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

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!

Playlist

Enka’s recent hit songs in 2025: Must-watch popular kayō tracks
show_chartTitlePlaylistOne point
1Venus beltAimyonA song by Aimyon, released in October 2025. It poignantly expresses past memories and emotions with a warm, band-driven sound.
2Let’s call it good with this.Kenichi MikawaKenichi Mikawa 60th Anniversary Debut Single, Star-Studded Collaboration
3News from BizenSaori NonakaA song celebrating Bizen City's 20th anniversary, overflowing with local love.
4Maria of the LabyrinthYuto TatsumiYuto Tatsumi's new song, a masterpiece that resonates with the heart
5Love…passionHiroshi MiyamaHiroshi Miyama’s new song “Koi… Jonen” — a moving work
6Big brotherYutaka YamakawaA moving enka song depicting Yutaka Yamakawa’s brotherly love
7Izayoi BridgeKenta KooriA new enka song themed around a poignant moon
8Samidare HoneysuckleIroha KoikawaA song that sings of Iroha Koikawa's bittersweet feelings of love.
9moored boatKazuko MifuneIn the 60th year since their debut, a heart-wrenching enka about unrequited love is born.
10Tsugaru Kaze PortKozue TakemuraKozue Takemura’s passionate enka with a strong rock flavor
11Back Alley FirefliesKenta KooriA song of bittersweet love woven into the light of fireflies
12Last Train to the NorthAlanIn the northern sky, I entrust my love to the last flight.
13roost; nest (where birds sleep). Also used figuratively for a place to stay or sleep.Ryusuke TaniRyusuke Tani, who gave up professional baseball and found success in enka
14Showa-era manIchiro TobaThe way of life of a Showa-era man as sung by Ichiro Toba
15246Naoki SanadaA song depicting a drive on National Route 246
16pinwheelIkuzo YoshiIkuzo Yoshi releases a new song depicting life in the city.
17I’ll give you everything.Leon ShinhamaEnergetic songs of a new era of enka
18acting like a handsome guyIkuzo YoshiIkuzo Yoshi’s masterpiece that portrays vanity and clumsiness
19Journey of lingering attachmentSho GodaiGodaishō’s Sentimental Enka “The Journey of Regret”
20Reminiscence ~Though I depart, my heart remains~Yuki IsozawaYuki Isogawa’s moving song themed on mythology
21Michinoku Silver Mountain, Tears of SnowHiromi YamaguchiHiromi Yamaguchi, a heartbreak enka at Ginzan Onsen
22Snow FlowerAyako FujiA classic by Ayako Fuji that portrays the poignancy of love in a northern winter
23I want to tell you.Atsuko AsadaA moving song by Atsuko Asada singing of her love for her mother
24Moon of lingering coldEmi KitadaAn emotional, passionate enka song by a female farmer-singer
25Happy TavernHiroshi FujiwaraA heartwarming enka song with a nostalgic Showa vibe
26Peanut ~Rakkasei~KenjiroA Father's Love and Memories: The Moving Story Encapsulated in Peanuts
27That girl is dotchicchi.Masashi EtaniMasashi Eguya, a bittersweet love youth kayō song
28Isn’t it good?Tadashi MikadoAn upbeat song that portrays the positivity of adults
29Ichibangai BluesHiroya HamaA secret love in the nighttime city, in the singing voice of Hiroya Hama
30Wet with the foghornChō HōyūkiThe bittersweet new song by Nagaho Yunoki set in a port town.
31I couldn’t help but tear upJun YanagiAn enka song about urban loneliness and longing for one’s hometown
32Yurushi RiverMiyuki NagaiMiyuki Nagai, an enka song about a heartrending love
33Sanriku ElegyKaori MizumoriSet against the sea of Sanriku, singing of love and hope
34Crescent Moon and the Red BridgeYuki IsozawaA fleeting love song set in Ureshino Onsen
35Terminal InnKotomi MakiKotomi Maki’s enka, Farewell in the Northern Land
36Courtesan of SatsumaTakeru OgawaDepicting a passion for the performing arts and a longing for one’s hometown
37Life, radiantMomoko OsawaA heartwarming song by Momoko Osawa that sings of the preciousness of life
38Osaka RainTadashi MikadoA classic song that sings of a woman’s heart, wet by the rain in Osaka.
