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!
- Even karaoke beginners can relax! Easy-to-sing songs for men
- [Karaoke] A roundup of songs that are easy for women to sing!
- Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
- 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: A roundup of recommended enka for karaoke (41–50)
Fragments of Men and WomenMaekawa Kiyoshi
Singer Kiyoshi Maekawa has gained popularity for his rich vocal tone and steady singing.
While many may associate him more with kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs) than with enka, he does perform solid, ornamented enka depending on the song.
Among his enka pieces, one I particularly recommend is “Otoko to Onna no Kakera” (Shards of Man and Woman).
It features very few kobushi (traditional vocal turns), appearing only once in the verse and twice in the chorus.
Because it’s an enka number with a very strong kayōkyoku flavor, it’s quite easy to sing.
I fell in love with Yuko like that.Masuiyama Tashirō
Taijiro Masuiyama is an enka singer with the unusual background of being a former professional sumo wrestler.
People have long said that sumo wrestlers have good voices, and he is a perfect example.
His voice is warm and gentle, yet possesses overwhelming richness.
The song he performs here, “Sonna Yūko ni Horemashita,” fully showcases the essential elements of enka while still being very easy to sing.
There are few kobushi (ornamental turns), and the ones that do appear are simple—just one or two turns—so it should be possible to aim for a high score.
Your path of gloryTendō Yoshimi
Yoshimi Tendo, the songstress born in Osaka.
She possesses a vocal power unimaginable from her petite frame, and armed with outstanding kobushi ornamentation and expressive ability, she has produced numerous masterpieces.
Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is “Anta no Hanamichi.” Compared to her other tracks, it uses fewer kobushi, so it’s relatively easy to sing.
Even so, there are a few tricky parts; if you find them too difficult, try ignoring the kobushi and just sing through.
Kinokawa RiverYamanishi Akari
A song overflowing with love for one’s hometown, delivered by Akari Yamanishi, an enka singer from Wakayama, resonates deeply with the heart.
Its charm lies in the carefully woven gratitude to her mother and reverence for nature.
The lyrics skillfully capture the delicate ebb and flow of emotions—strength and kindness characteristic of a Kishu woman—drifting like the Kinokawa River, and they are sure to seep into the listener’s soul.
Released in October 2023, this track is a significant work in Yamanishi’s solo career.
When your heart is weary, when you want to remember someone dear, or when you long to return home—this is the gem of a song you should listen to.
Ikebukuro at NightAoe Mina
Mina Aoe, the great female singer who forged the concept of “blues” within enka.
Among the female vocalists of her time, she stood out with her overwhelmingly sultry, husky voice, and she produced many masterpieces infused with sensuality and melancholy.
Of all her songs, the one I especially recommend is Ikebukuro no Yoru (Night in Ikebukuro).
In this piece, you can glimpse blues elements within enka, and it carries an immense, hidden pathos.
The kobushi (ornamental vibrato) itself is not very difficult, and the melodic rises and falls are gentle, so it’s a song where you can likely aim for a high score.
Freeze my heartTakayama Iwao
When people think of enka, many imagine a gritty style featuring strong vocal ornamentation known as kobushi.
Of course, that kind of song makes up a large part of enka, but “Kokoro Koorasete” is different.
This track blends elements of enka with a genre known as New Adult Music.
Since it doesn’t use kobushi, even those who find traditional enka vocal phrasing difficult should find it easy to sing.
As long as you match the key and pitch, anyone can handle it—the tempo is nice and slow—so give it a try.
night skyItsuki Hiroshi
Hiroshi Itsuki is a giant in the enka world.
Even with his deliberately constricted singing style, the solid depth of his voice is truly overwhelming.
Among his songs, the one I especially recommend is Yozora (Night Sky).
While it has a somewhat wide vocal range, it features relatively few kobushi (ornamental turns) for an enka piece, making it very approachable for those who struggle with them.
If the high notes are too difficult, try lowering the key and give it a shot.
Osaka sparrowNagai Miyuki & Nagai Miyuki
Miyuki Nagai’s classic “Osaka Suzume,” released in 1997, is one of her signature works and won the New Artist Award in the enka category at the 34th Japan Record Awards.
While faithfully inheriting traditional enka techniques, the song is arranged to be very easy to sing.
Notably, it features very few kobushi (melismatic ornamentations).
The number of notes is also quite limited, and the tempo is slow, making it a piece in which it’s easy to maintain precise pitch control.
In conclusion
This time, I selected enka songs with fewer kobushi ornamentations and gentler pitch movement. I tried to choose enka that are easier to sing, but since enka itself is a high-difficulty genre, it’s best to master kobushi if you want to sing better. We also have articles explaining vocals on Rug Music, so be sure to check those out as well!