![[2026] Also great for celebrations! Enka songs for special occasions](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/mZmciwNbGhw/maxresdefault.webp)
[2026] Also great for celebrations! Enka songs for special occasions
This may be sudden, but what kind of image do you have of the genre known as enka?
Heartbreak and the sorrows of life—perhaps it doesn’t exactly evoke a bright, cheerful image… If that’s what you were thinking, surprise: there are actually classic enka songs that are perfectly upbeat and ideal for celebrations!
In this article, we’ve put together a selection of “celebratory enka” you can use for weddings, longevity celebrations, farewell parties, New Year’s gatherings, and more.
Please enjoy these celebratory songs—sung by enka vocalists whose performances, at times warm and at times powerful, come from a deep understanding of life’s bittersweetness.
[2026] Perfect for celebrations! Enka Celebration Songs (1–10)
A Married Couple’s Good FortuneIshikawa Sayuri
Sayuri Ishikawa’s classic song warmly portrays the bond between husband and wife.
The image of a couple joking about their drifting, rootless life, the alley drizzle dancing on their shoulders, and the phrase “a heart like brocade” all resonate deeply.
On cold nights, they share a drink together and overcome the seven hardships of this world—that kind of conjugal love shines through.
Released in February 1987, the song was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and captured the hearts of many.
It’s a perfect piece to play at weddings or celebrations for married couples.
Ishikawa’s rich vocals will surely deliver a blessing for a happy future.
Celebration BoatKadowaki Rikuo
This song captivates with lyrics that celebrate a bright new beginning and a vibrant, festive sound.
It’s filled with determination to overcome rough seas and hope for the future, making it a powerful push forward for anyone embarking on a fresh start.
Since its release in September 1982, it has remained a beloved classic.
It achieved the remarkable milestone of surpassing one million copies sold within five years of its release, and it was re-released in 1984.
Perform it at weddings or anniversary celebrations, and it will surely heighten the atmosphere of joy.
Sing it together, and it will become an even more wonderful memory.
Carried by Rikuo Kadowaki’s powerful vocals, let’s set sail toward a happy future.
celebratory sakeSakamoto Fuyumi
This gem of a song weaves feelings of celebration for a new chapter in life into its lyrics.
As a bright, festive enka number, it has been cherished for many years.
With a powerful yet warm voice, it gently sings of the wish for the couple’s happy future.
Released in April 1988 and awarded the Gold Prize at that year’s Japan Record Awards, this work has since been performed many times on the NHK New Year’s Eve music show as one of Fuyumi Sakamoto’s signature songs.
It’s highly recommended across generations as a celebratory song for important life moments—such as weddings or departure days.
The day I marryMurata Hideo
A once-in-a-lifetime moment—the daughter’s wedding.
This beloved classic warmly sings of a father’s complex feelings.
Released in 1987, Murata Hideo’s song continues to be cherished at weddings and receptions today.
It has often been featured on NHK music programs and is regarded as one of the signature pieces showcasing Murata’s vocal prowess.
The lyrics, filled with a father’s unconditional love and his blessings and hopes for his daughter, resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s perfect not only for weddings but also as a gift to fathers with daughters.
A moving masterpiece that every enka fan should hear at least once.
Married Couple BoatMikasa Yūko
This touching song, expressed through warm vocals, portrays the journey of facing life together with a loved one.
Using a boat as its motif, it beautifully depicts the resolve and hope of two people riding out life’s waves together.
Released in December 1979, it remained on the Oricon charts for 122 weeks, continuing to be cherished by many over a long period.
With lyrics that deeply explore the love and bond between a married couple, it’s perfect for celebrating life’s milestones, such as weddings and anniversaries.
It is a heartwarming classic that you’ll want to sing with gratitude for someone special.
Happy SakeNakamura Hitomi
Here is a song that sings of a heartwarming melody and deep affection.
Hitomi Nakamura’s “Shiawase-zake” (“Happiness Sake”) is striking in the way it expresses everyday happiness and love through the motif of sake.
The track is included on the single “Koi no Kawa / Shiawase-zake,” released in May 2019, and it was used as the theme song for NHK General TV’s “Tsurube no Kazoku ni Kanpai.” Emphasizing the importance of “warmth of the heart” and “time spent together” over material wealth, this piece is a recommended enka number that accompanies life’s milestones—such as weddings and longevity celebrations.
Kanreki celebration songSen Masao
A heartwarming song to celebrate life’s milestones has been born.
It’s a piece characterized by lyrics that gently embrace the joy of those reaching their 60th birthday and by a calm, soothing accompaniment.
It sings of taking pride in the path walked so far, cherishing bonds with family, and looking ahead with hope.
Included on Masao Sen’s 55th Anniversary Album “Zenkyokushū ~ 55th Anniversary Thank-You Edition ~,” released in October 2022, it’s a perfect song for occasions celebrating a 60th birthday.
Recommended for those turning sixty, their families, and anyone wishing to bless a new chapter in life, this work is a moving piece that reaffirms the joy and pride of growing older.