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[2025] Easy-to-Sing Enka: From Classic Masterpieces to Recent Hits [Female Singers Edition]
“I’m interested in enka, but which songs are easy to sing at karaoke…?” “I want to find recent enka songs I can sing…” If you’ve got those questions, be sure to check out this article!
When it comes to popular enka tunes sung at karaoke, many people likely imagine classic masterpieces that have been loved for decades.
But we also want you to discover standout enka songs by younger artists from the 2020s and beyond.
This time, we’ve put together a lineup of “easy-to-sing enka,” from timeless classics to recent hits and fan favorites—featuring female singers only!
We’ve also published an article featuring male singers only, so please enjoy that one as well.
[2025] Easy-to-Sing Enka: From Timeless Classics to Recent Hits [Female Vocalists Edition] (1–10)
Hamayū DrizzleMiyuki Kadomatsu
Set in a port town, this masterpiece of enka portrays the bittersweet feelings of a woman who can’t let go.
Its bright yet powerful vocals over a triplet blues rhythm leave a strong impression.
Released as a single in February 2020, it captivates with emotionally rich lyrics and distinctly enka-style phrasing.
It’s a standout track that showcases Miyuki Kadomatsu’s punchy vocal prowess and has won the hearts of enka fans.
For karaoke, the key is to sing brightly and energetically while infusing a sense of lingering attachment and sorrow.
With a strong kayōkyoku flavor, it’s also recommended for those not used to classic enka or for anyone who wants to try singing enka by a younger artist.
Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneSayuri Ishikawa
This work, which opens with the protagonist stepping off the train at Aomori Station, tells a story where the cold of the northern country intersects with the loneliness of life.
Released in 1977, it is one of Sayuri Ishikawa’s signature songs that captured the hearts of enka fans.
It poignantly conveys the feelings of a woman saying farewell aboard the ferry crossing the Tsugaru Strait.
The song fully showcases Sayuri Ishikawa’s vocal prowess, and the lyrical imagery is outstanding.
The journey that begins on the night train departing from Ueno resonates deeply with listeners.
In terms of singability, its wide vocal range and demanding emotional expression mean it’s not exactly beginner-friendly, but it’s a famous song and definitely one that even beginners should try!
O-Shichi and the Night Cherry BlossomsFuyumi Sakamoto
A celebrated song that poignantly portrays a woman’s bittersweet reminiscence of a lost love amid dancing cherry blossoms.
Fumi Sakamoto’s delicate, emotionally rich voice resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in February 1994, this track became one of the signature songs of Sakamoto’s career.
Inspired by the Edo-period tale Yaoya Oshichi, the lyrics overlay the pain of heartbreak and the longing to reclaim love with the image of cherry blossoms.
Blending the emotive expressiveness unique to enka with Sakamoto’s captivating timbre, the song remains a karaoke favorite.
With its kayōkyoku flavor, it’s an accessible style of enka—so give it a try!
Osaka LonelinessAimi Tanaka
Set in Osaka, this song centers on themes of loneliness and heartache, characterized by a powerful voice and richly emotional delivery.
Released in August 2022, it was selected as the ending theme for Kansai’s popular talk show “Yasutomo no Itatte Shinken Desu,” which sparked buzz.
While it evokes elements of enka and kayōkyoku, its catchy pop side takes the lead, making it accessible to younger listeners.
It’s also recommended for those who admire soulful vocals, like MISIA or AI.
Sorry, TokyoMisaki Iwasa
Misia Iwasa’s song, which portrays a bittersweet romance set in the city of Tokyo, is a captivating track that fuses elements of enka and pop.
While accepting a breakup with a lover amid the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, the lingering feelings that remain are richly expressed through her clear, translucent vocals.
Released in January 2016 as her fifth single, the song topped the Oricon Weekly Enka/Kayō singles chart, solidifying Iwasa’s status as an enka singer.
Breathing new life into the enka genre, this work is a masterpiece that even newcomers to enka should try singing at karaoke!
Nozomi SakeKonomi Mori
The resonant tones of the shamisen are joined by a powerful, soaring vocal… This piece, which entrusts the pain and bittersweetness of love to drink and sings it out, is a masterpiece overflowing with the soul of a singer rooted in folk music.
Released in March 2014, the song showcases the full talent of a young enka singer and captured the hearts of enka fans.
Sipping alcohol while thinking of a love that has passed… It expresses that poignant, adult feeling, making it perfect for those who want to heal the wounds of a broken heart.
In karaoke, delivering it with rich emotion is sure to make it a song that resonates with listeners.
Life is full of ups and downs.Chiyoko Shimakura
This song, imbued with a sense of melancholy yet exuding strength, was released in 1987 and brought a new brilliance to Chiyoko Shimakura’s career.
Its lyrics, which portray the ups and downs of life, have resonated deeply with many people.
The melody is approachable, characterized by a unique style that fuses elements of enka and pop.
Her performance at the 1988 NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen became a symbolic moment of her comeback.
When singing it at karaoke, it’s important to express the emotions of the lyrics with care.
It’s especially recommended for those rich in life experience, and with a heartfelt voice, you can envelop the venue in its moving atmosphere.