A collection of enka songs with “Blues” in the title: masterpieces that sing of sorrow
When you look through enka song titles, many of you may have noticed there are a lot of tracks called “___ Blues.”
Blues is a music genre born in America, where singers pour a range of emotions into songs built on a particular rhythm and chord progression.
In Japan’s enka scene, many songs began to be composed with the blues in mind, and a particularly large number of melancholy tunes were released.
In this article, we’ll introduce classic enka songs whose titles include the word “Blues.”
Listen to them while picturing the scenes and emotions woven into each track.
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Collection of enka songs with “Blues” in the title: Classic laments (11–20)
Woman’s BluesFuji Keiko
This is a blues number by Keiko Fuji that exudes a luxurious, noble aura, drawing out a mature, adult allure from deep within.
It’s also popular for karaoke, and its approachable key progression is one of the work’s appealing features.
A Melancholy Road on the Shimokita PeninsulaMatsubara Nobue
A masterful performance by Nobue Matsubara, who gives voice to a soul-stirring poem passed down in the land of Mutsu.
Interweaving imagery of the harsh northern sea winds, lighthouses, and Kandachime horses, it beautifully conveys both aching longing and steadfast resolve.
Released in January 2025, this gem of an enka song was crafted by lyricist Shinichi Ishihara and composer Tetsuya Gen.
It’s a piece that resonates deeply with those who have faced partings in life or wish to confront their own feelings.
Celebrating her 45th debut anniversary, Nobue Matsubara’s voice delivers profound emotion alongside the spirit of the Shimokita Peninsula.
Blues of SorrowYoshi Ikuzo
Ikuzo Yoshi’s classic “Ai no Blues” is memorable for its passionate vocal delivery.
Although it falls into the so-called ‘onnagata’ (woman’s song) category, Yoshi’s husky voice brilliantly conveys a woman’s sorrow.
One reason this piece is easy to sing is its frequent repetition.
From the A section to the B section, the same vocal lines are often repeated, and because these repeated parts don’t include kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), the overall difficulty naturally decreases.
There is a slightly higher passage toward the end, but the overall vocal range remains narrow, so it’s undoubtedly an easy song to sing.
OSAKA Rainy Bluesreika
Reika, who debuted in 2006 and is known for many moody songs.
Her “OSAKA Rainy Blues” is a must-check, too.
As the title suggests, this track is set in Osaka and sings of a woman’s sorrow after being deceived by a man.
A major feature is that the lyrics are entirely in Osaka dialect, giving it a slightly different vibe from her other songs.
By the way, the coupling track “Tokyo Bolero” depicts a love story set in Tokyo.
It’s also recommended to compare the two.
Nakanoshima BluesAkiniba Yutaka & Aronaitsu
This song was written when Yutaka Akinoba and the Alonights were still an amateur band.
They released a self-produced record in 1973, and the major-label version came out in 1975.
Notably, Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five also performed the same song.