Karaoke Ranking of Popular Songs by Itsuki Hiroshi [2025]

To my daughter...Ikuzo Yoshi8rank/position

To my daughter...

The classic “To My Daughter,” which portrays a father thinking of his daughter as she departs for her new home.

Told from the perspective of the father seeing her off, the song features a melody that carries a subdued, rugged charm amid a wistful atmosphere.

Vocally, it relies heavily on repetition, with most of the piece built around similar vocal lines.

There are no difficult vocal ornaments; the phrases proceed plainly and similarly throughout, making it very easy once you get used to it.

The range is also very narrow, so for those with lower voices, it’s about as singable as it gets.

Blues of SorrowIkuzo Yoshi9rank/position

Ai no Blues — Yoshikazu Ikuzō

Ikuzo Yoshi’s classic “Ai no Blues” is memorable for its passionate vocal delivery.

Although it falls into the so-called ‘onnagata’ (woman’s song) category, Yoshi’s husky voice brilliantly conveys a woman’s sorrow.

One reason this piece is easy to sing is its frequent repetition.

From the A section to the B section, the same vocal lines are often repeated, and because these repeated parts don’t include kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), the overall difficulty naturally decreases.

There is a slightly higher passage toward the end, but the overall vocal range remains narrow, so it’s undoubtedly an easy song to sing.

DreamIkuzo Yoshi10rank/position

Ikuzo Yoshi “Dream” New Japan House commercial song

The classic song “Dream,” which gained nationwide popularity as the commercial jingle for Shin Nihon House, isn’t enka but primarily pop.

It features a breezy, surfer-music-like feel with a smooth, flowing vocal line.

Since it’s pop, there’s no kobushi-style ornamentation.

Additionally, the vocal range is quite narrow, so even those with a limited range or who struggle with enka should be able to sing it without trouble.

Its name recognition is tremendous, making it a big hit at karaoke.

Be sure to add it to your repertoire.

Song of ThanksIkuzo Yoshi11rank/position

Song of Thanks

Among Yoshikazu Ikuzō’s songs, the classic “Arigatō no Uta” is especially beloved for its cool, understated melody.

The piece leans strongly into folk and blues, highlighted by bluesy guitar bends.

Of course, since it’s an Ikuzō song, enka elements appear here and there, but the kobushi vocal ornament shows up only about once per verse.

The vocal range is also narrow, so even those who can’t hit high notes can sing it comfortably.

Because the arrangement develops while keeping essentially the same vocal line, start the song with a slightly restrained delivery, then gradually raise the intensity to give the entire performance dynamic contrast.

The ghost is coming!Ikuzo Yoshi12rank/position

GeGeGe no Kitaro ED: The Ghosts Are Coming!

This is a song that was used in the TV anime GeGeGe no Kitaro.

The singer, Ikuzo Yoshi, was born in 1952 and would be a contemporary for those in their 60s.

While he is best known for his work as an enka singer, this track has been crafted into an eerie piece that perfectly matches the anime’s worldview.

acting like a handsome guyIkuzo Yoshi13rank/position

Ikuzo Yoshi “Pretending to Be a Handsome Guy” [Official] | Full Chorus MV

Ikuzo Yoshi is known for his versatile musicality that extends beyond enka to include even rap.

“Nimaime Kidori” is a single released in September 2025, and a long-awaited work that reunites him with his close ally, composer Makoto Sugimoto, for the first time in 13 years since 2012’s “Sono Mukashi.” It vividly portrays the raw, inescapably human clumsiness and bittersweet sorrow lurking behind a man who puts on airs and tries to look cool.

A masterpiece that conveys the astringency of life, its seasoned vocals resonate deeply in the heart.

We're going to Tokyo.Ikuzo Yoshi14rank/position

Yoshi Ikuzo “I’m Goin’ to Tokyo” [From the video cinema “I’m Goin’ to Tokyo ~Pure Heart Edition~”]

A song that drew attention for its unique style of singing in the Tsugaru dialect.

Released in November 1984, it immediately captured the hearts of people across Japan.

The lyrics, brimming with humor, vividly portray the feelings of a young person heading from rural Aomori to Tokyo.

When it was performed on the TV show “The Best Ten,” there was reportedly a mishap where Ikuzo Yoshi became so nervous he couldn’t sing.

This work is a profound piece that satirizes the gap between the countryside and the city while also expressing love for one’s hometown.

How about listening to it together with older folks while sharing nostalgic memories?