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
	Title	Playlist	One point
1	Venus beltAimyon		A song by Aimyon, released in October 2025. It poignantly expresses past memories and emotions with a warm, band-driven sound.
2	Let’s call it good with this.Kenichi Mikawa		Kenichi Mikawa 60th Anniversary Debut Single, Star-Studded Collaboration
3	News from BizenSaori Nonaka		A song celebrating Bizen City's 20th anniversary, overflowing with local love.
4	Maria of the LabyrinthYuto Tatsumi		Yuto Tatsumi's new song, a masterpiece that resonates with the heart
5	Love…passionHiroshi Miyama		Hiroshi Miyama’s new song “Koi… Jonen” — a moving work
6	Big brotherYutaka Yamakawa		A moving enka song depicting Yutaka Yamakawa’s brotherly love
7	Izayoi BridgeKenta Koori		A new enka song themed around a poignant moon
8	Samidare HoneysuckleIroha Koikawa		A song that sings of Iroha Koikawa's bittersweet feelings of love.
9	moored boatKazuko Mifune		In the 60th year since their debut, a heart-wrenching enka about unrequited love is born.
10	Tsugaru Kaze PortKozue Takemura		Kozue Takemura’s passionate enka with a strong rock flavor
11	Back Alley FirefliesKenta Koori		A song of bittersweet love woven into the light of fireflies
12	Last Train to the NorthAlan		In the northern sky, I entrust my love to the last flight.
13	roost; nest (where birds sleep). Also used figuratively for a place to stay or sleep.Ryusuke Tani		Ryusuke Tani, who gave up professional baseball and found success in enka
14	Showa-era manIchiro Toba		The way of life of a Showa-era man as sung by Ichiro Toba
15	246Naoki Sanada		A song depicting a drive on National Route 246
16	pinwheelIkuzo Yoshi		Ikuzo Yoshi releases a new song depicting life in the city.
17	I’ll give you everything.Leon Shinhama		Energetic songs of a new era of enka
18	acting like a handsome guyIkuzo Yoshi		Ikuzo Yoshi’s masterpiece that portrays vanity and clumsiness
