[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!
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[2026] Enka Seventh Generation! Young Enka Singers Roundup (1–10)
Hamakoyan ShigureKadamatsu Miyuki
Miyuki Kadoshima is attracting attention as a young enka singer.
Born in 1993, she made her debut in 2019 with “Michinoku Bōkyōka,” quickly becoming a rising star in the enka world thanks to her powerful, emotionally rich voice.
In 2021, she won THE Karaoke★Battle, and in 2022 she received the Encouragement Award at the Japan Composer’s Association Music Festival, steadily proving her talent.
While valuing the traditional elements of enka, her music also incorporates modern arrangements, earning support from a wide range of ages.
Her versatility is another draw—she is also skilled at playing the Tsugaru shamisen and the trombone.
She is a singer highly recommended for those seeking a new era of enka.
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?
Ginjirō, the Traveling SparrowSaisei
Ayasei is a young enka singer from Hokkaido.
Since debuting in 2019, he has drawn attention for his powerful vocals and his “three-blade style” mastery of Tsugaru shamisen and shakuhachi.
He played the shakuhachi on his debut single, making waves with his unique approach.
In subsequent releases, his signature appeal shines through the compelling combination of standing shamisen performance and singing.
Just six months after his debut, he won the Best New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.
Beyond music, he has shown his range with appearances such as in the NHK morning drama series Yell.
Blending tradition and innovation, Ayasei’s music offers a fresh surprise not only to enka fans but also to younger audiences.
[2026] Enka Seventh Generation! Young Enka Singers Roundup (11–20)
Osaka LonelinessTanaka Aimi
Aimi Tanaka, a Kyoto native born in 2000, is gaining attention as a young enka–kayōkyoku singer.
She made her major debut in November 2021 with “Kodoku no Utahime (Singer),” showcasing a soulful style that leverages her husky voice and high range, offering a distinctive charm that sets her apart from traditional enka.
In December 2022, she won the Best New Artist Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards, earning widespread recognition for her talent.
In her private life, she favors gyaru fashion, and her unique blend of tradition and modernity has won support from younger audiences.
If you want to experience a new side of enka, be sure to check her out!
Alone on the Ban-etsu West Lineumetani kokona
In July 2023, Kokoa Umetani made her major debut with “Ban-etsu West Line Alone” while still a high school student.
Admiring Hibari Misora since childhood and influenced by her great-grandmother, she grew up immersed in Showa-era popular songs and has been drawing attention as the “Reiwa Showa Kayō Girl.” At age 11, she earned a perfect score on THE Karaoke★Battle, the youngest in the show’s history, cementing her reputation for outstanding vocal ability.
She held her first solo concert in September 2024 and won the New Artist Award at the 66th Japan Record Awards in November of the same year.
Continuing her work of bringing classic Showa hits to today’s audiences, Umetani’s voice is recommended not only for enka fans but also for younger listeners interested in Showa-era music.
Even though you have no intention (of doing it).Fujii Kaori
Kaai Fujii is attracting attention as a fresh breeze in the enka world.
Since making her debut with “Tokyo Rouge” in July 2018, her vocals—covering everything from classic Showa-era masterpieces to contemporary kayōkyoku—have captured the hearts of many fans.
In 2020, she won the Encouragement Prize at the Japan Composers’ Association Music Festival, and in 2022 she received the Japan Composers’ Association New Artist Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards, steadily earning recognition for her talent.
Her expressive power, honed through musical experience from childhood and a wide range of activities, brings new allure to the kayōkyoku scene.
She’s highly recommended for those who want to feel the “now” of kayōkyoku or discover the true ability of a young enka singer.
Fool’s TavernSatono Suzune
Are you familiar with Suzune Satono, a young enka singer from Hyogo Prefecture? She made her major debut in September 2024 with the single “Baka Sakaba” and is affectionately known as the “Smile Enka” singer.
Her clear, soaring mid-to-high range and emotionally rich vocals are truly captivating.
In 2023, before her debut, she won the runner-up prize in the Nippon Crown Newcomer Audition, and since then she has trained under enka master Hideo Mizumori, marking her as a highly promising talent.
She has been promoting nationwide with a focus on the Kansai region and also appeared on Fuji TV’s “All-Star Chorus Battle.” With her bright personality and solid vocal prowess, she is gaining broad support from both younger and older audiences.
She’s a singer highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the “now” of enka.