New enka single release [September 2025]

Run, boy of the Shōwa eraNitta Akihiro

Akiya Nitta “Run, Boy of the Showa Era” MV [Official]

Enka singer Koya Nitta, who has distilled his own life story into song.

This work, released in September 2025 as the final installment of his “Showa Trilogy,” follows Showa-Umare no Ore Rashiku and Showa Saigo no Utautai.

Centered on his youth when he moved to Tokyo at 15 for group employment, it drew attention for featuring lyrics by Shinichi Ishihara and music composed by Nitta himself.

The melody of the children’s song Furusato no Sora in the intro is enough to make your heart swell.

For anyone who lived earnestly through the Showa era, it may well overlap with your own youth.

How old is love? / Until what age does love last?Morikawa Daisuke

Daisuke Morikawa “How Old Can You Be to Fall in Love?” MUSIC VIDEO

Daisuke Morikawa is a singer from Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture.

After first working as a company employee, he made his debut as a singer in 2016 with “Castle in the Sky: Takeda Castle.” One of the tracks on his double A-side single—the first release after moving to Nippon Crown—was released in September 2025.

Branded as a “modern Latin Showa kayō,” it’s a passionate, danceable number.

Its bright message—that the feeling of falling in love can’t be stopped no matter how old you are—is sung over a light, Latin rhythm.

It’s a song for when you want to lift your spirits or add a spark of excitement to everyday life.

Believing in spring…Maki Kotomi

Kotomi Maki “Believing in Spring…” MUSIC VIDEO

Kotomi Maki is an enka singer who captivates many fans with her emotionally rich voice.

Her 44th single was released in September 2025.

Composed by Chiaki Oka, renowned as a master melodist, the song is a bright, accessible piece in a major key.

It is a song about longing for someone you can no longer meet; within the stillness before dawn, the aching resolve to believe in the future resonates deeply, carried by Maki’s gentle, tender vocals.

For those hoping to overcome a painful parting and take a step toward tomorrow, this song will surely offer a quiet, encouraging push.

Koisame (Love Rain)Ishihara Junko

Ishihara Junko “Koiame ~KOISAME~” Music Video

Junko Ishihara, who captivates listeners with the assured expressiveness honed through shigin recitation, saw her 1999 release Miren-zake sell over 400,000 copies.

Now, her 48th single has been released in September 2025.

This work portrays a yearning love that deepens despite knowing it will never be rewarded, layered over a wintry scene where cold rain turns into snow.

The lyrics were written by Ishihara herself under the name Itō Fujiko, and the composition is by Kazuto Miura, the artist she has long professed to be a fan of.

Its lyrical melody, imbued with the aroma of folk kayō, gently nestles against the ache of the heart.

Peanut ~Rakkasei~Kenjiro

Kenjiro “Peanuts (Rakkasei)” Music Video

Released in August 2025, “Peanuts (Rakkasei)” is a song that portrays a deep love the singer only realizes—belatedly—was a gift from their late father.

Sparked by the father’s favorite food, peanuts, the protagonist reminisces about the days they were protected, a scene that brings listeners to tears.

The restrained, matter-of-fact vocal delivery actually highlights the message embedded in the lyrics.

It’s a heartwarming number that evokes the universal bond between parent and child.

Isn’t it good?Mikado Tadaji

Tadaji Mikado “Ain’t It Fine?” Music Video

How about a bright, buoyant hand-clapper? Released in August 2025 as the 39th single, it was created at Mikado’s own request for “a song that lifts your spirits.” The piece portrays a mature figure who, in life’s backstreets, gathers up dreams once let go and embraces even bitter past experiences with a forward-looking attitude—listening to it gives you a gentle push on the back.

The moment you hear the dazzling brass intro, you’ll naturally want to clap along!

Small family, thank you Ten.Jitsukawa Nagaoki

Chosei Jitsukawa “Small Family: Thank You, Ten” MUSIC VIDEO

Released in August 2025, this song is a moving number that chronicles the bond with a beloved dog.

Its irresistibly cheerful melody has a curious power that, if anything, brings listeners to tears.

You can feel the heartfelt gratitude toward an irreplaceable presence that supported you through difficult times.

And the bright, sunny tone of the song is truly wonderful.

It’s sure to resonate deeply with anyone who loves their pets.