39When a man thinks of his motherYusuke HashiriA moving song by Yusuke Hashiri that sings of his feelings for his mother
40Tipsy Breeze TavernYuito NakamuraHeartwarming music that keeps you company on a weary night
41Let me hear your parting words.Kazue YamamotoA song that portrays the bittersweet end of an office romance
42The winds of the Kirishima mountain range weepHitomi NishikawaHitomi Nishikawa from Kumamoto sings of love with passionate enka
43Woman’s SlopeYuko OkaYuko Oka, 45th Anniversary New Song “Onna Uta”
44Cape Far from HappinessYuki SeguchiA heart-penetrating song by Yuki Seguchi that sings of the sorrow of a broken heart
45On the day of farewellJoji YamamotoA song of deep love sung by Joji Yamamoto
46A Man’s FistTohji KimuraTeiji Kimura's powerful, manly enka
47Shanshan PeonyNatsuko GodaiA powerful song that fuses tradition and modernity
48selfish; self-centered; willfulRuka MochizukiNew song by Ruka Mochizuki with lyrics by Tetsuya Komuro is popular
49unconditional loveShinichi MoriShinichi Mori’s crowning achievement: a Reiwa-era enka of gratitude and milestones
50Ura-Namba BluesKei MizukiA one-night love story in Ura-Namba
51You can just cry.Souichi FutamiSouichi Futami’s poignant love song expresses the pain of parting.
52Demon Fires of AsoHaruna HoriuchiA song of heartbreak and resolve themed around the Onibi Festival
53diamond dustAyumi OzoraAyumi Oozora’s song that fuses enka and rock
54Red full moonKonomi MoriComposed by Masato Sugimoto, an inspiring work by Konomi Mori
55A Woman’s Love LanternNoriko NemotoA song of unwavering love, filled with heartache and hope
56Making MemoriesAyako FujiA moving song written and composed by Ayako Fuji
57Before the end of summerTakeshi KitayamaTakeshi Kitayama’s new song expresses friendship and a forward-looking life
58Kokoro KaleidoscopeKeisuke YamauchiA masterpiece by Keisuke Yamauchi that depicts the beauty of life
59How Angels and Demons LoveWind WheelA love song that resonates with the heart, the charm of a duo
60companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)Hiroshi MiyamaMiyama’s masterpiece that depicts the bonds of life
61The Nightingale’s Unrequited LoveHiroshi TakeshimaHiroshi Takeshima’s tragic love song, a moving masterpiece
62Still in YokohamaMiyuki KadomatsuA famous song that sings of a poignant love set in Yokohama
63Gion Dark Cherry BlossomsHiroshi MiyamaA Taisho Romantic tragic love story set in Kyoto’s Gion
64Hometown Spring and AutumnAkio SugaAn enka song that sings of love for one’s hometown and gratitude to one’s grandfather
65A Woman’s LoveHiroko MatsumaeRelease of Hiroko Matsumae’s 55th Anniversary Commemorative Single
66Man BoatTakashi HosokawaCourage through Takashi Hosokawa’s powerful singing
67Alone on the shoreKazuo ChibaKazuo Chiba's heartrending love song echoing on the beach
68hazyYukino IchikawaYukino Ichikawa’s powerful women’s song, The Brilliance of Life
69No way!/Not a chance!Mika JinnoA powerful song by Mika Jinno overflowing with warmth
70Kegon FallsKaori AoiA moving enka song inspired by Kegon Falls
71I long for Southern HokkaidoYudai KoyamaYudai Koyama’s Vocal Prowess and Captivating New Song
72Sinful LoveSouichi FutamiSouichi Futami’s “Tsumi no Koi” evokes deep emotion
73My wife… thank you.Joji YamamotoJoji Yamamoto’s commemorative song of love and gratitude
74Yugiri PortKonomi MoriKonomi Mori’s new song: the bittersweet love of a port town
75trendKiyoshi MaekawaKiyoshi Maekawa’s gem of a song that sings of life’s hardships
76In the Wandering TownKazuya HimuroA new milestone in mood kayō: Himuro’s jewel
77As one gets drunkKumi IwamotoA moving ballad that sings of the pain of heartbreak
78TATSUYAAimi TanakaA moving song by Aimi Tanaka that sings of inner conflict
79Kazahana CapeIshihara JunkoA moving song that sings of loneliness on a northern cape
80The language of flowers of fleabane (Erigeron)Hiroshi TakeshimaAdult kayōkyoku: the powerful singing voice of Hiroshi Takeshima
81Two People’s Tokyo StoryAya Isokawa & Masaya IsegahamaA mature duet blending Showa-era nostalgia with a modern arrangement
82I remembered my hometown.Kenji NiinumaSinging of deep love and nostalgia for one's hometown
83hourglassKosuke MatsuzakiAn enka song that pierces the heart, depicting the pain of heartbreak.
