Cool masterpieces of enka, the heart of Japan

Enka that lets you feel the spirit of traditional Japan.

There are many songs that spotlight famous places and traditional events in Japan, as well as tracks that convey a stylish, mature atmosphere.

In this article, we’ll introduce some cool enka songs from among the many out there!

Enka might feel unfamiliar to younger listeners, but it’s a cool genre with a soul that’s different from pop or rock.

Since the 2000s, various performances—such as collaborations with young artists on music shows and rock arrangements of classic hits—have been drawing attention.

Listen to the songs we introduce and feel the coolness of Japan’s traditional spirit!

Playlist

Cool masterpieces of enka, the heart of Japan
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Wind God and Thunder GodKimura Tetsuji		A song that expresses a strong will to face rough seas
2	A solitary journey to MichinokuYamamoto Jōji		Joji Yamamoto's 'Michinoku Hitori Tabi' is gaining popularity.
3	Boat SongYashiro Aki		Aki Yashiro’s manly song “Funauta” — its overwhelming allure
4	Cape ErimoMori Shinichi		Cape Erimo, the famous song passionately sung by Shinichi Mori
5	O-Shichi and the Night Cherry BlossomsSakamoto Fuyumi		The famous Enka song with brass, 'Yozakura Oshichi'
6	Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri		Sayuri Ishikawa, a classic song set on Mount Amagi
7	Blues of the DawnItsuki Hiroshi		Increase in TV enka programs, gaining popularity with an aging population
8	Flowers and SamuraiMiyama Hiroshi		Hiroshi Miyama shows his full charm with rock enka!
9	Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri		Sayuri Ishikawa’s classic song “Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene”
10	Cape KamuiHosokawa Takashi		Takashi Hosokawa sings about the scenery of his hometown.
11	festivalKitajima Saburō		Saburo Kitajima’s “Matsuri” is a masterpiece that depicts Japanese festivals.
12	wintering swallowMori Masako		Masako Mori’s classic “Ettō Tsubame” is a masterpiece of enka.
13	Winter RivieraMori Shinichi		Shinichi Mori’s classic song, “Winter Riviera,” the melancholy of farewell.
14	Harbor Pier DrizzleIshikawa Sayuri		The spoken prelude in enka is a craftsman’s art and pleasing to the ear.
15	Rampaging Taiko Drum ~Including ‘Outlaw Generation’~Sakamoto Fuyumi		Fuyumi Sakamoto conveys the tradition and appeal of enka.
16	Brother ShipsToba Ichirō		Ichirō Toba, who sings about the way of life of a cool, stoic man
17	Dream PlayUmezawa Fumio		Umezawa Tomio’s signature song, depicting the maneuvers of love
18	Nyōnin KōyaTagawa Toshi-mi		Toshimi Tagawa’s classic song “Nyonin Koya” captivates with its emotionally rich vocals.
19	Jongara Onna-bushiNagayama Yōko		Yoko Nagayama’s classic hit “Jongara Onna-bushi” features captivating shamisen.
20	marine snowjero		Love and passion poured into the sea, Jero’s signature song
21	Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari		A signature song of Hibari Misora, a masterpiece with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto
22	SpotlightYamauchi Keisuke		Young enka singers will carry the next generation of enka.
23	Aspiration ~Kokorozashi~Fukuda Kouhei		Kohei Fukuda passionately performs his new song that questions one’s way of life.
24	Crimson SunMisora Hibari		The Group Sounds classic “Blue Shadow”
25	Showa-era manToba Ichirō		The way of life of a Showa-era man as sung by Ichiro Toba
26	Urban Shooting StarMizuki Natsumi		Natsumi Mizuki’s energetic new song captivates with its powerful strength.
27	Dream of the Dragon GodMisuzu		A mystical composition depicting the power of heaven and earth and the Dragon God
28	Shirakami-SanchiNagayama Yōko		A Tsugaru shamisen enka depicting the scenery of the Shirakami Mountains
29	Snow SongKimura Tetsuji		A Song of Renewal and Hope in the Snow
