Enka Singers Most Popular at Karaoke [2025]

Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneSayuri Ishikawa29rank/position

Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene

It’s a song marked by irresistibly moving scenic imagery and a poignant story of parting.

Against the shifting backdrop from the night train departing Ueno to the deck of the Seikan ferry, the delicate emotions of a wavering woman are finely portrayed, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in January 1977, the song won the Vocal Performance Award at that year’s Japan Record Awards and has long been cherished as one of Sayuri Ishikawa’s signature pieces.

It’s so famous that you’ll recognize it the moment you hear it, making it a perfect challenge for newcomers to enka as well.

By picturing the scenes in the lyrics as you sing, you’ll be able to savor the song’s appeal even more.

As I am in love…Junko Akimoto30rank/position

As I am in love…

A classic song that pours deep affection and pure emotions into a distinctive husky voice was released in January 2008.

Created by a veteran singer active across diverse genres such as jazz and Latin, the track gradually gained popularity after its release and achieved an extraordinary feat by reaching No.

1 on the weekly charts a year later.

The artist also performed at the 2008 Kōhaku Uta Gassen, capturing the hearts of many.

Set to a wistful melody featuring a memorable accordion timbre, the lyrics convey sincere feelings for a beloved person and resonate with listeners of all generations.

When tackling it at karaoke, consider emphasizing rich expressiveness and singing along to the relaxed tempo.

Purple Rain SentimentAyako Fuji31rank/position

Purple Rain Sentiment

Here is one of Ayako Fuji’s signature songs and a masterpiece in the history of Japanese enka: “Murasaki Ujō.” Released in 1993, it reached a peak of No.

8 on the Oricon charts and was also performed at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It has the feel of classic, heart-tugging enka: despite its bright chord progression, there’s a certain wistful atmosphere that evokes a distinctly Japanese sensibility.

True to enka style, the melody moves from a low register in the first half to a high-register chorus, then back down again, finally rising to a soaring high at the end—a quintessential structure.

Fuji delivers a careful, unforced performance, employing the fundamental techniques of enka.

It’s perfect as an introduction to the genre, and if you want to practice ornaments like kobushi and hikkake, definitely give this song a try!

abandonedYoko Nagayama32rank/position

Yoko Nagayama “Suterarete” Music Video

One of Yoko Nagayama’s signature songs and an absolute karaoke favorite! Released in 1995, “Suterarete” cemented her status as an enka singer after she transitioned from idol singer to enka in 1993.

Her “demo ne” pose also became a hot topic at the time.

While it’s an enka number, it carries a slightly kayōkyoku-like flavor.

Although techniques like subtle kobushi (grace notes) and vibrato appear throughout, the overall difficulty isn’t that high, and there are no extreme high notes, making it relatively easy to sing.

It’s a great choice even for beginners singing Nagayama’s songs for the first time!

tear-drunkKenjiro33rank/position

Kenjiro “Teary Drunk” Music Video

A melancholic song that portrays the aching feelings of being intoxicated by alcohol and tears.

It’s a medium-tempo enka released in August 2024 to commemorate Kenjiro’s 15th anniversary.

Composed by Makoto Sugimoto, the piece captivates with its profound emotional expression.

Unable to forget the warmth of a love that has passed, the yearning for one’s hometown overlays the memory, seeping with loneliness.

It’s a tender masterpiece that empathizes with those carrying wounds in their hearts—perfect for late nights spent alone, when it’s sure to resonate deeply.

This work may be an ideal pick not only for enka fans but also for men looking to try singing enka at karaoke.

Blue Light YokohamaAyumi Ishida34rank/position

Blue Light Yokohama

From the late 1960s to the 1970s, Ayumi Ishida was a singer who enjoyed nationwide popularity.

She has many classic hits, but the one I especially recommend is Blue Light Yokohama.

It’s a kayōkyoku-style song with strong blues elements, characterized by a narrow vocal range throughout.

Since it doesn’t feature the kobushi ornamentation that often poses a challenge in enka, if you keep your pitch steady and add vibrato at the end of the long notes to rack up points, it’s a song that anyone can aim for a high score with.

applauseNaomi Chiaki35rank/position

Naomi Chiaki / Applause [Official Audio]

Kassai is a classic song that represents the Showa era.

It’s one of Naomi Chiaki’s signature numbers, known for its poignant lyrics about a woman who lost her lover in the war.

Rather than enka, this piece leans strongly toward kayōkyoku, and it contains very little of the intricate kobushi ornamentation typical of enka.

There is a slightly stronger kobushi at the end of the chorus, but that’s about the only real challenge, making it a relatively easy piece.

Among the songs introduced here, this one is especially simple, so why not add it to your repertoire?