84The Northern CliffsKeisuke YamauchiA song of a woman’s wistful heart carried on the sea breeze
85A man’s single-minded resolveTeiji YamazakiAn anthem of support that sings of the weight of the heart and of conviction
86mother’s faceHiroshi ItsukiHiroshi Itsuki: A gem of a song singing his love for his mother
87selfish womanArata AoyamaA blues kayō depicting Arata Aoyama’s feelings of love
88Treasure Ship of the Seven Lucky Gods of LifePeregrine falconPositive lyrics with a Seven Lucky Gods theme, a track that evokes hope
89Great Catch TaikoKanta IchijoKanta Ichijo’s new song powerfully sings of life at sea.
90To each their ownMitsuko NakamuraPoignant enka captures the subtleties of life.
91Zanza Cape (New Version)Iriyama AkikoA heartrending feeling and a voice that resonates in the heart strike the chest.
92the sunAya ShimazuShima AYA’s new song is a hopeful anthem that gently comforts the heart.
93Sad LipstickMegumi ShinkawaA lament that sealed the end of love in lipstick
94Rainy Harbor StationYukimi HanasakiYukimi Hanasaki’s heartrending enka, a farewell in a port town
95Shirakami-SanchiYoko NagayamaYoko Nagayama’s enka: a song that shines with respect for nature
96Ama divers of TobaIchiro TobaAn Ikka Toba Love Song to the Sea and Family
97Keiji, the flower that blooms on the battlefieldSachiko KobayashiTheme song of the 'Hana no Keiji' series passionately sung by Sachiko Kobayashi
98night-flowering jasmineMidori OkaA classic song that gently sings of a bittersweet love
99I am most delighted.Mai KitazawaA pure love song expressed in archaic language, singing of eternal love.
100Husband-and-wife sugorokuMachiko KitanoAn enka song that likens a married couple’s life to a sugoroku board game.
101Naniwa SpiritFuyumi SakamotoA song that conveys a positive outlook on life with a powerful singing voice
102your catchphraseMiyuki KawanakaA heartwarming song by Miyuki Kawanaka that weaves feelings for her mother
103Tsugaru Shamisen StorySaiseiAn enka song brimming with emotion on the Tsugaru shamisen, longing for one’s hometown.
104Flowers of MichinokuRyuko MizutaA moving song that sings of Tohoku’s landscapes and the feelings of love
105Iyasa(ka), YassaiSayuri IshikawaIshikawa Sayuri’s passionate enka singing of the Noto Abare Festival
106Calm or stormKanta IchijoA powerful song that portrays the life of a sea fisherman
107The northern city, HakodateDaisuke KitagawaA bittersweet romance in a port town, set in Hakodate
108A man should just cry in silence.Kenji MiyashitaKenji Miyashita: A moving work that sings the melancholy of Showa-era men
109Yosare Onna-bushiSachiko ShiinaA moving enka that portrays the climate of Tsugaru and the theme of love.
110Crimson ButterflyKeisuke YamauchiKeisuke Yamauchi’s new song is a moving work that likens love to a butterfly.
111The Last DrinkTohji KimuraTetsuji Kimura’s masterpiece depicting a heartrending farewell
112rampaging shipDan MurakiDan Muraki’s new song “Abare-bune” portrays the soul of a man of the sea.
113Aizu Namida BridgeMiyu TsubukiTsubuki Miyu’s classic that sings of farewell and hope in Aizu
114KoishunkaMizuki HayamaThe masterpiece Koi Shunka, portraying scenes of spring, resonates with the heart.
115Aventure NakameguroMATSURIA debut song that colors love in the city night
116ComradeIchiro TobaA classic enka masterpiece that passionately sings of men's bonds and life.