19	Journey of lingering attachmentSho Godai		Godaishō’s Sentimental Enka “The Journey of Regret”
20	Reminiscence ~Though I depart, my heart remains~Yuki Isozawa		Yuki Isogawa’s moving song themed on mythology
21	Michinoku Silver Mountain, Tears of SnowHiromi Yamaguchi		Hiromi Yamaguchi, a heartbreak enka at Ginzan Onsen
22	Snow FlowerAyako Fuji		A classic by Ayako Fuji that portrays the poignancy of love in a northern winter
23	I want to tell you.Atsuko Asada		A moving song by Atsuko Asada singing of her love for her mother
24	Moon of lingering coldEmi Kitada		An emotional, passionate enka song by a female farmer-singer
25	Happy TavernHiroshi Fujiwara		A heartwarming enka song with a nostalgic Showa vibe
26	Peanut ~Rakkasei~Kenjiro		A Father's Love and Memories: The Moving Story Encapsulated in Peanuts
27	That girl is dotchicchi.Masashi Etani		Masashi Eguya, a bittersweet love youth kayō song
28	Isn’t it good?Tadashi Mikado		An upbeat song that portrays the positivity of adults
29	Ichibangai BluesHiroya Hama		A secret love in the nighttime city, in the singing voice of Hiroya Hama
30	Wet with the foghornChō Hōyūki		The bittersweet new song by Nagaho Yunoki set in a port town.
31	I couldn’t help but tear upJun Yanagi		An enka song about urban loneliness and longing for one’s hometown
32	Yurushi RiverMiyuki Nagai		Miyuki Nagai, an enka song about a heartrending love
33	Sanriku ElegyKaori Mizumori		Set against the sea of Sanriku, singing of love and hope
34	Crescent Moon and the Red BridgeYuki Isozawa		A fleeting love song set in Ureshino Onsen
35	Terminal InnKotomi Maki		Kotomi Maki’s enka, Farewell in the Northern Land
36	Courtesan of SatsumaTakeru Ogawa		Depicting a passion for the performing arts and a longing for one’s hometown
37	Life, radiantMomoko Osawa		A heartwarming song by Momoko Osawa that sings of the preciousness of life
38	Osaka RainTadashi Mikado		A classic song that sings of a woman’s heart, wet by the rain in Osaka.
39	When a man thinks of his motherYusuke Hashiri		A moving song by Yusuke Hashiri that sings of his feelings for his mother
40	Tipsy Breeze TavernYuito Nakamura		Heartwarming music that keeps you company on a weary night
41	Let me hear your parting words.Kazue Yamamoto		A song that portrays the bittersweet end of an office romance
42	The winds of the Kirishima mountain range weepHitomi Nishikawa		Hitomi Nishikawa from Kumamoto sings of love with passionate enka
43	Woman’s SlopeYuko Oka		Yuko Oka, 45th Anniversary New Song “Onna Uta”
44	Cape Far from HappinessYuki Seguchi		A heart-penetrating song by Yuki Seguchi that sings of the sorrow of a broken heart
45	On the day of farewellJoji Yamamoto		A song of deep love sung by Joji Yamamoto
46	A Man’s FistTohji Kimura		Teiji Kimura's powerful, manly enka
47	Shanshan PeonyNatsuko Godai		A powerful song that fuses tradition and modernity
48	selfish; self-centered; willfulRuka Mochizuki		New song by Ruka Mochizuki with lyrics by Tetsuya Komuro is popular
49	unconditional loveShinichi Mori		Shinichi Mori’s crowning achievement: a Reiwa-era enka of gratitude and milestones
50	Ura-Namba BluesKei Mizuki		A one-night love story in Ura-Namba
51	You can just cry.Souichi Futami		Souichi Futami’s poignant love song expresses the pain of parting.
52	Demon Fires of AsoHaruna Horiuchi		A song of heartbreak and resolve themed around the Onibi Festival
53	diamond dustAyumi Ozora		Ayumi Oozora’s song that fuses enka and rock
54	Red full moonKonomi Mori		Composed by Masato Sugimoto, an inspiring work by Konomi Mori
55	A Woman’s Love LanternNoriko Nemoto		A song of unwavering love, filled with heartache and hope
56	Making MemoriesAyako Fuji		A moving song written and composed by Ayako Fuji
57	Before the end of summerTakeshi Kitayama		Takeshi Kitayama’s new song expresses friendship and a forward-looking life
58	Kokoro KaleidoscopeKeisuke Yamauchi		A masterpiece by Keisuke Yamauchi that depicts the beauty of life
59	How Angels and Demons LoveWind Wheel		A love song that resonates with the heart, the charm of a duo
60	companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)Hiroshi Miyama		Miyama’s masterpiece that depicts the bonds of life
61	The Nightingale’s Unrequited LoveHiroshi Takeshima		Hiroshi Takeshima’s tragic love song, a moving masterpiece
62	Still in YokohamaMiyuki Kadomatsu		A famous song that sings of a poignant love set in Yokohama
63	Gion Dark Cherry BlossomsHiroshi Miyama		A Taisho Romantic tragic love story set in Kyoto’s Gion
64	Hometown Spring and AutumnAkio Suga		An enka song that sings of love for one’s hometown and gratitude to one’s grandfather
65	A Woman’s LoveHiroko Matsumae		Release of Hiroko Matsumae’s 55th Anniversary Commemorative Single
66	Man BoatTakashi Hosokawa		Courage through Takashi Hosokawa’s powerful singing
67	Alone on the shoreKazuo Chiba		Kazuo Chiba's heartrending love song echoing on the beach
68	hazyYukino Ichikawa		Yukino Ichikawa’s powerful women’s song, The Brilliance of Life
69	No way!/Not a chance!Mika Jinno		A powerful song by Mika Jinno overflowing with warmth
70	Kegon FallsKaori Aoi		A moving enka song inspired by Kegon Falls
71	I long for Southern HokkaidoYudai Koyama		Yudai Koyama’s Vocal Prowess and Captivating New Song
72	Sinful LoveSouichi Futami		Souichi Futami’s “Tsumi no Koi” evokes deep emotion
73	My wife… thank you.Joji Yamamoto		Joji Yamamoto’s commemorative song of love and gratitude
74	Yugiri PortKonomi Mori		Konomi Mori’s new song: the bittersweet love of a port town
75	trendKiyoshi Maekawa		Kiyoshi Maekawa’s gem of a song that sings of life’s hardships
76	In the Wandering TownKazuya Himuro		A new milestone in mood kayō: Himuro’s jewel
77	As one gets drunkKumi Iwamoto		A moving ballad that sings of the pain of heartbreak
78	TATSUYAAimi Tanaka		A moving song by Aimi Tanaka that sings of inner conflict
79	Kazahana CapeIshihara Junko		A moving song that sings of loneliness on a northern cape
80	The language of flowers of fleabane (Erigeron)Hiroshi Takeshima		Adult kayōkyoku: the powerful singing voice of Hiroshi Takeshima
81	Two People’s Tokyo StoryAya Isokawa & Masaya Isegahama		A mature duet blending Showa-era nostalgia with a modern arrangement
82	I remembered my hometown.Kenji Niinuma		Singing of deep love and nostalgia for one's hometown
83	hourglassKosuke Matsuzaki		An enka song that pierces the heart, depicting the pain of heartbreak.
