Enka Singers Most Popular at Karaoke [2025]
We’ve put together a ranking of popular enka singers, from legendary veterans who have supported the enka world for many years to promising up-and-coming talents.
It’s common to be unsure what song to sing when you go to karaoke, isn’t it?
In those moments, try using this ranking as a reference.
- Enka Karaoke Popularity Rankings [2025]
- Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
- Enka’s recent hit songs in 2025: Must-watch popular kayō tracks
- Easy-to-sing enka: A roundup of recommended enka songs for karaoke
- [For people in their 60s] Ranking of Easy-to-Sing Karaoke Songs [2025]
- [Men] Karaoke Songs That Are Easy to Sing: Ranking [2025]
- Karaoke Ranking of Popular Songs by Itsuki Hiroshi [2025]
- [50s] Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation [2025]
- Classic Showa-era songs that are easy to sing at karaoke
- Popular Karaoke: Artist Rankings [2025]
- [For People in Their 40s] Ranking of Easy-to-Sing Karaoke Songs [2025]
- [2025] Recommended enka by male singers with captivating high notes
- Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation: 60s [2025]
Ranking of Popular Enka Singers at Karaoke [2025] (41–50)
Flowers of TsugaruYuri Harada50rank/position
Released in 1999 as Yuri Harada’s 17th single.
Although it peaked at No.
42 on the Oricon chart, it became a long-running hit and ultimately sold over 160,000 copies.
The song won the Excellent Work Award at the 41st Japan Record Awards, and with this song she made her first appearance at the 50th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Enka Singers Most Popular at Karaoke [2025] (Ranks 51–60)
Beloved DaysTakao Horiuchi51rank/position
This is one of Takao Horiuchi’s signature songs.
It was used as the theme song for the year-end period drama Byakkotai, broadcast on Nippon TV in 1986.
The lyrics penned by singer-songwriter Kei Ogura leave a lasting impression.
In terms of vocals, Horiuchi is also a member and songwriter of the rock group Alice, so many parts don’t conform to enka conventions.
He changes the melody and vocal phrasing between the first and second verses, and there are shout-like phrases as well.
Even so, the song doesn’t suddenly jump in pitch or introduce radically different phrasing.
If you can produce the low range clearly and distinctly, and pay attention to how you cut off notes, you’ll likely score higher.
I fell in love with Yuko like that.Masuiyama Daishiro52rank/position
Taijiro Masuiyama is an enka singer with the unusual background of being a former professional sumo wrestler.
People have long said that sumo wrestlers have good voices, and he is a perfect example.
His voice is warm and gentle, yet possesses overwhelming richness.
The song he performs here, “Sonna Yūko ni Horemashita,” fully showcases the essential elements of enka while still being very easy to sing.
There are few kobushi (ornamental turns), and the ones that do appear are simple—just one or two turns—so it should be possible to aim for a high score.
Kyoto NostalgiaMaiko Takigawa53rank/position
Kyoto Bojo has a gently wilted, faintly bittersweet melody, and it creates a mysteriously enchanting atmosphere that makes male listeners see the woman singing it as very cute and want to protect her.
Please try singing it as your winning song to capture the heart of the man you love.
Shigure Moon in KinosakiHiroshi Oe54rank/position
While Hiroshi Oe has released pop songs, many people who want to sing his work probably prefer to perform authentic enka, even if the songs are said to be easy to sing.
In that case, I recommend Kinosaki Shigure-zuki.
It’s an orthodox enka piece, but the kobushi (melismatic turns) are very easy, mostly consisting of two-step pitch changes.
Even those who struggle with intricate kobushi can sing it without trouble, so consider adding it to your repertoire.
grandchildItsuro Oizumi55rank/position
A signature song by Itsuro Oizumi that sings of deep love for a grandchild.
Released in 1999, it brought a fresh breeze to the enka world.
Told from a grandfather’s perspective, it warmly portrays watching a grandchild grow, conveying family love that transcends generations.
There are versions for a boy and for a girl, each with lyrics tailored to their respective stages of growth, which adds to its charm.
The song won the Excellent Work Award at the 42nd Japan Record Awards.
It’s recommended not only for enka fans but for anyone who cherishes family.
Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to warm your heart.
I long for Southern HokkaidoYudai Koyama56rank/position
How about an inspiring number that stirs a burning longing for your hometown? It’s the debut single by Yudai Koyama, known as the “Magic Voice,” released in April 2024.
The song powerfully celebrates the landscapes of his hometown—such as Noboribetsu and Esashi—and the bonds with family.
Close your eyes and you can picture the Sea of Japan and snowy scenes that awaken a deep nostalgia in listeners.
Sing it at karaoke with friends who share that love for home, and it’s sure to resonate deeply in everyone’s hearts.