New enka single release [March 2025]

Tears of Dead LeavesMatsubara Miho

Miho Matsubara “Tears of Dead Leaves” MV [Official]

A gem of a ballad that portrays the sorrow of heartbreak through the image of dead leaves dancing in the wind.

Delivered by Miho Matsubara in February 2025, this song delicately depicts the pain and loneliness of lost love.

Veteran composer Chiaki Oka’s beautiful melody adds a gentle, heartfelt touch.

The protagonist’s feelings as they stand alone on a city corner at night are tenderly wrapped in a voice full of melancholy.

The way the song follows the lingering image of a loved one and wanders through a drizzly city really strikes a chord.

If you’re carrying the ache of heartbreak, listening to this track will grip the depths of your heart.

Flowers of MichinokuMizuta Ryūko

Ryuko Mizuta “Flowers of Michinoku” Music Video

An emotionally rich song interweaving the beautiful landscapes and scenes of Tohoku.

Ryuko Mizuta’s powerful yet delicate vocals portray the poignant inner feelings of a woman who continues to think of the one she loves.

Released in February 2025 as her 39th single, it was crafted by an illustrious team: lyrics by Reiji Mizuki, composition by Keisuke Hama, and arrangement by Megumi Wakakusa.

Layered with Mizuta’s lustrous singing, the result is a deeply expressive piece.

Brimming with a sense of travel and longing, this work is a must-listen for anyone who resonates with love for someone far away or who is interested in the climate and culture of the Tohoku region.

It also weaves in real place names such as the peaks of Mount Zao and Nakanose Bridge, offering an even deeper flavor for those who know these locales.

Iyasa(ka), YassaiIshikawa Sayuri

Sayuri Ishikawa “Yasaka (Iyasaka) Yassai” Music Video

This enka number, themed on Noto’s traditional Abare Festival, delivers a bold, powerful impression.

With lyrics by Shohei Mozu and composition by Keisuke Hama, it’s an ambitious work set to be released in March 2025 as a song by Sayuri Ishikawa.

The layered chants create a vibrant sense of motion, while the intricate arrangement enhances the song’s appeal.

It’s a track brimming with immediacy, as if you can feel the festival’s heat and hear people’s breathing.

Carrying the spirit of a festival with a 350-year history into the present, it sings grandly of prayers for health and bountiful harvests.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear when you need a lift or when you’d like to sing along with someone special.

Koedo Spring: A Spring Evening in KawagoeAsō Keiko

Koedo Spring: A Spring Evening in Kawagoe

A February 2025 song by Keiko Aso that richly evokes the nostalgic streetscapes of Kawagoe, Saitama.

You can almost see the kura-zukuri townscape, layered with history, bathed in moonlight on a tranquil spring evening.

Its gently flowing melody and clear vocals bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

Recommended for those who want to reflect on the classic charm of Japan’s old townscapes or simply enjoy a soothing moment.

The timeless allure of Little Edo, passed down through the ages, touches the heart.

Nagoya YearningMatsubara Miho

Miho Matsubara “Nagoya Longing” [Melody Records] Official Artist Video

Set against the streets of Nagoya, this work depicts a graceful, pure love between a man and a woman.

Beautifully performed by Miho Matsubara, it was released as a single in March 2025.

The music video, featuring a sibling co-appearance with her younger brother, Tanishi Matsubara, also drew attention.

With lyrics by Issei Mine and composition by Kiyotaka Takeuchi—both highly accomplished creators—the piece weaves a gem-like melody infused with the emotions of both protagonists.

It is recommended for those seeking a heartwarming kayōkyoku whose tender feelings for a loved one resonate deeply.