Great enka masterpieces and hit songs of the 2000s

In the world of enka, there are many gem-like masterpieces that continue to shine across generations.

The 2000s, in particular, can be called a golden era where fresh energy blended with tradition.

Heartwarming, story-driven songs like “Futari-gasa,” as well as buzzworthy hits that stirred up the Oricon charts thanks to newcomers like Kiyoshi Hikawa, gave rise to a wide array of classics.

Shall we let our hearts wander together into the world of 2000s enka, where nostalgia and novelty coexist?

Playlist

Great enka masterpieces and hit songs of the 2000s
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi		As the debut single of Kiyoshi Hikawa, 2...
2	As I am in love…Akimoto Junko		Released in 20— as Junko Akimoto’s third single...
3	Kiyoshi’s Zundoko SongHikawa Kiyoshi		Kiyoshi Hikawa's message song of hope
4	Great Catch Festivalsakuramaya		As Mayaa Sakura’s first single, 2...
5	Snow Skin GrassJōnouchi Sanae		As Sanae Jōnouchi’s 15th single...
6	A street corner in loveYamauchi Keisuke		Keisuke Yamauchi’s ninth single
7	Jonkara Onna-bushiNagayama Yōko		Yoko Nagayama’s 2003 single Shamisen Long Hit
8	Thank you… much appreciatedKoganezawa Shōji		An inspiring song about gratitude
9	I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi		A classic song by Fuyumi Sakamoto that has deepened in love over many years
10	A rosy futureMori Masako		Masako Mori's first single after her comeback
11	with dignified composureSakamoto Fuyumi		An enka song by Fuyumi Sakamoto that stays true to her convictions
12	Two-person umbrellaIshihara Junko		Ishihara Junko’s 2003 single appears at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen
13	marine snowjero		Jero, a Black enka singer who debuted in 2008
14	As long as life lastsTendō Yoshimi		A masterpiece of enka that sings of life's joys and sorrows
15	Castle of White CloudsHikawa Kiyoshi		The enka masterpiece by Kiyoshi Hikawa, the historical romance of a decayed castle
16	Two FlowersFuji Ayako		A classic enka song portraying a woman who supports the one she loves
17	Lonely-for-Company TavernMiyama Hiroshi		Hiroshi Miyama Debut Single Enka Song
18	Snow in HimiHarada Yuuri		An enka classic set in Himi City
19	Kanazawa Nostalgia SongMatsubara Takeshi		Takeyuki Matsubara’s debut song set in Kanazawa
20	Tottori Sand DunesMizumori Kaori		Kaori Mizumori’s signature song with which she made her first appearance on Kōhaku
21	duckweedKouzai Kaori		Kaori Kozai's award-winning song of 2000
22	Around the season of urizun (the early springtime in Okinawa, literally “the time when melons begin to grow”)Sakamoto Fuyumi		Fuyumi Sakamoto’s famous song that sings of memories of her hometown
23	Nyōnin KōyaTagawa Toshi-mi		Togawa Toshi's lively pop single
24	full moonGodai Natsuko		Goday Natsuko’s 15th single, released in 2000
25	sunflowerMaekawa Kiyoshi		A collaboration song by Kiyoshi Maekawa and Masaharu Fukuyama
26	Spring has come.Tendō Yoshimi		Yoshimi Tendo’s classic song about the love between a married couple in spring
27	Rain in Kanazawakawanaka miyuki		Miyuki Kawanaka’s local song set in Kanazawa
28	partner; spouse (used gender-neutrally for one’s companion in life)Nakamura Mitsuko		A couple’s enka that portrays kindness toward his wife
29	Northern snow bugKimu Yonja		A bittersweet song of a woman's heart, themed around snow bugs
30	one-way ticketKitayama Takeshi		The debut song, an enka number, ranked high and paved the way for later success.
31	Oga PeninsulaKitayama Takeshi		Takashi Kitayama’s quintessential enka hit set in Akita
32	Kinokawa (Kii River)Sakamoto Fuyumi		A song that portrays the bond of three generations passed down from mother to daughter
33	Captain SlowpokeŌe Yutaka		An anthem cheering on those who chase their dreams, even if they're clumsy
34	A Woman’s Life: Flowers of Sweatkawanaka miyuki		A life-affirming anthem that sings of gratitude and love for one's mother
35	Farewell, shadow of youthMori Shinichi		Shinichi Mori’s wistful pop: nostalgia for youth and resolve for the future
36	North GobanchoHosokawa Takashi		Takashi Hosokawa’s heartwarming song portrays the warmth of people in a northern town.
37	Winter Love FlowerHanasaki Yukimi		The fourth single by Yukimi Hanasaki, richly singing of winter romance.
38	The Northernmost RouteKouzai Kaori		Vowing to make a comeback on a northbound sea voyage after overcoming heartbreak
39	mountains and riversItsuki Hiroshi		A masterpiece, a hymn to life, by Hiroshi Itsuki
40	DreamYoshi Ikuzo		The 2002 single by Ikuzo Yoshi, a CM song for Shin Nihon House
41	to liveYamamoto Jōji		Joji Yamamoto’s 2003 song filled with gratitude
42	Mount TsurugiKitayama Takeshi		Takeshi Kitayama’s single themed on Mount Tsurugi
43	Late bloomerShimazu Aya		A powerful enka single by AYA Shimazu
44	madder-red cloudsJinno Mika		Mika Jinno’s love-filled single
45	Two FlowersFuji Ayako		A hit song depicting Aya Fudi’s warm affection