[2025] Recommended for those who struggle with high notes! Enka by male singers that can be sung in a low register

draft (cold air seeping through gaps)Ryotaro Sugi

draft (cold air seeping through gaps)

This work has long been cherished as a signature masterpiece of the enka genre.

Since its release in 1976, it has become a major hit, selling over one million copies, and it was also used as the ending theme for the TV drama “Tōyama no Kin-san.” Centered around low to mid-range melodies, it is easy to sing even for those who struggle with high notes, and Ryōtarō Sugi’s gentle, composed vocals further enhance the song’s appeal.

While depicting the subtleties of life and loneliness, the lyrics convey a forward-looking attitude that resonates deeply with listeners.

It’s a recommended choice for those who want to try enka at karaoke or are seeking a calm, mellow song.

youMasao Sen

you

Known as a signature song from the mid-career period, “Anta.” Unusually for a song by Masao Sen, it is a piece sung from a female perspective, expressing the feelings of a woman who still longs for the man she parted ways with.

Throughout, the vocals remain quietly reflective, and surprisingly, there are few instances of kobushi (ornamental turns), and the ones that do appear are not difficult.

This makes it very easy for beginners to sing.

The vocal range is also quite narrow, so if you adjust to a suitable key, anyone—regardless of gender—should be able to sing it smoothly.

Yaima (Yaeyama)Masao Sen

Yaima (Yaeyama) New Version

Among recent songs, Yaima (Yaeyama) is especially renowned as a masterpiece.

Originally released in 1999, it was recently re-released as a new version.

Compared to the original, it has a more relaxed atmosphere, and since it’s a song set in Okinawa, the essence of Ryukyuan music—most notably the sound of the sanshin—is emphasized.

As it incorporates many pop elements, there are hardly any demanding techniques such as kobushi (ornamental vocal turns).

It’s a song that beginners will find very easy to sing.

cherry blossoms at nightYutaka Yamakawa

Yozakura

Among the many enka singers, Yutaka Yamakawa stands out for his especially smooth, tender phrasing.

Of his works, the song “Yozakura” is where you can best savor his mellow delivery.

While the piece faithfully adheres to traditional enka style, the kobushi (ornamental turns) are relatively easy—the majority resemble strongly vibrated notes, essentially the simplest form of kobushi.

As a result, the song is generally easy; however, because it sits largely in the lower register, you do need to stay mindful of keeping your throat open on the low notes.

water lilyJoji Yamamoto

[MV] Joji Yamamoto / Water Lilies (Suiren)

Even after entering the 2020s, Jōji Yamamoto has continued his energetic activities, and his 2022 single drew attention for featuring the song that won the Grand Prix in the joint project by the Japan Composer’s Association and the Japan Lyricists’ Association, “Song Contest Grand Prix 2022.” Yamamoto’s powerful vocals, which seem to convey a worldview shaped by overcoming serious illness, are truly encouraging.

When singing it at karaoke, note that while the overall key of the melody is low, the vocal range is somewhat broad.

Aim to clearly contrast the high notes and low notes in the chorus, and sing each word of the lyrics with care.

Yes, with pleasure.Kent on this side

Sure thing / Kocchino Kento MV

This Kento is a multi-creator from Minoh, Osaka Prefecture, who stands out as an artist with a distinctive personality and a signature pair of green glasses.

In college, he won the national a cappella competition twice, and later began performing on YouTube as a one-man a cappella singer.

He made his artist debut in August 2022 and has been gaining attention for songs brimming with a unique worldview and strong messages.

In December 2024, he won the Japan Record Awards’ Best New Artist and made his first appearance on the NHK New Year’s Eve music show, Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Drawing on his own experiences, his lyrics and expressive performances deliver music that resonates with the heart.

His relatable songs, written in down-to-earth language, are recommended for those who value staying true to themselves.

America BridgeYutaka Yamakawa

America Bashi

Among Yutaka Yamakawa’s songs, “America-bashi” stands out for its particularly catchy melody.

As the title hints with “America” in it, the piece is generously infused with pop elements.

While the vocal line strongly evokes the flavor of Showa-era kayōkyoku, the interlude features an accordion that conjures up French jazz.

True to classic Showa pop, the song is characterized by a gentle, relatively even vocal line with few dramatic rises and falls.

Though expressive nuance is required, the scarcity of open vowels relative to the melody allows you to set up a solid pause before each entrance.

If you find breath control or the distinctive kobushi ornamentation of enka challenging, consider adding this song to your repertoire.