tatta Ichido no Jinsei Dakara,” released on January 10, 2024.

Set to a beautiful melody, this work celebrates the value of life and the preciousness of once-in-a-lifetime encounters.

Written by Kaoru Ito and Yoshichika Inomata, its lyrics are deeply moving.

Portraying life’s uncertain yet beautiful journey through the image of a traveler without a map, Matsubara’s powerful vocals strike straight at the listener’s heart.

Gently offering an uplifting message, the song is especially resonant when you’re feeling down or standing at a crossroads in life.

Expressing the beauty of cherishing each day and never losing hope, Matsubara’s latest work will surely become a source of comfort for many—not only for enka fans.

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Twilight SilhouetteYūki Matsuzaka

Yuki Matsuzaka New Single “Silhouette at Dusk” MV (Release on May 8, 2024)

Twilight Silhouette Matsuzaka Yuki

A song with a beautiful, wistful melody that sinks into the heart.

It delicately portrays the bittersweet feelings of love at twilight, and Yuuki Matsuzaka’s gentle vocals resonate with rich emotion.

You’re drawn in by phrases that seem to symbolize the inevitable course of love, making it a track you’ll want to play again and again.

Released in May 2024, this work has attracted attention as a new challenge for Matsuzaka.

He also values connecting with fans, holding release-commemorative signings and mini live shows.

It’s a song that stays close to a heart shaken by love—why not give it a listen?

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Meoto Hama UtaEiko Segawa

Meoto Hama Uta

Meoto Hama Uta by Eiko Segawa

A new enka song has arrived, depicting the strength and tenderness of a woman who lives by the sea.

It’s a piece that conveys Eiko Segawa’s power and warmth.

With lyrics by Reiji Mizuki and composition by Jun Katsuragi, it was released in May 2024.

From the opening sound of high heels, to a resolve made on the summer solstice, to the daily life of a fisherman’s wife, the story is sung with rich emotion.

The feelings of a wife for her husband and their shared resolve to live together are truly moving.

Segawa’s voice sinks deeply into the listener’s heart.

This work seems poised to become a source of comfort for those living by the shore.

I especially recommend it to anyone who can relate to the mutual care between those who go out to fish and those who wait for their return.

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