30	Castle of White CloudsHikawa Kiyoshi		The enka masterpiece by Kiyoshi Hikawa, the historical romance of a decayed castle
31	Men’s Fire FestivalSakamoto Fuyumi		Fuyumi Sakamoto’s Fiery Cheer Song “Men’s Fire Festival”
32	Shonai Shigure SakeFukuda Kouhei		A new song that sings of a man's melancholy and pride as he longs for his hometown
33	diamond dustŌzora Ayumi		Overcoming the pain of heartbreak and stepping into a hopeful spring
34	TakumiFukuda Kouhei		An enka song about a man who forges his path through sweat and effort.
35	Song of the Windhanzo		HANZO’s songs heal the heart—an anthem that cheers you on in life.
36	Life Dream Voyagetsuge yuuji		A fiery anthem of a man’s fierce resolve as he faces the raging waves.
37	Male Dragonmiyama kenji		An enka song that sings of a man's resolve and way of life
38	The last singer of the Showa eraNitta Akihiro		A classic by Koya Nitta that sings of the melancholy of the Showa era
39	Sanriku ElegyMizumori Kaori		Kaori Mizumori sings about the wife of a Sanriku fisherman.
40	It’s the intro now.tsukasa gaku		A poignant song that portrays the anxieties and hopes of love
41	We’re number one in Japan!sakura yumi		A timeless masterpiece brimming with the spirit of Japanese tradition, sung by Yumi Sakura
42	Seagull of the HeartAkimoto Junko		Junko Akimoto’s powerful lyrics and tone
43	Battotai (Army Marching Song)Charles Leroux		A rousing marching song of the military band, a prayer for the soldiers
44	Strait Shooting StarMiki Junko		An enka ballad that sings of bittersweet feelings for a cherished person
45	New Soma Love SongNumazaki Shūichi		A moving song that sings of a fisherman's pride and love
46	Keiji, the flower that blooms on the battlefieldKobayashi Sachiko		Theme song of the 'Hana no Keiji' series passionately sung by Sachiko Kobayashi
47	Festival SongToba Ichirō		A classic that sings of feelings for one’s hometown festival and a firm resolve.
48	As one gets drunkKumi Iwamoto		Praising the pain of heartbreak with alcohol
49	soft, blessed rainShimazu Etsuko		The pain of heartbreak, the sorrow of the Sea of Japan
50	A Melancholy Road on the Shimokita PeninsulaMatsubara Nobue		Nobue Matsubara passionately sings the soul of Mutsu
51	Reiwa ElegyShimizu Setsuko		Setsuko Shimizu’s powerful enka resonates in the heart.
52	Naniwa SpiritSakamoto Fuyumi		Depicting positivity with a powerful new song themed around Osaka
53	Tsugaru Shamisen StorySaisei		An enka song that sings of the pride of the Tsugaru shamisen and feelings for one’s hometown
54	fault; mistake; error; sin (context-dependent)Hinoyama Akira		A new enka-rock song that coolly portrays breakup and mistakes
55	Our LullabyToba Ichirō · Yutaka Yamakawa		A song of familial love woven by a brother duo
56	Woman of TakayamaŌe Yutaka		Oe Hiroshi’s Fleeting Love Song of the Hida Road
57	My shopShin Gorō		A cherished shop’s story, portrayed in warm enka
58	Back-Alley Man’s SakeKihara Takeshi		A Song of Melancholy and Hope of a Man in the Back Alley
59	Aizu Namida BridgeTsubuki Miyu		Miyu Tsubuki’s new song depicting a farewell in Aizu
60	sea dragonTayama Hiroshi		A classic song that sings of a seafaring man's passion and determination
61	Cape Tappi of the WindFukumoto Masaru		Tohoku enka is a song that stirs people's hearts.
62	Igossō CurrentShiina Sachiko		A classic song depicting the blessings of the sea and the life of fishermen
63	Eternal JourneyIshikawa Sayuri		A gem of a timeless song that resonates with the heart: Goro Matsui and Sayuri Ishikawa
64	Midway through life’s journeySatō Yoshito		A moving enka song that portrays a life as it is
65	Song is life itself.Fujii Ai		Ai Fujii's enka is a moving work that sings of life.
66	Thank you for meeting me.Kawakita Kimiko		An inspiring love song—Mr. Kawakita’s music that resonates with the heart
67	The sky of TokyoKitajima Saburō		Saburo Kitajima, an 88-year-old, sings a song of gratitude