New Enka Single Release [October 2024]

The midday moonYamaguchi Rumi

Rumi Yamaguchi “Midday Moon” Music Video (short ver.)

Released in September 2024 to celebrate Rumi Yamaguchi’s 25th anniversary, this work sings about the importance of love and compassion—things we often overlook—much like the moon that continues to exist without drawing attention to itself.

Her tender, embracing vocals are striking, sinking deeply into the listener’s heart.

A gem of a song you’ll want to hear at life’s turning points, it’s filled with the awe you feel when you realize you’ve been supported by someone.

Big brotherYamakawa Yutaka

Yutaka Yamakawa “Aniki” Music Video

This is a work that lets you deeply savor the bond between brothers.

It’s a song by Yutaka Yamakawa, released in October 2024.

Set to the characteristically unhurried rhythm of enka, it powerfully sings of the depth of brotherly love.

The taciturn relationship between the brothers and the way they support each other resonate in the heart.

Yamakawa’s rich, resonant voice heightens the emotion even further.

It’s a song I’d recommend to anyone who treasures family ties or has overcome life’s hardships.

Woman’s SlopeOka Yuuko

Yuko Oka “Onna no Sakamichi” Music Video

A heartrending song that sings of a woman’s life against the backdrop of Japan’s four seasons.

Released in September 2024, it is a special work commemorating Yuko Oka’s 45th anniversary since her debut.

Crafted by Toyohisa Araki and Chiaki Oka, the emotionally rich lyrics and melody leave a strong impression.

The worldview of the lyrics, which express life’s ups and downs as a sloping path, is something many listeners can relate to.

The more you listen, the more it grows on you—an enka that seeps into the heart.

Samidare HoneysuckleKoikawa Iroha

Iroha Koikawa “Samidare Honeysuckle” MUSIC VIDEO

The song Samidare Nintsuge by Iroha Koikawa is a track released in October 2024, with lyrics by Kyoko Asahina and music by Masami Tao.

It’s a work in which a woman’s selfless love and unrequited feelings are conveyed through a gentle, tender vocal performance, and as you listen, it feels almost like watching a film.

Be sure to pay attention to Koikawa’s supple expressiveness—something only someone who is also a certified instructor of Japanese dance could deliver.

hidden innSUGITA Atsushi

Jun Sugita “Kakure Yado” Music Video

Set to a gentle, lingering melody, this song gives voice to the bittersweet feelings of a man and woman who secretly meet away from prying eyes.

Released in September 2024, it deepens its wistful world through Jun Sugita’s tender vocals.

Its heartfelt lyrics, narrative, and melody are sure to linger in your memory.

By the way, the coupling track, “Otoko no Machikado” (A Man on the Street Corner), is also an adult love song.

Cape Far from HappinessSeguchi Yuki

Yuki Seguchi “Cape Far from Happiness” MUSIC VIDEO

Set against a cape, this work delicately portrays the sorrow of a woman heartbroken in love.

Released in September 2024, it features lyrics that stand as the late lyricist Ryutaro Kinoshita’s final work.

Yuki Seguchi’s deep vocals, paired with vivid imagery like the sound of waves and fishing lights, truly move the listener.

It’s a perfect song for those bearing the pain of a breakup or seeking music that resonates with the heart.

The coupling track, “Ashita-gawa,” is also an excellent piece that depicts the poignancy of love.

feelingsTayama Hiroshi

inner feelings; compassion (uranasake)

A deeply moving song filled with gratitude to a beloved mentor who now lives on in cherished memories.

Released in September 2024, this track marks Hiroshi Tayama’s first new work in seven years and quickly became a hot topic among enka fans.

Tayama’s rich, resonant voice vividly portrays the warm bond with his mentor.

It’s perfect for those standing at life’s crossroads or wanting to savor feelings of thanks to someone special.

Its heartfelt lyrics and nostalgic melody gently envelop the listener.