New Enka Single Release [February 2025]

A Melancholy Road on the Shimokita PeninsulaMatsubara Nobue

Nobue Matsubara “Shimokita Peninsula Melancholy Road” MV [Official]

This is a moving piece that blends the scenery of the northern country with the ache of unrequited love.

Released in January 2025 as Nobue Matsubara’s 45th anniversary debut single, the song features lyrics by Shinichi Ishihara and composition by Tetsuya Gen.

Set on the Shimokita Peninsula, it portrays the inner conflict of a woman who cannot bring herself to say goodbye and sever her love.

The rich, resonant vocals further enhance the song’s emotional depth.

Its charm also lies in the inclusion of regional icons like the Kandachime horses and the Shiriya-zaki Lighthouse.

It’s a must-listen for anyone feeling the pangs of love.

Yosare Onna-bushiShiina Sachiko

[Music Video] Sachiko Shiina “Yosare Onna-bushi” <Full>

Set against the climate and festivals of the Tsugaru region, a new enka song beautifully portrays the feelings of a woman who keeps waiting for her beloved in her hometown.

Inspired by the folk song “Kuroishi Yosare,” the interwoven scenes of festive bustle and wistful melancholy are deeply moving.

Sachiko Shiina’s powerful yet delicate vocals superbly convey the protagonist’s strong will and aching heart.

Released on February 12, 2025, the song features lyrics by Kanade Hino-ura and composition by Chiaki Oka—both highly accomplished creators.

Its universal themes—such as the anguish of an unfulfilled love and a profound attachment to one’s hometown—resonate with anyone.

Highly recommended for those who find themselves recalling their nostalgic hometown on lonely nights in the city.

Song is life itself.Fujii Ai

Megumi Fujii “Song Is Life” MUSIC VIDEO

This is a song that powerfully celebrates a woman’s life.

It’s Ai Fujii’s first new work in about ten years, released in February 2025.

The melancholic enka melody and Fujii’s emotionally rich vocals leave a strong impression.

Each note seems to reach deep into your ears and heart, becoming part of your very being—an experience that truly moves you.

If you’re feeling lost in life, this piece is sure to be by your side.

selfish womanAoyama Shin

Aoyama Arata “Selfish Woman” Music Video

While portraying the sweet yet bittersweet heart of a woman, this ambitious work dives into the world of blues-style kayō.

With his gentle aura, Arata Aoyama explores the themes of lingering attachment and jealousy toward a former lover, expressing the complex emotions of a mature woman.

Lyrics by Koyomi Asa and composition by Hideo Mizumori come together to create a memorable song marked by its distinctive triplet rhythm.

Released as a single in February 2025, the work is available in three versions: TYPE TOKYO, TYPE Youth, and TYPE Starry Sky.

It also features a tie-in with TBS Radio’s “Saturday Morning 6 o’clock: Kinashi no Kai.” The song was unveiled to fans for the first time at a concert held on January 26 of the same year at the Urayasu City Cultural Hall, celebrating the 5th anniversary of Aoyama’s debut.

It’s a must-listen not only for those moved by the end of a romance, but also for anyone eager to discover a new side of enka.

ComradeToba Ichirō

Comrade

This is a work that passionately sings of bonds between men.

Released in February 2025, it features the distinctive vocal ornamentation unique to enka throughout.

Toba’s singing powerfully conveys the feelings of men who have weathered life’s rough seas, which is particularly striking.

You can sense both a humble acceptance of one’s place and a proud appreciation of ties with friends.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to in moments when you want to savor life together with your comrades.