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

Headwind InnocenceHiroshi Takeshima

[MV] Hiroshi Takeshima / Headwind Innocence (Full version)

Released in 2021 and peaking at No.

5 on the Oricon chart, the hit song “Mukaikaze Junjō” is a track that showcases Hiroshi Takeshima’s refined vocals and is also known as the theme song for the NHK BS drama “Daifugō Dōshin 2.” With lyrics by Goro Matsui and composition by Takashi Toshimi—both giants in the field—it’s a killer tune that evokes the golden era of Showa-era pop.

Many people will likely want to try it at karaoke.

When singing it at karaoke, be sure to pronounce each word clearly, and consciously create contrast between the crisp, rhythmic parts and the expansive, sustained phrases.

While recreating the choreography that drew attention in the music video, don’t be shy—go all in and sing with bold, stylish flair, even to the point of overdoing it.

Crow of DawnHiroshi Takeshima

[MV] Hiroshi Takeshima / Crow of Dawn (full ver.)

Released in 2016 as a commemorative work for Hiroshi Takeshima’s 15th debut anniversary, “Yoake no Karasu” features lyrics by Kyosuke Kuni—Takeshima’s mentor and the person who helped launch his career—and composition by Kohei Sachi, who has created many masterpieces with Takeshima and in recent years released the “European Trilogy.” It’s a gently romantic kayōkyoku with Takeshima’s signature style on full display, so those accustomed to singing his songs should be able to perform it without issue.

Be mindful to articulate the lyrics clearly so your voice doesn’t get crushed in the lower register, and pour your feelings into the soaring chorus to bring out the song’s climax.

Love Town CounterHiroshi Takeshima

Hiroshi Takeshima “Koimachi Counter” Music Video (full ver.)

Released in 2018 as the first installment of Hiroshi Takeshima’s “Songs That Make You Dance” series, Koimachi Counter is a masterpiece that marked a new frontier for Takeshima, packed with the flavor of Showa-era kayōkyoku and popular songs.

The choreography known as the “Koimachi Dance” also became a hot topic, and it’s unquestionably a killer tune for karaoke.

There’s even a video where he performs the choreography together with fans, so be sure to check that out.

Koimachi Counter is easy to sing for anyone who loves Showa kayōkyoku, regardless of generation, and it’s perfect for getting everyone at a karaoke gathering to join in the choreography and get the party going—so definitely give it a try!

Sapporo ElegyHiroshi Takeshima

Sapporo Elegy

Released in 2004, “Sapporo Elegy” is the third single by Takeshima, who debuted in 2002.

Following his previous song “Hakodate Melancholy,” it’s a wistful number that evokes the feeling of travel, and its mood—somewhere between enka and kayōkyoku—highlights Takeshima’s unique character.

Without relying on enka-style vocal ornaments, he captivates with a refined, urbane, and well-poised voice—his signature style already in full bloom at this point—while also showcasing the allure of his sultry lower register.

The vibrato resonating in those low notes is actually quite challenging, but once you get past that, even beginners to enka should be able to sing it well.

Kokoro KaleidoscopeKeisuke Yamauchi

Keisuke Yamauchi “Kokoro Kaleidoscope” Music Video

It’s no exaggeration to call this a new signature song for Keisuke Yamauchi born in the Reiwa era! “Kokoro Mangekyo,” released in 2023, marked a new challenge for Yamauchi as it’s a song from the year he entered his forties.

It’s a dynamic kayōkyoku that skillfully fuses orchestral and Japanese flavors, and if you nail it, it will definitely liven up any karaoke session.

The spot where the melody shifts at the end of the final chorus while applying vibrato requires particular practice, but overall the key is on the lower side and it doesn’t rely much on traditional enka techniques, so it’s also recommended for beginners to enka.

A Man’s Pure HeartYuto Tatsumi

Yuto Tatsumi “A Man’s Pure Heart” Music Video

Released in 2019, “Otoko no Junjo” was the second single by Yuto Tatsumi, who at the time was active as an enka singer while still a university student.

It topped the enka charts and reached No.

10 on the Oricon overall chart, helping cement the image of a new star for the Reiwa era in the enka world.

It’s classic enka that powerfully sings of supporting the somewhat awkward way a man lives, but its light, refreshing melody—reflecting Tatsumi’s personality—is easy to remember.

The vocal range isn’t very wide either, making it very easy to sing for an enka song.

I’d love for beginners to give it a try!

Be a lion.Yuto Tatsumi

Be a lion.

This is a song that lets you fully enjoy the appeal of Yuto Tatsumi as a manly enka singer, even though he’s also strongly associated with the image of a sweet-faced “prince” of the enka world.

Shishi ni Nare is the B-side to his 2021 single Sasowarete Eden.

While the title track follows a kayōkyoku style, as mentioned, Shishi ni Nare is classic, straight-ahead enka.

It’s in a major key with the feel of powerful, masculine enka, set in a relatively low key, and it incorporates fundamental enka techniques throughout.

For beginners to enka, it’s a great entry point—you might try practicing with this song.