New enka single release [September 2025]

acting like a handsome guyYoshi Ikuzo

Ikuzo Yoshi “Pretending to Be a Handsome Guy” [Official] | Full Chorus MV

Ikuzo Yoshi is known for his versatile musicality that extends beyond enka to include even rap.

“Nimaime Kidori” is a single released in September 2025, and a long-awaited work that reunites him with his close ally, composer Makoto Sugimoto, for the first time in 13 years since 2012’s “Sono Mukashi.” It vividly portrays the raw, inescapably human clumsiness and bittersweet sorrow lurking behind a man who puts on airs and tries to look cool.

A masterpiece that conveys the astringency of life, its seasoned vocals resonate deeply in the heart.

Person of eleganceMioka Shota

Shota Mitsugaoka “Hana no Hito” Music Video

Shota Mitsugaoka leaves a strong impression with his bow tie and friendly demeanor.

Despite the nickname “Nostalgic-Melody Boy,” his solid, steady vocal power has earned high praise across the industry.

Marking the 10th anniversary of his debut, he has delivered this new work.

The song is a ‘married-couple ballad’ that differs from the travel-themed enka he has excelled at so far, depicting the strength of a woman who single-mindedly supports the one she loves.

Even amid adversity, the protagonist never loses hope; her figure overlaps with Mitsugaoka’s sincere voice, warmly enveloping the listener’s heart.

inner voiceFutami Souichi

Soichi Futami “Voice of the Heart” MUSIC VIDEO

A milestone 10th single by Soichi Futami, released in September 2025.

The composition is by Joji Hara—better known as Saburo Kitajima—the giant of the enka world.

It’s a classic gratitude song that feels like entrusting one’s spirit to the next generation, structured in three chapters that address Mother, Friend, and Father.

From memories of lullabies heard in childhood to heartfelt thanks for the important people met in life, the song weaves gratitude with care.

His “echoing mountain-voice,” honed through folk singing, and his skillful phrasing seem to breathe warm life into every word.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear when you wish to say “thank you” to someone precious.

The Sitting-and-Waiting Moonokuyama eiji

Eiji Okuyama “Imaitsuki” Music Video

Eiji Okuyama, whose heartfelt voice carefully portrays the depth of human emotion, has won the hearts of many enka fans.

To commemorate his 15th anniversary with Teichiku, this single was released in September 2025.

It richly expresses the feelings of a woman who, gazing up at the moon, thinks of someone she can hardly ever meet and continues to wait for them.

How about listening closely on a night when you want to immerse yourself in the bittersweet ache of love?

Marionette Fallen into the Eternal Swampokamoto kota

Kota Okamoto “Marionette Fallen into the Eternal Swamp” MV [Official]

A passionate kayō-pop song performed by Kota Okamoto.

Released in September 2025 as his third single, with lyrics penned by Junretsu’s Kazuyoshi Sakai.

It portrays an irresistible world of love that will captivate you after just one listen.

While expressing intense feelings for the other person in rhythmic words, it also conveys a subtle sense of loneliness, drawing you into its compelling, story-rich depth.

Be sure to listen closely!

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.

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.

Courtesan of SatsumaOgawa Takeru

Takeru Ogawa “Oiran of Satsuma” MV

A work that strikes the heart with its passion for the performing arts and its longing for home.

Composed by Takeru Ogawa and released in August 2025, it features lyrics and music written by Ogawa himself, whose previous release, “Fragments of a Dream,” was also well received.

The lyrics portray the artistic journey of a young performer striving to become Japan’s finest onnagata, along with his yearning for his hometown.

The world it evokes—where an unwavering resolve to reach the summit intersects with sudden surges of love for family—deeply moves the listener.

Anyone who has left home to pursue a dream will surely relate.

It’s a dramatic track you’ll want to hear while reflecting on your own path.

Ichibangai BluesHama Hiroya

Hama Hiroya “Ichibangai Blues” Music Video

With a voice that blends urban allure and translucence, Hiroya Hama has long brought color to the world of mood kayō (Japanese popular ballads).

Released in August 2025, this song is set in the nighttime city and portrays a secretive love story between a man and a woman.

The subtle signals exchanged in neon-lit entertainment districts, along with the bittersweet frustration and exhilaration of a relationship that must remain hidden, are beautifully conveyed through Hama’s signature, soaring high notes.

Listening to this piece, you’ll likely feel a slightly illicit, intoxicating sweetness—as if you’re peeking into a scene from a drama.