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Recommended enka set in autumn: a collection of heart-touching masterpieces

As autumn arrives, many of us start to feel a little wistful or lonely, don’t we?

Enka, which portrays the emotions of us Japanese people, pairs beautifully with autumn’s nostalgic atmosphere.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of classic enka songs themed around autumn.

We’ve chosen a variety of tracks, from songs about romance to those that sing of autumn scenery.

Please listen while reading the lyrics, and find the song that resonates with your own feelings.

Recommended enka set in autumn: a collection of soul-stirring masterpieces (21–30)

How many springs and autumnsMaki Kotomi

Hailing from Kanagawa Prefecture, enka singer Kotomi Maki has released numerous songs since her debut in 1991.

Among them, “Iku • Haru • Aki,” released in July 2023, stands out for its lyrical beauty and is perfect for listening to in autumn.

The song portrays a certain woman’s lingering feelings along with her forward-looking mindset, making it a piece that resonates with emotional shifts brought by the changing seasons and milestones in life.

In the opening, the autumn scenery is depicted with poignant beauty, so be sure to pay special attention to that.

Spring, summer, autumn, winter—with sake.Ishikawa Sayuri

Since her debut in 1973, Sayuri Ishikawa has been an iconic artist in Japan’s enka scene.

Her song “Shunka Shūtō: Sake Arite,” released on May 25, 2005, centers on Japan’s four seasons, portraying beautiful seasonal scenes alongside the enjoyment of sake suited to each time of year.

The autumn section in particular highlights moon-viewing sake (tsukimi-zake), and the melody and lyrics, rich with the ambiance of each season, resonate deeply with listeners.

It’s a perfect song to enjoy while savoring the atmosphere of autumn, gently rekindling an appreciation for the beauty of Japan’s seasons with a touch of wistfulness.

Recommended enka songs set in autumn: a collection of soul-stirring classics (31–40)

The House in KakinokizakaAoki Koichi

Koichi Aoki, who was active in the mid-Showa era and received the Japan Record Award’s Meritorious Service Award, released his song “Kakinokizaka no Ie” on September 15, 1957.

Its beautiful melody and lyrics captured the hearts of many.

The charm of the piece lies in its gentle verses that celebrate harmony with nature through the four seasons while tenderly recalling faint memories of youth and a nostalgic longing for one’s hometown.

Aoki’s uniquely emotive singing style resonates deeply with listeners.

In particular, the song’s sense of wistfulness aligns with the coming of autumn, making it perfect for the changing seasons.

It’s a piece you’ll want to hear when spending a long autumn night alone in quiet reflection or when you wish to remember your hometown.

In conclusion

We introduced many enka songs about autumn.

Autumn is a season that somehow evokes nostalgia and bittersweet feelings, so it pairs very well with enka, which reflects our emotions.

I hope you’ll find a song that resonates with your own feelings and take the time to listen closely and let your thoughts wander.