Enka Singers Most Popular at Karaoke [2025]

I'm falling in love with you againFuyumi Sakamoto1rank/position

Fuyumi Sakamoto – I'm Falling in Love with You Again

This is a famous song by Fuyumi Sakamoto that portrays how love for a longtime partner deepens over time and blooms anew.

Even the scars born of youthful folly turn into cherished memories as the two share their days together.

Those warm feelings soak into the heart, carried by a gentle melody.

The song was released in January 2009 as the B-side to the single “Asia no Kaizoku,” and was later included on the acclaimed album “Love Songs ~ Mata Kimi ni Koishiteru ~.” It also gained widespread recognition as the theme song for Sanwa Shurui’s barley shochu “iichiko,” and in 2010 it reached No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Why not listen when you want to reflect anew on the preciousness of the days you spend with someone dear?

A Man’s Pure HeartYuto Tatsumi2rank/position

Yuto Tatsumi “A Man’s Pure Heart” Music Video

Released in 2019, “Otoko no Junjo” was the second single by Yuto Tatsumi, who at the time was active as an enka singer while still a university student.

It topped the enka charts and reached No.

10 on the Oricon overall chart, helping cement the image of a new star for the Reiwa era in the enka world.

It’s classic enka that powerfully sings of supporting the somewhat awkward way a man lives, but its light, refreshing melody—reflecting Tatsumi’s personality—is easy to remember.

The vocal range isn’t very wide either, making it very easy to sing for an enka song.

I’d love for beginners to give it a try!

Fleeting LoveKaori Kouzai3rank/position

Hagureso

Characterized by lyrics that depict a heartrending love and a melody steeped in melancholy, this work is known as one of Kaori Kozai’s signature songs.

Released in March 1991, it reached a peak position of No.

14 on the Oricon charts.

It was performed at the 42nd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen the same year, boosting Kozai’s nationwide recognition.

With a tune that’s approachable even for newcomers to enka, it has remained a long-standing favorite at karaoke.

The lyrics, which convey the transience and ruthlessness of love, are sure to resonate with many.

It’s a song that offers solace to those who have experienced heartbreak or loneliness—why not give it a try?

Longing for RainAki Yashiro4rank/position

Aki Yashiro “Yearning in the Rain”

Aki Yashiro’s classic “Ame no Bojo” (Yearning in the Rain).

It’s a memorable piece that makes the most of her distinctive husky voice, with a vocal line that stays restrained throughout.

There are no parts that call for belting; it’s the kind of song that’s meant to be sung with a subdued, weathered tone, so it doesn’t require powerful vocals like strong projection or shouts.

For one of her songs, it also features relatively few kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), making it comparatively easy to sing.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

Oh, sake!Ikuzo Yoshi5rank/position

Oh, sake!

It’s a masterpiece whose wistful melody and heartrending lyrics resonate deeply.

Yoshikazu Ikuzō’s richly expressive vocals brilliantly portray the loneliness and lingering attachment of a man drowning in drink.

Released in September 1988, the song won the Grand Prix at the All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards and was performed twice on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, capturing the hearts of many.

It remains a karaoke favorite and is recommended even for enka beginners.

With its relatively low vocal range, it’s easy to sing, and conveying emotion can help you score high.

It’s truly a song of life that offers solace to those who have experienced heartbreak or parting.

Kiyoshi's Zundoko SongKiyoshi Hikawa6rank/position

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi [Official]

Kiyoshi Hikawa, a figure who sent shockwaves through the enka world.

Though an idol-type enka singer, he possesses solid vocal prowess and has influenced many as an artist who combines skill with catchiness.

“Kiyoshi no Zundoko Bushi” is one of his hit numbers.

While this song spans a fairly wide range—mid1 C to hi B—the pitch shifts in the kobushi (melodic ornaments) are kept to at most two notes, making the overall difficulty as enka relatively low.

If you have a reasonably wide vocal range, you should be able to sing it without trouble.

It’s immensely popular among madams, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

Like the flow of a riverHibari Misora7rank/position

Like the flow of a river

It was the last single released during Hibari Misora’s lifetime, and among her great discography of songs that have continued to sing to the hearts of the Japanese people, it is one of the most famous masterpieces.

With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto that reflect a view of life, and a beautiful melody by Masaaki Hirao, Hibari’s flawless performance continues to move many people even in the Reiwa era.

Released in January 1989, it became a massive hit, selling over two million copies.

Naturally, it has also been extremely popular for karaoke since its release, and when you actually try singing it, you’ll find the vocal range isn’t all that demanding.

The calm tone of the first verse and the soaring melody of the chorus are easy to remember and should feel good to sing.

Vibrato is certainly a plus if you can do it, but don’t force it—let yourself flow with the melody and focus on clearly pronouncing each word of the lyrics as you sing.