Enka Singers Most Popular at Karaoke [2025]

12th graderKazuo Funaki92rank/position

12th grader

A school building bathed in the red glow of the setting sun, memories of folk dancing, farewells and new beginnings.

Richly portraying the final year of high school, this piece was released in June 1963 as Kazuo Funaki’s debut single and quickly became a massive hit, surpassing one million copies sold.

Its friendly, march-like melody and lyrics that gently embrace the joys and sorrows of youth have continued to resonate across generations.

A film of the same title was released in November of the same year, further boosting the song’s popularity.

While it leans more toward kayōkyoku than enka, its nostalgic warmth makes it a great choice even for karaoke beginners.

Why not sing it softly as you reminisce about your youthful days?

Woman of ShinjukuKeiko Fuji93rank/position

Keiko Fuji — Woman of Shinjuku

Keiko Fuji was a female singer whose expressive power captivated many people.

Among younger generations, she’s known as the mother of Hikaru Utada.

Of her songs, the one I especially recommend is Shinjuku no Onna (The Woman of Shinjuku).

Her music leans strongly toward kayōkyoku (classic Japanese pop), so even those who aren’t confident singers tend to find her songs easy to sing—and this track is especially approachable.

While her vocals are powerful, there isn’t much kobushi (ornamental vibrato typical of enka), so you should be able to sing it even if you’re not used to enka-style singing.

The person I fell in love withHarumi Miyako94rank/position

The person I fell in love with

As a classic of the Showa-era kayōkyoku, this song has been loved for many years, and Harumi Miyako’s characteristically powerful vocals leave a strong impression.

Released in September 1968, it became a major hit, selling over one million copies.

Incidentally, it was also used in a commercial for Nagatanien’s Umeboshi Chazuke.

The lyrics depict a farewell to a lover, portraying the resolve to accept the separation with a forward-looking attitude while holding back sorrow.

The melody is easy to remember, and the chorus builds wonderfully, making it a song that’s easy to sing at karaoke.

Even those without confidence in their singing can enjoy it as long as they put emotion into it.

Hama Chidori Love StoryAkiko Kanazawa95rank/position

Hissatsu Shigotonin Theme Song: Hamachidori Love Tale

This timeless classic, which depicts a heartrending love story, has long been cherished as one of Akiko Kanazawa’s signature works.

Released as a single in May 1979, it was also used as the ending theme for the period drama Hissatsu Shigotonin.

The lyrics, which echo the sorrow of a woman who has lost her beloved by likening it to plovers dancing along the shore, resonate deeply.

Coupled with Akiko Kanazawa’s emotionally rich vocals, the song leaves a powerful impression on listeners.

It’s a great recommendation for those just getting into enka, featuring a melody line that’s easy to sing at karaoke.

Her singing, which conveys strength within a gentle, subdued mood, is sure to touch your heart.

Still in YokohamaMiyuki Kadomatsu96rank/position

Miyuki Kadomatsu / Even Now, Yokohama

Set against the port city of Yokohama, Miyuki Kadomatsu’s new song portrays a bittersweet love.

Known for her expansive, powerful vocals, this time she delivers a lingering-love ballad with a gentle melody that harmonizes with Yokohama’s cityscape.

Released in July 2024, it is her sixth single.

A release concert was held the same day, providing a chance to deepen connections with fans.

Why not let the scenery and atmosphere of Yokohama wash over you as you reflect on a bittersweet love that everyone has felt at least once? It’s sure to be a song that resonates deeply in your heart.

Ikebukuro at NightMina Aoe97rank/position

Mina Aoe – Ikebukuro no Yoru (Night in Ikebukuro)

Mina Aoe, the great female singer who forged the concept of “blues” within enka.

Among the female vocalists of her time, she stood out with her overwhelmingly sultry, husky voice, and she produced many masterpieces infused with sensuality and melancholy.

Of all her songs, the one I especially recommend is Ikebukuro no Yoru (Night in Ikebukuro).

In this piece, you can glimpse blues elements within enka, and it carries an immense, hidden pathos.

The kobushi (ornamental vibrato) itself is not very difficult, and the melodic rises and falls are gentle, so it’s a song where you can likely aim for a high score.

Freeze my heartIwao Takayama98rank/position

Goro Takayama – Freeze My Heart

When people think of enka, many imagine a gritty style featuring strong vocal ornamentation known as kobushi.

Of course, that kind of song makes up a large part of enka, but “Kokoro Koorasete” is different.

This track blends elements of enka with a genre known as New Adult Music.

Since it doesn’t use kobushi, even those who find traditional enka vocal phrasing difficult should find it easy to sing.

As long as you match the key and pitch, anyone can handle it—the tempo is nice and slow—so give it a try.