[2026] Enka’s Seventh Generation! A roundup of young enka singers

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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 (11–20)

PhoenixHarada Namito

Harada Namito “Phoenix” MUSIC VIDEO

PhoenixHarada Namito

Singer Namito Harada, who hails from Wakayama City and is attracting keen attention as the “standard-bearer of the enka Generation Z” born in Wakayama, grew up familiar with singing under the influence of his grandfather.

In October 2016, he triumphed as the champion on NHK Nodo Jiman.

He made his major debut in January 2022 with the single “Eien no Ichibyo ~Stretched love~.” While rooted in enka and kayōkyoku, his music also skillfully incorporates pop sensibilities, as heard in “Junjō Hototogisu,” produced by Tsunku♂.

His solid talent—evident in “Hi no Tori,” which reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Enka/Kayō Singles Ranking—and his endearing personality, known by the nickname “Popo,” are among his chief attractions.

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promiseNakazawa Takuya

Takuya Nakazawa “Promise” MUSIC VIDEO

promiseNakazawa Takuya

Takuya Nakazawa, an enka and kayōkyoku singer from Niigata Prefecture, has been rising to prominence.

Since making his major debut with the single “Aoi Diamond” in January 2017, he has continued to captivate many fans with his clear voice and assured vocal skill.

In a remarkable achievement for his debut year, he won the Encouragement Award at the Japan Cable Radio Awards and the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.

He has since produced a string of hits, including “Fuyu no Chō” and “Kita no Tazunebito.” Beyond music, Nakazawa also has a side as a racing driver.

In 2023, he claimed his first victory in the Fuji 86/BRZ Challenge Cup, showcasing his multifaceted talents.

Carrying on the classic traditions of enka while bringing in a fresh breeze, he stands as a leading figure among young enka singers, with great expectations for his future success.

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In conclusion

As mentioned at the beginning, enka is a genre that continues to evolve in real time even in the Reiwa era, and singers even younger than those of the so-called seventh generation have already emerged, so there’s no doubt many more stars will be born.

While cherishing the spirit and tradition of enka, keep an eye on how this music will change in the hands of talented singers!