Easy-to-sing enka: A roundup of recommended enka songs for karaoke
Enka, a genre that represents Japanese music.
Its singing method uses a technique called kobushi, which is highly distinctive, and its unique sound—built on pentatonic scales and triads—has been loved for many years.
That said, because enka relies on kobushi, many people may feel it’s difficult to sing.
For those people, we’ve selected songs that minimize the use of kobushi and don’t require a wide vocal range.
We also cover the technical aspects in detail, so if you want to sing enka well, this is a must-read!
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- A must-see for low-voiced women! Popular songs that are easy to sing at karaoke
- [Men] Enka Songs That Can Score High in Karaoke
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Classics for Karaoke — Women Singers Edition
- [Men in their 60s] Even if you're not good at singing, it's okay! Easy-to-sing songs for karaoke
- Karaoke songs recommended for men with low voices or who are good at singing in a low register
- [For Women] A roundup of enka songs that can score high in karaoke
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Masterpieces for Karaoke — Male Singers Edition
- [Enka/Kayōkyoku] Challenge! A collection of songs that make it easy to put in kobushi (melismatic embellishments)
- No worries even if you’re not confident in your singing! Simple, easy-to-sing songs for karaoke.
- [For women] Songs with a narrow vocal range that are easy to adjust the key for!
Easy-to-sing enka. Recommended enka for karaoke (11–20)
Sake InnKouzai Kaori
Among Kaori Kozai’s songs, this is one of the most popular.
When it was released in 2012, it was performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, so many people have probably heard it.
It features a calm, quintessential enka tempo and a melody that feels familiar to Japanese listeners.
Once you listen closely and memorize the tune, it’s a song that feels very easy to sing.
The range is accessible for women with an average vocal register, though it may be slightly wide, so it’s a good idea to try singing it a few times in advance.
marine snowjero
Jero, a singer who was once hugely popular as the “Black Ship” of the enka world.
Many of you may know him since he even appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Speaking of Jero’s signature songs, it has to be Umi Yuki.
It follows orthodox enka while incorporating catchy elements of kayōkyoku here and there.
The chorus is a bit fast, so try to sing that part with power.
It’s better to deliver it more like speaking than singing.
This song really shines when you create a clear contrast between the chorus and the A-melody, so please use that as a reference.
Yokohama TwilightItsuki Hiroshi
Hiroshi Itsuki is one of the most popular enka singers in Japan.
He’s widely regarded as a vocalist with great skill, but rather than possessing overwhelming vocal power, he might be better described as a singer who performs more carefully and meticulously than anyone else.
He’s a genius at singing with exceptional precision and beauty, and his perfectly tuned pitch is especially striking.
Among his songs, “Yokohama Tasogare” is particularly easy to sing.
The chorus sits quite high for chest voice, so you may find that part challenging.
In such cases, it’s also a good idea to avoid forcing your voice—just as Hiroshi Itsuki does—and finesse it instead.
Give it a try for reference.
Cape ErimoMori Shinichi
Shinichi Mori’s classic “Erimo Misaki.” For anyone in their 50s or older, it’s no exaggeration to say there’s hardly a person who doesn’t know this song.
With its powerful vocals, it can seem difficult, but in fact it’s one of the easiest enka songs to sing.
The biggest reason it’s so singable is the minimal use of kobushi (melismatic ornamentation).
Since kobushi is the most challenging technique in enka, having less of it is a huge relief for us amateurs.
The pitch movement isn’t overly dramatic, either, so give it a try.
Boat SongYashiro Aki
This is the 28th single by enka singer Aki Yashiro, known for her distinctive husky voice and powerful vocals that allow her to master not only enka but also kayōkyoku and jazz.
Alongside her 30th single “Ame no Bojō,” it stands as one of her signature songs—a number where the evocative lyrics and her wistful, melancholic voice blend perfectly.
Overall, the key is low and the range isn’t wide, making it relatively easy to sing, though it may be difficult to imitate Yashiro’s unique phrasing and vocal production.
Since there aren’t particularly challenging technical sections, it’s a classic enka song where beginners should first aim to sing it all the way through.
Longing for RainYashiro Aki
Aki Yashiro is an enka singer who’s popular even among younger listeners.
Her husky voice and wistful vocals resonate with the heart no matter the era.
“Ame no Bojo” is one of her signature songs.
While it sounds like a typical enka number, the vocal style actually leans closer to kayōkyoku.
Among her repertoire, this track does require some vocal power, but since it relies primarily on dynamic nuance, it’s still relatively easy to sing even for those who don’t have a big voice.
Be sure to check it out.
Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari
Japan’s songstress, Hibari Misora.
She has produced many timeless hits, and among them the song I especially recommend is “Like the Flow of the River.” Although it’s categorized as enka, it actually leans more toward a kayōkyoku flavor, with the vocal ornamentation kept relatively restrained overall.
However, at the end of the chorus you need to add some vibrato-like kobushi while mixing in falsetto.
I think this part is difficult, but if you just can’t hit it, be bold: give up the falsetto and lower the key.
A solitary journey to MichinokuYamamoto Jōji
Joji Yamamoto, an enka singer representing Yamaguchi Prefecture.
His sleek looks and deep, husky vocals have kept him popular for many years.
Among his songs, the one I especially recommend as an easy-to-sing enka number is “Michinoku Hitoritabi.” Because it has elements of kayōkyoku (traditional Japanese pop), it’s relatively easy to sing for an enka song.
However, since it contains many low notes, it may be difficult for women to sing.
The song doesn’t require a wide vocal range, so if you find it hard to sing, try raising the key by one semitone.
Northern SpringSen Masao
This is the 24th single by singer Masao Sen, known as a giant in the enka world and, as a businessman, so talented he’s been dubbed the “singing real estate king.” It’s a massive hit that has sold over three million copies in total and is also known for being widely covered by artists both in Japan and abroad.
With its relaxed tempo and minimal pitch variation, it’s probably one of the easier songs to sing even within the enka genre.
However, because there are distinctive melodic turns here and there, such as in the A melody, be sure to listen closely to the original recording before heading to karaoke so you don’t fall behind the melody.
Two-person sakekawanaka miyuki
It’s one of Miyuki Kawanaka’s signature songs, released in 1980 and a massive hit that sold over a million copies.
Even if you’re not a fan of enka, many people in their 50s and older will likely have heard it.
The song has a relaxed tempo with a theme of marital love, and the lyrics aren’t densely packed, so you can calmly sing while checking each rhythm and note.
The vocal range also falls within an easy range for women with an average voice, making it a very approachable song to try.