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[2026] Enka’s Seventh Generation! A roundup of young enka singers
Suddenly, but did you know that enka singers known as the “Seventh Generation of Enka” are hugely popular in the Reiwa era?
There isn’t a strict definition of this “Seventh Generation,” but it generally refers to enka singers—mainly in their 20s—who began to stand out from the late 2010s.
Some say the name is modeled after the “Seventh Generation” in the comedy world.
As representatives of this “Seventh Generation of Enka,” five artists—Soichi Futami, Leon Niihama, Yuto Tatsumi, Arata Aoyama, and Saishu—have been jointly holding concerts that are drawing great popularity.
In this article, we introduce those five along with other up-and-coming young enka singers to watch.
If you want to know what’s happening in enka right now, be sure to check it out!
[2026] Enka Seventh Generation! Young Enka Singers Roundup (1–10)
The Last Train at MidnightFutami Souichi
Since his debut with Nippon Crown in 2019, Soichi Futami has drawn attention for his powerful yet wistful “echoing voice,” dubbed the Yamabiko Voice.
As a next-generation artist in enka and kayōkyoku, he continues to captivate many listeners with a folk-influenced, expansive vocal range and richly expressive delivery.
His debut song, “Aishū Tōge” (Pass of Melancholy), incorporated a relatively modern sensibility and helped spread his name.
His background is also noteworthy: he won the 2017 Nippon Crown audition, which led to his debut.
Beyond his musical activities, Futami shows a multifaceted side with hobbies like painting and calligraphy, and his ability to reflect a contemporary approach in enka is particularly appealing.
His voice resonates not only with traditional enka fans but also with new audiences—be sure to give him a listen.
Being a woman is hard.Aoyama Shin
In February 2020, Shin Aoyama made his debut in the enka world with his fresh looks and clear, transparent singing voice.
He captured fans’ hearts with his single “Shikata Nai no sa,” and has continued to release hit songs such as “Kirisame no Yoru wa Fukeru” and “Kimi to Doko made mo.” In 2024, “Onna ga Tsurai” was nominated for the 57th Japan Lyricist Awards, proving his talent as a young enka singer.
On May 8, 2022, he held his first solo concert at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall to great success.
Under the guidance of Hideo Mizumori, Aoyama’s vocal skill and expressive power captivate a wide range of fans, from younger listeners to older generations.
He is highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy refreshing enka.
Snow, Moon, and Flowerstatsumi yūto
Born in 1998, Yuto Tatsumi is a talented singer drawing attention as a young face of the enka world.
Familiar with enka from an early age, he made his debut in 2018 with “Shitamachi Junjo,” winning Best New Artist at the Japan Record Awards that same year.
Since then, he has continued to shine, including achieving consecutive No.
1 rankings on Oricon.
While rooted in enka, his broad musicality—taking on pop and kayōkyoku as well—is part of his appeal.
In 2022, he released a 5th anniversary single, captivating listeners with his crisp vocals.
Thanks to his sweet looks and strong vocal ability, he’s also known as the “Prince of Enka.” Valuing tradition while embracing new forms of expression, Tatsumi is seen as a leading figure for the future of enka.
Catch me tonight.Shinhama Reon
Leon Niihama is garnering attention as a young enka singer of the “seventh generation” of enka.
Born in 1996 in Chiba Prefecture, he comes from a musical family; his father is enka singer Yasuo Takashiro.
He made a spectacular debut in 2020 with a song that became the ending theme for TBS’s Hiruobi!, and his powerful vocals and refreshing melodies have earned him support across generations.
He has been named a candidate for the Japan Record Awards’ New Artist prize and is actively performing live, steadily building his career.
While grounded in classic kayōkyoku, Niihama also incorporates contemporary approaches, making his music a must-listen for anyone who wants to hear the “now” of enka.
I long for Southern HokkaidoKoyama Yudai
Yudai Koyama, a native of Sapporo, Hokkaido, is a young enka singer who made his debut with King Records in April 2024.
A formidable talent who studied folk songs and shamisen from childhood, he has won numerous competitions.
His debut single paints scenes of his hometown, and his powerful, resonant voice has captured the hearts of many.
That same year, he received the New Artist Award at the 66th Japan Record Awards.
Nicknamed the “Magic Voice,” Koyama is also highly skilled at card magic, drawing attention with performances that combine singing and magic.
While carrying on the traditions of enka, Koyama continues to showcase fresh appeal, and his future endeavors are eagerly anticipated.
EbisuSanada Naoki
Born in 1989 in Saitama Prefecture, Naoki Sanada is a young enka singer who made his debut in 2016 with “Reiko.” His distinctive husky voice, dubbed the “knockout voice,” leaves an unforgettable impression.
His 2020 release “Ebisu” debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Enka/Kayō chart, and he won the Best New Artist Award at the 62nd Japan Record Awards that same year.
He has continued to release songs written and composed by his mentor, Ikuzō Yoshi, earning high acclaim.
A sports enthusiast, Sanada has experience in baseball, karate, and boxing, and he’s also known as a big fan of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
Making use of his cool looks, he also works as a model.
With his wide-ranging talents, it’s hard to take your eyes off Sanada’s future endeavors.
Heartbreak LongingMochizuki Ruka
Ruka Mochizuki is attracting attention as a rising star in the enka world.
Born in 1996, she made her solo debut in July 2020 with “Shitsuren Bojō” (Yearning After Heartbreak), achieving the remarkable feat of reaching No.
1 on the Oricon Enka/Kayōkyoku chart.
She followed this with two consecutive Oricon No.
1 releases, including “Omokage/Miren-bashi.” In 2021, she won the New Artist Award at the 63rd Japan Record Awards, and in 2022 she received the Best Newcomer Award at the Japan Singers Association Song Festival, adding to her impressive list of honors.
Mochizuki’s appeal lies in her commitment to preserving enka’s traditions while boldly embracing new forms of expression.
Starting in October 2022, she collaborated with five Vocaloid producers, releasing digital singles for five consecutive months—an expansion beyond the usual boundaries of enka.
Drawing on her piano training since age three, she also showcases pieces by jazz pianists, highlighting her multifaceted talent.
Her voice captivates not only enka fans but also younger listeners.
Why not lend an ear to Mochizuki’s fresh and compelling sound?