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
- [For Men] What Karaoke Songs Make It Easy to Score 100? A Curated List of Easy-to-Sing Tracks
- [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.
Easy-to-sing enka: A roundup of recommended enka for karaoke (31–40)
abandonedNagayama Yōko
One of Yoko Nagayama’s signature songs and an absolute karaoke favorite! Released in 1995, “Suterarete” cemented her status as an enka singer after she transitioned from idol singer to enka in 1993.
Her “demo ne” pose also became a hot topic at the time.
While it’s an enka number, it carries a slightly kayōkyoku-like flavor.
Although techniques like subtle kobushi (grace notes) and vibrato appear throughout, the overall difficulty isn’t that high, and there are no extreme high notes, making it relatively easy to sing.
It’s a great choice even for beginners singing Nagayama’s songs for the first time!
Drunken GlowKimu Yonja
Youngja Kim is a Korean-born enka singer beloved by enka fans.
Rather than a trot singer, her appeal lies in her authentic enka vocals, and she has produced a string of classics thanks to her exceptional expressiveness and steady singing technique.
Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Yoiakari.
It’s solidly enka, but features relatively few kobushi (melismatic ornaments).
The range is somewhat wide, so try singing it while paying attention to key adjustment.
Boatwoman’s SongMitsubishi Michiya
Michiya Mihashi is an enka singer known for his rugged charm and powerful presence.
Although he has a relatively high vocal timbre, his use of kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) is strikingly tasteful, applying just the right amount in the most satisfying spots.
Among his songs, the one I especially recommend is Onna Sendō Uta (Boatwoman’s Song).
While this piece spans a wide vocal range, its pitch movement is gentle, and among his repertoire the kobushi technique required is on the easier side.
It does call for a certain level of fundamental singing ability, but it’s still an enka song that can be considered relatively easy to sing.
Rainy PierMikado Tadaji
Tadashi Mikado, an enka singer who rose to popularity after leaving his salaried job.
He’s an enka singer from Kishiwada in Osaka, and despite his gallant appearance, his gently enveloping vocal timbre is striking.
Among his songs, the one I especially recommend is Amaguru Hatoba (Rainy Wharf).
While this piece is undoubtedly a solid, traditional enka number, the kobushi (ornamental vibrato) only appears in sections where it’s easy to execute.
The tempo is quite slow as well, so if you can manage basic kobushi, you should be able to aim for a high score.
Izakaya HotaruUesugi Kaori
Kaori Uesugi, a female enka singer also known as a member of the Rainbow Usagi-gumi, enjoys idol-like popularity while possessing solid vocal ability, with a style reminiscent of Kaori Kozai.
Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Izakaya Hotaru.
The vocal range is fairly wide, but the tempo is slow and the kobushi ornamentation is relatively easy.
However, be careful at the end of the chorus, where there are about three consecutive kobushi turns.
Easy-to-sing enka: A roundup of recommended enka for karaoke (41–50)
Blues of a woman like thisKayama Akio
Akio Kayama, the enka singer known for classics like “Hisame,” may not be a virtuoso showman, but his faithful-to-the-score singing and dandy vocal tone have won him many fans.
Among his songs, the one I especially recommend is “Konna Onna no Blues.” While it’s categorized as enka, it leans strongly toward kayōkyoku (Japanese pop of the Showa era) throughout, so there are no difficult kobushi (ornamental vocal turns).
The range is narrow too, so give it a try and sing along.
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.