[2026] Summary of Enka Singers from Aomori

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.

“Tsugaru Strait Winter Scene,” “Tsugaru Jongara-bushi,” “O Iwaki-san,” “Tsugaru Koi Onna,” “Kaette Koi yo”…

The list goes on, but ever since the Showa era, countless classic enka songs have been released with Aomori Prefecture—especially the Tsugaru region—as their theme.

For those not particularly familiar with enka, many might even associate the genre with Tohoku, and Aomori in particular.

Aomori also boasts three major folk songs—Jongara-bushi, Yosare-bushi, and Ohara-bushi—and there are many famous pieces that fuse enka with folk music.

In this article, we focus on enka singers from Aomori Prefecture and introduce a selection of representative artists.

[2026] A Compilation of Enka Singers from Aomori (11–20)

Ah, Ueno StationIzawa Hachirō

Ah, Ueno Station — Hachiro Izawa

Ah, Ueno StationIzawa Hachirō

Hachiro Izawa, a native of Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture, is known as a leading enka singer of the Showa era.

He made his debut in 1963 with “Otoko-bune,” and the following year he shot to stardom with a song that became his signature hit.

With his powerful, resonant voice and songs that captured the feelings of workers and people from rural areas, he won the hearts of many.

His achievements have been highly acclaimed, including receiving the Special Achievement Award at the Japan Record Awards in 2007.

Even after his passing on January 17, 2007, at the age of 69, his signature song has continued to be used as the departure melody at Ueno Station, remaining deeply etched in the memories of those who lived through the Showa period.

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In conclusion

As mentioned at the beginning, the enka genre itself has produced many masterpieces inspired by Aomori Prefecture and the Tsugaru region, so I feel that enka singers from Aomori tend to show an especially strong attachment to their local roots compared to other areas.

Now that we’re well into the mid-2020s, I’m hoping to see the emergence of young enka singers from Aomori who can shake up the enka world!