New enka single release [December 2025]
As a traditional form of Japanese music, enka continues to be loved by people of all ages.
Its heart-stirring melodies and emotionally rich lyrics really strike a chord with listeners.
This article features enka songs released in December 2025.
From wistful ballads to powerful songs that cheer on life’s journey, a wide variety of tracks have been delivered.
Whether you’re looking for a song to sing at karaoke or want to sit back and listen closely, be sure to find a favorite track!
- New Enka Single Release [January 2025]
- New enka single release [December 2024]
- New enka single release [November 2025]
- New Enka Single Release [May 2025]
- New Enka Single Release [February 2025]
- New enka single release [March 2025]
- New enka single release [June 2025]
- New enka single release [July 2025]
- New Enka Single Release [October 2025]
- New enka single release [August 2025]
- New enka single release [September 2025]
- New enka single release [April 2025]
- New Enka Single Release [November 2024]
New Enka Song Releases [December 2025] (11–20)
A Man’s HeartlessnessKurokawa Shinichiro
Shinichiro Kurokawa, who trained under Hideo Mizumori and made his debut in 2003, delivers an ambitious work in “Otoko no Mujō” that delves deeply into a man’s inner emotions—his weakness and regret.
Released as a single in December 2025, the song showcases a voice that has grown more seasoned by his 20th debut anniversary in 2023, quietly resonating in listeners’ hearts.
Tatsuya Nango’s arrangement lends a wistful atmosphere that pairs exquisitely with Kurokawa’s soaring high notes.
It’s perfect for nights when you want to immerse yourself in life’s sorrows.
Aspiration ~Kokorozashi~Fukuda Kouhei
Kohei Fukuda, who continues to captivate enka fans with the overwhelming vocal power and delicate ornamentation he honed through folk music, is back.
Set for release in January 2026, “Kokorozashi (Resolve)” is a grand piece that questions the way we live and the convictions we hold.
Tetsuya Gen’s wistful melody blends beautifully with Fukuda’s solid, resonant voice, leaving a deep impression on the listener.
It’s a powerful yet warm work, perfect for the start of a new year.
Heartthrob Cha-Cha-Cha ~ Welcome to Snack Hayabusa ~hayabusa
This track, Tokimeki wa Cha-Cha-Cha ~Welcome to Snack Hayabusa~, turns the world of the popular YouTube series “Snack Hayabusa” directly into music.
Released as a single in November 2025, it comically yet passionately portrays a game of love played across the counter in a fictional snack bar.
Set to a cha-cha-cha rhythm, its brisk, lively sound is so exhilarating that you’ll find your body moving before you know it.
Treasure Ship of Happinessoka naru mi
This is Minoru Okanaru’s fifth single, “Shiawase Takarabune” (“Treasure Ship of Happiness”).
Released in December 2025, the song was composed by her mentor, Izumi Mori.
In a complete shift from her previous melancholic style, it’s a lively festival tune featuring the sounds of taiko drums and shamisen.
The lyrics celebrate the bustling energy of a fishing port and the power to live life positively.
It’s a perfect pick for anyone looking for an uplifting kayōkyoku track.
Dreaming while cryingKayama Akio & Mika
Veteran singer Akio Kayama, known for his sweet, wistful voice and the smash hit “Hisame,” teams up on “Crying While Dreaming” with powerhouse vocalist Mika, who earned her spot by winning a Karaoke DAM audition.
This December 2025 release is the latest version of a beloved classic that has been passed down by various female vocalists since 1989.
Tetsuya Chiaki’s portrayal of an adult love affair blends beautifully with Makoto Sugimoto’s urbane melody, vividly conveying the aching emotions of a man and woman swayed by the foreboding of parting.
If you’re looking for a duet song for karaoke, be sure to check it out.
grilled fish (served as a course)Kitahara Mirei
Here is Yakizakana, the second commemorative single released in December 2025 by Mirei Kitahara, who is celebrating the 55th anniversary of her debut.
Composed by her mentor Keisuke Hama, this work is an enka piece that could be called a man’s blues.
It depicts the loneliness of a man who, alone in a rundown bar, knocks back local sake with some fish while thinking of his hometown and his late mother—murmuring as if in a dream.
The sound, resonant with blues harmonica, and the lyrics that vividly conjure scenes sink deep into the heart.
Give it a quiet listen on a tranquil night.
I go my own wayKitajima Saburō
A song packed with the weight of a life, powerfully affirming the path one has walked.
Released as a single in November 2025, it drew attention for extending an unprecedented streak of 64 consecutive yearly releases since his debut.
An album of the same name was released alongside it, distilling Saburo Kitajima’s unwavering conviction as he remains active even at age 88.
It portrays a man’s resolve to face hardships—rain and storms—head-on.
The arrangement moves from a steady, resonant low-mid register to a soaring chorus, lighting a passionate fire in the listener’s heart.
Trying one’s luckHarada Yuuri
Yuri Harada is a powerhouse singer known for hits like Kisoji no Onna, which achieved million-seller status.
Her richly expressive yet resolute voice—grounded in her background as a former music teacher—has captivated fans for many years.
Undameshi (Trial of Luck) is her milestone 60th release, a single issued in December 2025.
It’s a rousing anthem that encourages those facing adversity to seize their one and only life and take their shot.
Its brisk rhythm and soaring chorus will give listeners a strong push forward.
A perfect track for life’s turning points or those moments when you need one more burst of strength.
Monochrome TimeOno-dera Yosuke
Yosuke Onodera, a singer from Yamagata Prefecture who also works as a graphic designer and actively pursues both paths, released the single “Monochrome Time” in November 2025.
The work’s appeal lies above all in its chic, metropolitan atmosphere.
It poignantly portrays a woman’s aching feelings as she continues to think about someone who has left, set against a colorless, solitary passage of time.
It’s a song you’ll want to savor at night.
A lone, wandering womanShima Etsuko
Etsuko Shima’s single “Onna Hitori Mayoibito” was released in December 2025.
Following in the vein of her previous work “Onna no Bōkyōka,” it’s crafted as a classic song in the women’s enka tradition.
It portrays lingering feelings for a former lover and the loneliness of living alone, capturing the sway between inner strength and vulnerability.
With a structure that showcases kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), it’s perfect for those looking for a karaoke song that can be sung with deep emotion—be sure to check it out.