Enka Singers Most Popular at Karaoke [2025]

Drunken GlowKim Yonja36rank/position

Yong-ja Kim “Drunken Lights” Music Video

Youngja Kim is a Korean-born enka singer beloved by enka fans.

Rather than a trot singer, her appeal lies in her authentic enka vocals, and she has produced a string of classics thanks to her exceptional expressiveness and steady singing technique.

Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Yoiakari.

It’s solidly enka, but features relatively few kobushi (melismatic ornaments).

The range is somewhat wide, so try singing it while paying attention to key adjustment.

marine snowJero37rank/position

Jero – Sea Snow (Music Video)

This is a landmark song by Jero, who made a sensational debut in 2008.

With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and music by Ryudo Uzaki, it not only became a huge hit but also set various records as an enka song, making it a masterpiece that will go down in Japanese music history.

Beyond the difficulty of a melody that spans a wide vocal range, the song itself is highly intricate—blending enka elements with straightforward, J-pop-style developments and funky rhythms—yet Jero delivers a flawless performance that really underscores the power of his vocals.

The track has been popular at karaoke since its release, but to be honest, it’s a very challenging song to sing there.

Listen to the original repeatedly and practice until the rhythm and melody are ingrained in your body!

Chome-chomeHoriemon38rank/position

Horiemon “Chome Chome” - Music Video -

This is a song by Takafumi Horie—aka Horiemon—whose unexpected debut as an enka singer made waves.

It was released in January 2025.

One of its charms is the catchy chorus that makes you want to sing along.

The lyrics pack a punch with a message like, “After working up a sweat, let’s cut loose and have a drink!” Coupled with its bright, festive sound, it’s the kind of track that leaves you feeling refreshed.

It’s a perfect number for resetting your mood!

The one I still love even after we’ve broken upLos Indios & Sylvia39rank/position

Los Indios & Silvia - Even If We Break Up, I Still Love You / LOS INDIOS & Silvia Wakaretemo Sukina Hito

Even If We Break Up, I Still Love You is an urban, stylish enka mood duet released in 1979 that became a million seller.

The female vocalist, Sylvia, has an interesting background: she was formerly a corporate league volleyball player, was scouted while singing karaoke in Osaka, joined Los Indios, and their debut song, Even If We Break Up, I Still Love You, became a massive hit.

Boatwoman's SongMichiya Mihashi40rank/position

Boatwoman's Song

Michiya Mihashi is an enka singer known for his rugged charm and powerful presence.

Although he has a relatively high vocal timbre, his use of kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) is strikingly tasteful, applying just the right amount in the most satisfying spots.

Among his songs, the one I especially recommend is Onna Sendō Uta (Boatwoman’s Song).

While this piece spans a wide vocal range, its pitch movement is gentle, and among his repertoire the kobushi technique required is on the easier side.

It does call for a certain level of fundamental singing ability, but it’s still an enka song that can be considered relatively easy to sing.

Green Que Sera SeraMidori Oka41rank/position

Midori Oka “Midori no Que Sera Sera” MV <Full Ver.>

It’s a fun, upbeat Reiwa-era rhythm kayō masterpiece that makes any Japanese person want to clap along and start dancing! “Midori no Que Sera Sera” is a song released by Midori Oka in 2021, and as the title suggests, you can sing it comfortably with a carefree “que sera sera—whatever will be, will be” feeling.

The instantly catchy chorus sticks after one listen, and if everyone in your karaoke group sings it together, it’ll definitely liven up the room.

The signature enka vocal flourishes—like heavy kobushi and wide vibrato—are kept modest, and the more natural delivery makes it approachable even for those who feel unsure about singing traditional enka.

First and foremost, have fun and sing along to the cheerful rhythm!

Person Sought in the NorthTakuya Nakazawa42rank/position

Takuya Nakazawa “The Person I Seek in the North” MUSIC VIDEO

Born in 1995, Takuya Nakazawa is a multi-talented artist who made his debut in the enka and kayōkyoku fields in his early twenties, has won numerous awards, and also has a career as a racing driver.

His 2020 single “Kita no Tazunebito” is a refreshing masterpiece that perfectly matches his image, and the lyrics, which sing of a pure love set in Hokkaido, are wonderful.

With a classic kayōkyoku structure—clearly delineated A verse, B verse, and chorus—it’s easy to memorize, and the pitch range is fairly standard, making it suitable for karaoke.

For the chorus, its expansive vocal lines and natural vibrato are fine to shorten a bit and take breaths earlier than in the original if you’re not used to it.

Keep practicing little by little, and strive to perform it with a relaxed expression!