[2026] All-Time Enka Sales Ranking

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Even if you’re not very interested in or familiar with enka, there are many famous masterpieces in the genre that are so well-known you’ve probably heard them at least once.

There are songs that became nationwide hits, and surely some of you are curious about which enka track has sold the most copies.

In this article, we researched the all-time sales of enka songs and ranked the best-selling ones.

They’re all massive hits you’ve likely heard before—but which enka song sold the most of all? Check this article to find out!

[2026] All-time Enka Sales Ranking (11–20)

15th place

Withered Pampas Grass of the Showa Erasakura to ichirō

Sakura and Ichiro / Showa Withered Pampas Grass 1974.7 Sakura & Ichiro

Withered Pampas Grass of the Showa Erasakura to ichirō

A masterpiece among masterpieces by Sakura and Ichirō that brilliantly captures the bittersweet pathos of ordinary people in the Showa era! Released in 1974, the song initially drew little attention, but its popularity soared when it was used as an insert song for the TBS drama “Jikan Desu yo Showa Gannen” starting in October of the same year.

In May 1975, it topped the Oricon singles chart for three consecutive weeks and became a massive hit, selling 1.002 million copies.

The lyrics, depicting a man and woman who, despite poverty and the coldness of society, give their all to survive, resonated with many listeners, while Sakura and Ichirō’s exquisite harmonies deeply touch the heart.

It’s a must-listen not only for enka fans but also for anyone who wants to experience the atmosphere of the Showa era.

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In conclusion

Looking back over the all-time sales rankings of enka songs, I realized that most of them are tunes I’ve heard somewhere at least once. For younger people, there may have been discoveries like knowing the song but not the singer. Timeless masterpieces that transcend the boundaries of enka and kayōkyoku and continue to be loved as nationally popular songs will surely keep being passed down by younger singers.