Great enka masterpieces and hit songs of the 1970s
When you think of enka, many people imagine songs that use distinctive vocal inflections to express Japanese sentimentality and tales of love.
Enka became popular as mainstream music starting in the 1960s, but in fact, the term “enka” didn’t really take hold until the 1970s.
In this article, we’ve researched timeless enka hits from the ’70s and compiled songs that truly resonate with the Japanese heart—perfect for a first listen.
Alongside massive hits you’ve likely heard at least once, we’ve also picked many songs that lean toward kayōkyoku (Showa-era pop).
So if you’re a younger music fan curious about Showa-era Japanese music, be sure to check them out.
- A roundup of male enka singers in their 70s: legendary vocalists who support the enka world
- Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
- A roundup of female enka singers in their 70s: voices that evoke nostalgia
- Great enka masterpieces and hit songs of the 1980s
- Cool masterpieces of enka, the heart of Japan
- [Showa Era] A Collection of Enka Hits: Timeless Classics Loved Across Generations
- Legendary enka songs that fire up the crowd. A song catalog of enka picks you won’t go wrong with at karaoke.
- [2026] A Collection of Masterpieces of Enka and Mood Kayō
- A roundup of leading female enka singers representing the Showa era
- [1980s] A roundup of debut songs by enka singers
- [2026] Life's Cheering Songs: A Collection of Recommended Enka to Lift Your Spirits
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- Great enka masterpieces and hit songs of the 1990s
Great Enka Masterpieces and Hit Songs of the 1970s (1–10)
lingering regretHosokawa Takashi
Kokoro Nokori stirred up a whirlwind in the enka scene of the 1970s as a single by Takashi Hosokawa, who was based in Sapporo and won numerous new-artist music awards.
Its appeal lies in Hosokawa’s high-tone voice and the overwhelming vocal power born of the rich lung capacity he honed through folk singing.
The distinctive lyrics, voiced from a woman’s perspective, are still beloved by many.
The tearful saxophone in the intro, the heartrending words, and his vocals blend into a number that deeply moves the Japanese heart.
Please enjoy the fresh voice of Mr.
Hosokawa, who continues to reign as a major figure to this day.
OyukiNaitō Kunio
Despite the saying that heaven does not grant two gifts, there was Kunio Naitō in the 1970s—among shogi players, he sang the best, and among singers, he was the strongest at shogi.
He became a professional shogi player at 18, and in the era when karaoke became widespread, he sang in bars so well that he was even scouted by the head of the street musicians.
One can only take one’s hat off to Naitō’s talent—his “destiny from birth.”
Strings of TearsTonosama Kingusu
When it comes to signature songs that left a deep mark on the Japanese music scene, many would probably name this one by Tonosama Kings.
Released in 1973, it achieved an astonishing 1.973 million sales and stands as a masterpiece that sings of a woman’s unwavering love and aching heart.
The lyrics, reflecting a male-centered view of society, vividly capture the spirit of the times and greatly influenced the style of later enka.
In recent years, its appeal has been rediscovered by a new generation through Chibi Maruko-chan.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when healing the pain of heartbreak or when you want to feel pure love.
Great Enka Classics and Hit Songs of the 1970s (11–20)
Dream-Chasing SakeAtsumi Jirō
This song is a masterpiece truly worthy of being called the flower of enka.
It vividly portrays the state of mind of entrusting deep sorrow and loneliness to alcohol as a way to dull the pain, and it resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in February 1978, it initially went largely unnoticed, but thanks to nationwide promotional efforts, including Jiro Atsumi’s national tour, its popularity grew.
By 1979, it had become a massive hit, even taking the No.
1 spot on Oricon’s annual chart.
It remains a karaoke staple, so even those unfamiliar with enka will find it well worth singing at least once.
If you’re looking to heal the wounds of a broken heart or feeling lost in life, listening to it is sure to strike a chord.
Boat SongYashiro Aki
This song was created by the team of lyricist Yū Aku and composer Keisuke Hama—renowned for crafting classics—and features Aki Yashiro’s husky voice.
Because its lyrics have the feel of a “man’s song,” having a woman sing it brought a fresh, bold energy that left a deep mark on Japan’s Showa-era music scene.
Its impact was proven when it was featured in a 2006 Suntory BOSS commercial.
With a power and emotion that are unforgettable after just one listen, the song evokes the scenery and sound of the Showa period.
It’s also highly recommended for younger generations who want to experience the great songs of Showa.
night skyItsuki Hiroshi
This song was released in 1973.
Like the 1971 smash hit “Yokohama Tasogare,” it was created by the same team: lyrics by Yoko Yamaguchi and music by Masaaki Hirao, and with this song Hiroshi Itsuki won the Japan Record Award.
Although it’s enka, beyond the traditional enka groove and string arrangements, it layers in synthesizer sounds and introduces an R&B-like 16-beat in the latter half, giving it a pop-leaning feel.
It’s also a track where you can fully enjoy Itsuki’s youthful, soaring vocals.
Withered Pampas Grass of the Showa Erasakura to ichirō
It’s an indescribably bittersweet song, but isn’t it something that people born in the Heisei era might not fully understand? Even for those born in the Showa era, this goes pretty far… Still, as an insert song in the popular 1974 TV drama “Jikan Desu yo Showa Gannen,” it played during scenes set in an izakaya, which made it easy to picture, and that led to its becoming a hit.