84	The Northern CliffsKeisuke Yamauchi		A song of a woman’s wistful heart carried on the sea breeze
85	A man’s single-minded resolveTeiji Yamazaki		An anthem of support that sings of the weight of the heart and of conviction
86	mother’s faceHiroshi Itsuki		Hiroshi Itsuki: A gem of a song singing his love for his mother
87	selfish womanArata Aoyama		A blues kayō depicting Arata Aoyama’s feelings of love
88	Treasure Ship of the Seven Lucky Gods of LifePeregrine falcon		Positive lyrics with a Seven Lucky Gods theme, a track that evokes hope
89	Great Catch TaikoKanta Ichijo		Kanta Ichijo’s new song powerfully sings of life at sea.
90	To each their ownMitsuko Nakamura		Poignant enka captures the subtleties of life.
91	Zanza Cape (New Version)Iriyama Akiko		A heartrending feeling and a voice that resonates in the heart strike the chest.
92	the sunAya Shimazu		Shima AYA’s new song is a hopeful anthem that gently comforts the heart.
93	Sad LipstickMegumi Shinkawa		A lament that sealed the end of love in lipstick
94	Rainy Harbor StationYukimi Hanasaki		Yukimi Hanasaki’s heartrending enka, a farewell in a port town
95	Shirakami-SanchiYoko Nagayama		Yoko Nagayama’s enka: a song that shines with respect for nature
96	Ama divers of TobaIchiro Toba		An Ikka Toba Love Song to the Sea and Family
97	Keiji, the flower that blooms on the battlefieldSachiko Kobayashi		Theme song of the 'Hana no Keiji' series passionately sung by Sachiko Kobayashi
98	night-flowering jasmineMidori Oka		A classic song that gently sings of a bittersweet love
99	I am most delighted.Mai Kitazawa		A pure love song expressed in archaic language, singing of eternal love.
100	Husband-and-wife sugorokuMachiko Kitano		An enka song that likens a married couple’s life to a sugoroku board game.
101	Naniwa SpiritFuyumi Sakamoto		A song that conveys a positive outlook on life with a powerful singing voice
102	your catchphraseMiyuki Kawanaka		A heartwarming song by Miyuki Kawanaka that weaves feelings for her mother
103	Tsugaru Shamisen StorySaisei		An enka song brimming with emotion on the Tsugaru shamisen, longing for one’s hometown.
104	Flowers of MichinokuRyuko Mizuta		A moving song that sings of Tohoku’s landscapes and the feelings of love
105	Iyasa(ka), YassaiSayuri Ishikawa		Ishikawa Sayuri’s passionate enka singing of the Noto Abare Festival
106	Calm or stormKanta Ichijo		A powerful song that portrays the life of a sea fisherman
107	The northern city, HakodateDaisuke Kitagawa		A bittersweet romance in a port town, set in Hakodate
108	A man should just cry in silence.Kenji Miyashita		Kenji Miyashita: A moving work that sings the melancholy of Showa-era men
109	Yosare Onna-bushiSachiko Shiina		A moving enka that portrays the climate of Tsugaru and the theme of love.
110	Crimson ButterflyKeisuke Yamauchi		Keisuke Yamauchi’s new song is a moving work that likens love to a butterfly.
111	The Last DrinkTohji Kimura		Tetsuji Kimura’s masterpiece depicting a heartrending farewell
112	rampaging shipDan Muraki		Dan Muraki’s new song “Abare-bune” portrays the soul of a man of the sea.
113	Aizu Namida BridgeMiyu Tsubuki		Tsubuki Miyu’s classic that sings of farewell and hope in Aizu
114	KoishunkaMizuki Hayama		The masterpiece Koi Shunka, portraying scenes of spring, resonates with the heart.
115	Aventure NakameguroMATSURI		A debut song that colors love in the city night
116	ComradeIchiro Toba		A classic enka masterpiece that passionately sings of men's bonds and life.
117	Sake LightHiroshi Miyama		A song of the past and melancholy reflected in the tavern’s lights
118	Under the blue skyTakuya Nakazawa		Takuya Nakazawa releases a heartwarming new song!
119	the moon at dawnMaiko Kozakura		Maiko Kozakura’s new song is a bittersweet love story.