117Sake LightHiroshi MiyamaA song of the past and melancholy reflected in the tavern’s lights
118Under the blue skyTakuya NakazawaTakuya Nakazawa releases a heartwarming new song!
119the moon at dawnMaiko KozakuraMaiko Kozakura’s new song is a bittersweet love story.
120Foolish Love SongHitomi HayaseHitomi Hayase, an enka song that conveys the pain of love
121Michinoku Pure Love SongMizuki HayamaMizuki Hayama: Pure Love Painted Against the Scenery of Yamagata
122Spring-Waiting SakeYuri HaradaA tale of hope and bonds in the season of dancing cherry blossoms
123TakumiKohei FukudaAn enka song about a man who forges his path through sweat and effort.
124Shall I go back to Kure…Ryusuke TaniA poignant song that sings of longing for one’s hometown.
125Chururi (feat. Takako Matsu)yuzuA poignant masterpiece by Yuzu and Takako Matsu that resonates with the heart
126gokuraku tonboHiroko HattoriHiroko Hattori’s 35th debut anniversary—an inspiring new song has arrived!
127Lake SaromaRyoko AkiyamaA classic song that portrays Hokkaido’s nature and a woman’s heart
128Hokkai Nagare-utaHiroshi OeHokkaido-set enka by Hiroshi Oe, a soul-stirring singing voice
129Memories Are WingsRitsuko Abe55 years since debut: songs of memories and hope
130Tazawako Love SongTeiji YasudaDebuting at 75, passionately singing enka that longs for their hometown.
131Showa-style (old-school, traditional) dispositionYoshimi TendoYoshimi Tendo’s powerful singing voice, the enka song “Showa Katagi.”
132falling in love againKenji KurimiyaKenji Kurimiya’s new song “Falling in Love Again” sings of marital love.
133Hourglass of LifeNatsuko GodaiNatsuko Godai’s songs that convey the beauty of life
134tearful disposition; tendency to cry easilyYuji KitagawaYuji Kitagawa's melancholy heartbreak ballad
135ErikoRyo AmanoEchoes of lost love, a song that seeps into the heart
136Sea Roar TrainMaiko KozakuraMaiko Kozakura’s Heartbreaking Broken-Heart Train
137Koitou (Koitome) CoastHiromi YamaguchiFrom Hokkaido: Hiromi Yamaguchi’s songs of the heart
138A drop of tearsTokyo RickshawA song from Asakusa that sings of a man's bittersweet emotions
139It’s only one life, after all.Nobue MatsubaraA masterpiece that sings of the value of life and once-in-a-lifetime encounters
140Twilight SilhouetteYūki MatsuzakaA classic song that sings of bittersweet love at twilight
141Meoto Hama UtaEiko SegawaAn enka ballad about the strength and love of a woman who lives by the sea
142A Letter Without WordsTeruhisa TanakaBallad songs that resonate with Teruhisa Tanaka’s heart
143Hydrangea (Otaksá)Yuko MakiYuko Maki’s new song “Hydrangea” is moving audiences.
144whaleMasaki SudaA cheer song themed around the sea by Masaki Suda
145Johana Hikiyama FestivalKaori AoiLove and Festivals of Johana: Filled with Feelings for My Hometown
146Shiranui Love TaleHitomi NishikawaHitomi Nishikawa conveys emotion through an Aki Yashiro song
147Birds of a featherHitomi Nishikawa & Ayano IchiruiAn enka song by a female duo, a captivating, relatable track
148drizzling rainKaori KouzaiA song that embraces the pain of heartbreak along with the rain
149konnyaku bastardShinichiro KurokawaA song that portrays the positive way of life of a konnyaku punk
150I am Taiko Ichinomori.Daiko IchinomoriDaigo-produced rookie singer, Taiko Ichinomori
151Igossō CurrentSachiko ShiinaShiina Sachiko’s powerful singing voice and new song are captivating.
152soft, blessed rainEtsuko ShimazuEtsuko Shimazu’s new song “Jiyu” sings of a heartrending love.
153Hazy MoonRuka MochizukiA heartwarming masterpiece themed around a hazy moon
154Secret LoveChisatoChisato’s Latin-style romantic dance song
155Shonai Shigure SakeKohei FukudaA song of a man’s melancholy and hometown love for Shonai