Enka Karaoke Popularity Rankings [2025]

passionate flameIkuzo Yoshi57rank/position

Passionate Flames — Ikuzo Yoshi

Ikuzo Yoshi is well regarded for his “onna-uta” (songs from a woman’s perspective), and among them, the track Joen is widely praised as a hidden masterpiece.

While its lyrics and melody exude a poignant melancholy, the vocal line is surprisingly straightforward, with gentle rises and falls in pitch.

There are few kobushi (ornamental turns), and the ones that do appear are often close to an extension of vibrato, so even those who feel uneasy about enka-style phrasing should be able to sing it without issue.

The song stays within a comfortable vocal range, making it easy to sing for both men and women.

Beloved DaysTakao Horiuchi58rank/position

Beloved Days

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 Daishiro59rank/position

[MV] Masuiyama Taishirō / I Fell in Love with That Yūko (full ver.)

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.

Such is a woman's soliloquyMasuiyama Daishiro60rank/position

[MV] Masuiyama Taishiro / Such a Woman’s Soliloquy (full ver.)

A masterpiece by Taishiro Masuiyama that skillfully expresses feelings from the depths of the heart.

The lyrics vividly portray a woman’s heartrending emotions and leave a strong impression.

Released in September 1977, it reached No.

13 on the Oricon chart.

It continued to stay on the charts for an extended period, achieving an astonishing total sales figure of 1.

39 million copies.

Highly recommended for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the subtleties between men and women, as well as for younger listeners who admire mature romance.

Sing it at karaoke and you’re sure to capture the audience’s hearts.

Your path of gloryYoshimi Tendo61rank/position

[MV] Yoshimi Tendo / Your Path of Glory (full ver.)

Yoshimi Tendo, a songstress who represents Osaka.

Discovered by Takajin Yashiki, she rose to public prominence.

Her vocal ability and expressive power are truly top-class, yet she has an approachable personality that has long endeared her to many enka fans.

Her hit number “Anta no Hanamichi” is a prime example.

Among her works, it’s one of the brightest, so it’s sure to get the crowd going.

This song features the distinctive twisting kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) characteristic of the Kawachi Ondo style, but since most of the ornamentation involves shifts of only two or three notes, you won’t encounter the complex kobushi heard in Tsugaru folk songs.

Instead, it calls for the powerful delivery typical of Kawachi Ondo.

As long as you can keep your pitch in check, it’s by no means a high-difficulty piece, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

Jindo MonogatariYoshimi Tendo62rank/position

[MV] Yoshimi Tendo / Jindo Monogatari (full ver.)

This is a classic song whose poignant wish to reunite with a loved one deeply moves the heart.

Inspired by the “sea-parting phenomenon” on Jindo Island in Korea, its lyrics portray the powerful yearning of people separated from one another, resonating with many listeners.

Upon its release in February 1996, it became an instant, massive hit.

Yoshimi Tendo’s strong, soulful vocals further enhance the song’s appeal.

The lyrics are sprinkled with Korean phrases such as “Umi no kamisama, kamsahamnida” (Sea god, thank you), but the pronunciations aren’t very difficult, and the melody is easy to remember, making it a great choice to sing casually at karaoke.

It’s recommended not only for fans of enka, but also for those who don’t usually sing enka.

I long for Southern HokkaidoYudai Koyama63rank/position

The 66th Shining! Japan Record Awards Newcomer Award | Yudai Koyama “Donan Koishiya” Music Video (Full Ver.)

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.