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

Song of ThanksIkuzo Yoshi

Song of Thanks

Among Yoshikazu Ikuzō’s songs, the classic “Arigatō no Uta” is especially beloved for its cool, understated melody.

The piece leans strongly into folk and blues, highlighted by bluesy guitar bends.

Of course, since it’s an Ikuzō song, enka elements appear here and there, but the kobushi vocal ornament shows up only about once per verse.

The vocal range is also narrow, so even those who can’t hit high notes can sing it comfortably.

Because the arrangement develops while keeping essentially the same vocal line, start the song with a slightly restrained delivery, then gradually raise the intensity to give the entire performance dynamic contrast.

passionate flameIkuzo Yoshi

Passionate Flames — Ikuzo Yoshi

Ikuzo Yoshi is well regarded for his “onna-uta” (songs from a woman’s perspective), and among them, the track Joen is widely praised as a hidden masterpiece.

While its lyrics and melody exude a poignant melancholy, the vocal line is surprisingly straightforward, with gentle rises and falls in pitch.

There are few kobushi (ornamental turns), and the ones that do appear are often close to an extension of vibrato, so even those who feel uneasy about enka-style phrasing should be able to sing it without issue.

The song stays within a comfortable vocal range, making it easy to sing for both men and women.

AfterglowKeisuke Yamauchi

Keisuke Yamauchi “Zansho” Music Video

It’s a moody masterpiece of kayōkyoku built on a 6/8 rhythm, with an impactful drum sound in the intro and an impressive slap bass line.

For Keisuke Yamauchi, it’s also a song commemorating his 20th debut anniversary, and it fully showcases the charm of his distinctive voice—powerful, sensual, and uniquely his.

He does use the characteristic kobushi of an enka singer, of course, but since the song leans more toward kayōkyoku, the kobushi itself is restrained, making it a great choice even for those not used to straight-up enka.

The A melody section is also good practice for singing low notes carefully, so try performing it while being mindful of the contrast with the soaring chorus!

parting snowYutaka Yamakawa

Wakareyuki

Among Yutaka Yamakawa’s songs, the especially melancholic masterpiece “Wakare Yuki.” This piece falls on the wider side in terms of vocal range for his repertoire.

However, it does not demand a broad range throughout the entire song.

The only truly high section comes at the end of the chorus; the rest centers on the mid to low register.

The use of kobushi (ornamental scoops common in enka) is also less frequent than in typical enka, and the tempo is relaxed, so despite the wide range, it remains a relatively easy enka song to sing.

New York StoriesYutaka Yamakawa

New York Story

Yutaka Yamakawa is known for actively singing pop songs, but he has also released tracks that mix pop, Showa-era kayōkyoku, and enka.

One such example is New York Monogatari.

Its structure is distinctive: it starts as pop, shifts to Showa-style kayōkyoku in the chorus, and weaves in enka nuances at key moments.

Because the foundation is pop and Showa kayōkyoku, advanced vocal techniques like kobushi aren’t required.

Despite its powerful feel, the song has a narrow vocal range, so even those who aren’t confident in their singing ability should be able to handle it without trouble.

KeikoYutaka Yamakawa

Keiko

Yutaka Yamakawa’s classic “Hotaruko” is memorable for its masculine lyrics that express deep feelings for a woman.

While it’s categorized as a so-called “man’s song,” its power is somewhat restrained compared to typical enka.

Instead, it emphasizes a smooth, mellow singing style, so high-level techniques like shouts aren’t required.

Also, aside from the very end of the chorus, there aren’t particularly difficult spots for kobushi (melodic turns), and even there, the kobushi functions as an extension of the vibrato.

Overall, the level of difficulty is quite low for an enka song.

barroom scoundrelYutaka Yamakawa

Sakaba No Rokudenashi

Yutaka Yamakawa is known for having many mood-rich songs, but he has also released some bright yet wistful masterpieces.

Among them, the one I especially recommend is “Sakaba no Rokudenashi” (Good-for-Nothing at the Bar).

While there are moments of slightly forceful kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), the overall vocal line is rendered softly.

The range is narrow and there are a fair number of rests, so even without strong fundamental skills like breath control or a wide vocal range, it’s a song you can convincingly deliver with a few simple techniques.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.