New enka single release [July 2025]

A Woman’s Love LanternNemoto Noriko

A Woman's Love Lantern

In a town where rain falls like tears, the lyrics vividly conjure the devoted protagonist waiting single-mindedly for their loved one, tightening the heart with every line.

Released as a single in July 2025 to mark Noriko Nemoto’s 10-year career milestone, the song is enriched by her gentle, velvety vocals, which deepen a world where hope glows within sorrow.

Anyone struggling with steadfast love will surely be moved.

Making MemoriesFuji Ayako

Making Memories

Prompted by her producer’s suggestion to “sing your own song,” this is a track for which Ayako Fuji herself handled both lyrics and composition.

It was released in July 2025 as part of the double A-side single “Omoide-zukuri / Chiisana Kane no Ne ~La Campanella~.” Like flipping through the pages of a diary, the song traces memories, singing of bonds with family and friends as well as love for a partner.

With a melody that evokes the nostalgia of Showa-era kayōkyoku and folk music, and lyrics that chart the journey of a life, it’s the kind of song that will bring a loved one’s face to mind and surely make your heart swell.

Unreachable feelingsKouzai Kaori

Todokanu Omoi

This work portrays a protagonist single-heartedly longing for a former lover.

It’s a song by Kaori Kozai, slated for release in July 2025.

The heartrending desire to meet, if only in dreams, comes through clearly and tightens the chest.

Her wistful vocals further deepen the piece’s dramatic quality.

Those who carry indelible memories of a lost love will likely find themselves deeply empathizing with its aching emotions.

Ura-Namba BluesMizuki Kei

Kei Mizuki “Ura-Namba Blues” Music Video

This is a blues enka by Kei Mizuki that conjures up the bustle and neon of Osaka’s backstreets in Ura-Namba.

Known as a “high-spirited Naniwa girl,” she sings a one-night-only love story.

The lyrics, which even drop the names of modern cocktails, are filled with the regret of not exchanging contact information and the aching feelings of a woman who can’t forget the person she spent just one night with.

If you have an unforgettable love memory, or on a night when you want to sink into a touch of sentimentality, listening to this will surely tighten your chest at the heroine’s endearing earnestness.

Life’s Stealthy GrassMatsushita Kumiko

Life’s Stealthy Grass

An anthem of life dedicated to everyone who dreams of tomorrow and refuses to yield to any adversity.

Released by Kumiko Matsushita in June 2025, this work portrays the resilience of people who survive with tenacity, like wildflowers that bloom proudly even after being trampled.

Her persuasive vocals deepen the song’s message even further.

When you hit a wall in life and feel your heart about to break, listening to it will fill you with the courage to look ahead and say, “I’m still okay!”