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

The Last Train at MidnightFutami Souichi

Soichi Futami “Last Train at Midnight” MUSIC VIDEO

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

Aoyama Arata “Women Have It Hard” Music Video

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.

Catch me tonight.Shinhama Reon

Reon Niihama “Catch Me, Tonight.” Music Video (Full Ver.) [Official]

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.

Snow, Moon, and Flowerstatsumi yūto

Yuto Tatsumi “Setsugetsuka” Music Video

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.

EbisuSanada Naoki

[MV] Naoki Sanada / Ebisu (full ver.)

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.

The Bridge of Lingering AttachmentsMiraseiji

Seiji Mira — Bridge of Unfinished Regrets <Full MV>

Masatsugu Mira, who transitioned from a visual-kei vocalist to an enka singer, is drawing attention for his distinctive visuals and musicality.

He debuted in June 2018 with “Mirenbashi,” establishing a new style that breaks free from conventional enka.

With songs like “Nureru Yoru” and “Yoru to Asa no Aida ni,” he continues to explore a fusion of enka and visual-kei.

In 2023, he released the album Iro-sai Yume Ichizu, a work that showcases the multifaceted nature of his music.

Mira’s appeal lies not only in his music but also in his closeness to fans.

At concerts and events, he presents a warm, approachable presence, while actively sharing updates through social media and his official website.

He is highly recommended for music fans seeking a fusion of tradition and innovation.

I long for Southern HokkaidoKoyama Yudai

The 66th Shining! Japan Record Awards Newcomer Award | Yudai Koyama “Donan Koishiya” Music Video (Full Ver.)

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.