Enka Karaoke Popularity Rankings [2025]

Sake InnKaori Kouzai15rank/position

Kaori Kozai – “Sake no Yado”

Released to commemorate the 25th anniversary of her debut, Kaori Kozai’s masterpiece “Sake no Yado.” As a recent enka song, it achieved a fairly major hit, so many of you may already know it.

It’s classic, straight-ahead enka, characterized by lyrics that beautifully capture a woman’s bittersweet melancholy.

The vocal line, while slightly wide in range, contains no long sustained notes that require powerful projection, and the use of kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) is kept to a minimum.

With proper key adjustment, the range is accessible for anyone, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

Brother ShipsIchiro Toba16rank/position

Ichiro Toba “Kyodai-bune (Brothers’ Boat)” (Official Audio)

This work was sung as the debut song by Ichirō Toba, who was born and raised in a fisherman’s family.

With a powerful yet wistful voice, it expresses the bonds among men of the sea and their feelings for their families.

Released in August 1982, it became a million-seller and later was performed seven times on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, making it a classic.

The overall pitch is on the lower side, making it approachable even for those who struggle with high notes.

If vibrato is difficult, try focusing on clear enunciation to convey the lyrics distinctly.

It’s a recommended song for livening up a karaoke session or for singing with heartfelt thoughts for someone special.

atonementTeresa Teng17rank/position

atonement

The Showa-era classic “Tsugunai” is a poignant enka masterpiece that sings of tragic love.

Teresa Teng’s clear, translucent voice gently conveys the end of a forbidden romance and her atonement to the one she loves.

The chorus phrase “ai wo tsugunau” (to atone for love) is especially memorable and leaves a deep impression on listeners.

Released in January 1984, the song was also used in a YKKap commercial and became a major hit.

It has a strong kayōkyoku flavor, making it easy to sing and recommended even for those who aren’t yet comfortable with full-on traditional enka.

companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)Hiroshi Miyama18rank/position

companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)

A song by Hiroshi Miyama that portrays the bond between a man and a woman walking together through life’s ups and downs.

It expresses a fate that drifts like floating weeds in a gentle ballad.

Miyama’s powerful yet warm voice resonates deeply with listeners.

Originally released in 1978 as a song by Mieko Makimura, Miyama’s cover is included on the album “Utaitsugu! Nihon no Ryūkōka Part 5,” released in June 2024.

It’s a perfect track for times when you feel lost in life or want to feel the bond with someone important.

Woman Harbor TownAki Yashiro19rank/position

Aki Yashiro “Onna Minatomachi”

Onna Minato-machi is a single released by Aki Yashiro in 1977.

In fact, it’s a cover of the original song Onna Minato-machi released in 1973 by Yuji Minami and the Full Sails.

It’s a classic that was performed at the 28th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen and received a Special Award at the 10th All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards.

With a richly kayōkyoku-influenced sound, it’s an ideal choice for karaoke, especially for those who aren’t yet accustomed to straightforward enka or who love Showa-era pop.

The rhythmical A melody with clearly articulated Japanese and light accents, as well as the distinctive vibrato sections that appear in the B melody and chorus, can make it easy to go off pitch, so be sure to focus your practice on those parts.

Boat SongAki Yashiro20rank/position

Aki Yashiro 'Funauta' (Boat Song)

Aki Yashiro, a female enka singer with a one-of-a-kind husky voice, had a profound impact on the enka world.

She continues to be loved even after her passing, and her songs are still sung in many karaoke cafés today.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Funauta.

While the song has a relatively wide vocal range, the pitch movement itself isn’t overly dramatic.

However, the section sung during the instrumental interlude—which is practically the song’s signature—can be a bit tricky.

It’s hard to sustain your breath there, so instead of adding vibrato from the start, apply vibrato toward the end of the phrase.

That way, you’ll be able to make your breath last.

Longing for RainAki Yashiro21rank/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.