New enka single release [December 2025]

Dreaming while cryingKayama Akio & Mika

[Full MV] Akio Kayama & Mika - “Crying While Dreaming”

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

[Full MV] Mirei Kitahara “Yakizakana” [Official]

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

I go my own way

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 “Trial of Luck” Music Video

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 'Monochrome Time' Music Video

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.

Michinoku Nagare-utaKihara Takeshi

Takeshi Kihara “Michinoku Nagare-uta” Music Video

Takeshi Kihara, a native of Oshu City in Iwate Prefecture, has long been active as a standard-bearer of Michinoku enka.

Since his debut in 1973, he has continued to sing many works set in the northern regions.

His mature artistry shines in Michinoku Nagare-uta.

Released in November 2025, this work is a classic travel-themed enka crafted by master creators Chiaki Oka and Koyomi Asa.

It poignantly portrays a man who, while traveling through various parts of Tohoku, finds his lingering feelings for a former lover growing stronger.

His robust yet warm voice sinks deeply into the listener’s heart.

shared umbrella for twoSeguchi Yuki

shared umbrella for two

Since debuting in 2000 with the single “Nebuta,” Yuki Seguchi has continued to captivate many fans with her striking kimono-clad visuals and emotionally rich vocals.

Her song “Futari-gasa” is a work that brings to life lyrics that won the Newcomer Grand Prize at the Japan Lyricist Awards.

Set to a wistful melody, it gently portrays the warm happiness of two people huddling together under a single umbrella on a rainy night.

How about playing it during a special moment with your beloved partner?