Enka Singers Most Popular at Karaoke [2025]

night skyHiroshi Itsuki43rank/position

Night Sky – Hiroshi Itsuki (Original song: Night Sky) HD

Hiroshi Itsuki is a giant in the enka world.

Even with his deliberately constricted singing style, the solid depth of his voice is truly overwhelming.

Among his songs, the one I especially recommend is Yozora (Night Sky).

While it has a somewhat wide vocal range, it features relatively few kobushi (ornamental turns) for an enka piece, making it very approachable for those who struggle with them.

If the high notes are too difficult, try lowering the key and give it a shot.

Returning RiverNatsuko Godai44rank/position

Natsuko Godai – Modorikawa

In 1987, when Natsuko Godai made her re-debut under this name, her debut song was “Modorigawa.” Thanks to steady promotional efforts, the song became a big hit.

It portrays the moment of parting that comes to two people caught up in a dangerous love—the poignant reality that, no matter how hard they try, it’s difficult for them to go on living together.

Godai’s deeply expressive vocals further highlight the sorrow and lingering attachment depicted in the lyrics.

Please give it a listen: a tragic love story—the very essence of enka—about wanting to be together, yet being unable to be.

It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five45rank/position

It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.

This was the debut single of Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five, who debuted in 1969, and it’s the group’s biggest hit.

The lead vocal is by Kiyoshi Maekawa, who later self-covered the song as well.

To score high, instead of trying to sing the entire song straight through, it’s effective to practice so you can sing one full verse perfectly without mistakes.

I often introduce this practice method in various places, and especially for enka and kayōkyoku, there are relatively few songs whose melodies change drastically between the first and second verses, so it’s wise to thoroughly learn the melody first.

Also, since the opening lyric starts on a vowel and enters from a low note, if you sing that part with just a slight catch in the throat, you’ll be able to hit the pitch more clearly.

Give it a try!

Fragments of Men and WomenKiyoshi Maekawa46rank/position

Kiyoshi Maekawa “Fragments of a Man and a Woman” (Lyric Video)

A standout hit from the early Heisei era with a strong Showa kayō vibe, this song showcases lyricist Toyohisa Araki’s flair—having the title read as “kakera” instead of “hahen.” ‘Otoko to Onna no Kakera’ was released in 1991 as a single by Kiyoshi Maekawa and is one of his signature songs, beloved in karaoke.

As mentioned, it leans more toward classic Showa pop than straight enka.

While techniques like kobushi appear, the overall difficulty is relatively modest, making it approachable even for beginners to enka.

Don’t be shy—channel Maekawa himself and try expressing your own take on this “cool, grown-up song”!

Mount TsurugiTakeshi Kitayama47rank/position

Takeshi Kitayama / Ken-zan

It was released in 2009 as Takeshi Kitayama’s eighth single.

Composed by Saburō Kitajima, the song is powerfully crafted, overlaying a man’s life with Mount Tsurugi, a famous peak that offers a distant view of the Seto Inland Sea.

It was performed at the 60th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen and reached No.

16 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Northern fishing groundsSaburō Kitajima48rank/position

Saburo Kitajima 'Northern Fishing Grounds' (Official Audio)

Kitano Ryojo is a striking piece with a bold intro that incorporates the sound of strong winds.

It falls into the category of “manly songs,” which are Saburo Kitajima’s specialty.

Manly songs typically feature a rough singing style with shouts, and this piece includes those elements as well.

However, since the shouts only appear in the chorus, it’s one of the more approachable manly songs among his works.

The chorus is expansive, yet surprisingly light on long sustained notes, making it quite singable even without strong foundational technique.

The kobushi (melodic ornamentation) is also relatively restrained for a Kitajima song, making this an ideal piece for practice.

The northern city, HakodateDaisuke Kitagawa49rank/position

Daisuke Kitagawa “Northern Town Hakodate” MUSIC VIDEO

Daisuke Kitagawa has woven a poignant, adult love story set in a port town.

While richly retaining the nostalgic flavor of Showa-era kayōkyoku, this piece features a tenor saxophone that resonates to great effect, creating a gem of a song where wistfulness and warmth blend beautifully.

Scheduled for release in February 2025, the track is set in Hakodate and conveys feelings for a once-beloved partner now separated, expressed with remarkable vocal prowess.

Interweaving evocative depictions of Hakodate—its brick-lined streets and nightscapes—the song brings a heartfelt yearning for someone precious to the fore.

As a mellow, mature enka best savored alone on a quiet night, it leaves a deep and lasting impression.