120	Foolish Love SongHitomi Hayase		Hitomi Hayase, an enka song that conveys the pain of love
121	Michinoku Pure Love SongMizuki Hayama		Mizuki Hayama: Pure Love Painted Against the Scenery of Yamagata
122	Spring-Waiting SakeYuri Harada		A tale of hope and bonds in the season of dancing cherry blossoms
123	TakumiKohei Fukuda		An enka song about a man who forges his path through sweat and effort.
124	Shall I go back to Kure…Ryusuke Tani		A poignant song that sings of longing for one’s hometown.
125	Chururi (feat. Takako Matsu)yuzu		A poignant masterpiece by Yuzu and Takako Matsu that resonates with the heart
126	gokuraku tonboHiroko Hattori		Hiroko Hattori’s 35th debut anniversary—an inspiring new song has arrived!
127	Lake SaromaRyoko Akiyama		A classic song that portrays Hokkaido’s nature and a woman’s heart
128	Hokkai Nagare-utaHiroshi Oe		Hokkaido-set enka by Hiroshi Oe, a soul-stirring singing voice
129	Memories Are WingsRitsuko Abe		55 years since debut: songs of memories and hope
130	Tazawako Love SongTeiji Yasuda		Debuting at 75, passionately singing enka that longs for their hometown.
131	Showa-style (old-school, traditional) dispositionYoshimi Tendo		Yoshimi Tendo’s powerful singing voice, the enka song “Showa Katagi.”
132	falling in love againKenji Kurimiya		Kenji Kurimiya’s new song “Falling in Love Again” sings of marital love.
133	Hourglass of LifeNatsuko Godai		Natsuko Godai’s songs that convey the beauty of life
134	tearful disposition; tendency to cry easilyYuji Kitagawa		Yuji Kitagawa's melancholy heartbreak ballad
135	ErikoRyo Amano		Echoes of lost love, a song that seeps into the heart
136	Sea Roar TrainMaiko Kozakura		Maiko Kozakura’s Heartbreaking Broken-Heart Train
137	Koitou (Koitome) CoastHiromi Yamaguchi		From Hokkaido: Hiromi Yamaguchi’s songs of the heart
138	A drop of tearsTokyo Rickshaw		A song from Asakusa that sings of a man's bittersweet emotions
139	It’s only one life, after all.Nobue Matsubara		A masterpiece that sings of the value of life and once-in-a-lifetime encounters
140	Twilight SilhouetteYūki Matsuzaka		A classic song that sings of bittersweet love at twilight
141	Meoto Hama UtaEiko Segawa		An enka ballad about the strength and love of a woman who lives by the sea
142	A Letter Without WordsTeruhisa Tanaka		Ballad songs that resonate with Teruhisa Tanaka’s heart
143	Hydrangea (Otaksá)Yuko Maki		Yuko Maki’s new song “Hydrangea” is moving audiences.
144	whaleMasaki Suda		A cheer song themed around the sea by Masaki Suda
145	Johana Hikiyama FestivalKaori Aoi		Love and Festivals of Johana: Filled with Feelings for My Hometown
146	Shiranui Love TaleHitomi Nishikawa		Hitomi Nishikawa conveys emotion through an Aki Yashiro song
147	Birds of a featherHitomi Nishikawa & Ayano Ichirui		An enka song by a female duo, a captivating, relatable track
148	drizzling rainKaori Kouzai		A song that embraces the pain of heartbreak along with the rain
149	konnyaku bastardShinichiro Kurokawa		A song that portrays the positive way of life of a konnyaku punk
150	I am Taiko Ichinomori.Daiko Ichinomori		Daigo-produced rookie singer, Taiko Ichinomori
151	Igossō CurrentSachiko Shiina		Shiina Sachiko’s powerful singing voice and new song are captivating.
152	soft, blessed rainEtsuko Shimazu		Etsuko Shimazu’s new song “Jiyu” sings of a heartrending love.
153	Hazy MoonRuka Mochizuki		A heartwarming masterpiece themed around a hazy moon
154	Secret LoveChisato		Chisato’s Latin-style romantic dance song
155	Shonai Shigure SakeKohei Fukuda		A song of a man’s melancholy and hometown love for Shonai