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.
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Great Enka Masterpieces and Hit Songs of the 1970s (31–40)
My castle townKoyanagi Rumiko
Although it was her 1971 debut single, this song made her an overnight star, spending a total of 12 weeks at No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
Perhaps due to the image of the song, she pursued a very pure, innocent persona at the time of her debut.
She had a great figure, but there was an incident where Akiko Wada told her, “Rumi-chan, your legs are thick,” which made her burst into tears.
But the Koyanagi of today would probably snap back without missing a beat.
Enka chanchaka-chanHirano Masaaki
It’s a song that feels both playfully cheeky and like a well-understood dictionary of enka.
Mr.
Hirano, who ran a pub, got the idea from his customers’ performances; when he tried it out, it caught the eye of the one and only Dick Mine, who scouted him, and the song was released in 1978.
It’s strictly in a medley format, so it doesn’t have an original feel, but it was amusing and became a hit.
Gardenia blossomWatanabe Tetsuya
When it comes to classic songs from the Showa era, this track is indispensable.
Its heartrending lyrics pair perfectly with Tetsuya Watari’s rich, velvety vocals, making it a true gem.
Using a white flower as a motif to symbolize lost love, it beautifully sings of regret and lingering attachment to days gone by.
Released in August 1973, the song ranked 7th on the Oricon annual chart the following year.
It is also known as Watari’s debut performance piece at the 25th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 1974.
Long cherished as one of his signature songs, it remains a karaoke favorite.
Highly recommended for those who want to feel the atmosphere of the Showa era or discover the appeal of enka.
I’m appearing under my former name.Kobayashi Akira
Although Akira Kobayashi enjoyed success in the 1960s with the Wataridori film series and hit songs, he had no major hits after entering the 1970s.
However, by steadily touring cabarets and similar venues, his 1975 release “Mukashi no Namae de Deteimasu” became a hit, selling close to one million copies.
Perhaps the lyrics—featuring lines like “Nagare Onna,” “Bottle,” and “Hiromi no Inochi”—resonated well in bars and snack bars.
Osaka RhapsodyUminara Senri, Mari
In the 1970s, the sister manzai duo Unabara Senri & Mari took the country by storm, and yes—Senri is none other than Emiko Uenuma, known for her rapid-fire delivery.
Even Beat Takeshi, who has said that he generally doesn’t consider female manzai duos as part of the core tradition, acknowledged that these two were exceptional talents.
Their 1975 local song about their hometown of Osaka is an upbeat tune that evokes the Showa era.
In conclusion
Enka isn’t affected by passing trends and has consistently maintained steady popularity.
In particular, enka from the 1970s ties in with kayōkyoku, and it truly is an indispensable genre in the history of Japanese music.
Since young people today can easily listen to music through streaming services, if this article has sparked your interest, please do explore the world of enka!