Debut song of an enka singer
Speaking of enka, it has long been cherished as the music of the Japanese heart, beloved by people of all ages.
It is also a genre that has produced countless star singers.
This time, we’re featuring the debut songs of such enka performers.
You can even catch glimpses of the fresh, early sides of singers who are now considered living legends.
- Debut songs of enka singers in the 2000s
- Popular Enka Singers Ranking [2026]
- [1980s] A roundup of debut songs by enka singers
- [2026] A roundup of female enka singers in their 60s: Artists who support Japanese enka
- Cool masterpieces of enka, the heart of Japan
- A roundup of hit enka songs from the Heisei era
- [Enka] A special feature on male singers in their 40s: enka artists you can’t afford to miss right now
- A roundup of male enka singers who represent the Showa era
- Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
- Great enka masterpieces and hit songs of the 1970s
- Great enka masterpieces and hit songs of the 1990s
- [Female Singers Edition] The face of New Year’s Eve! Enka singers who appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen
- [Enka] A special feature on male singers in their 20s. Glamorous charm.
Debut songs of enka singers (31–40)
A Woman’s SighMori Shinichi
Shinichi Mori is known for his husky voice, but it’s said that he originally had a normal voice.
It was believed that an impact was necessary to become popular, so he supposedly strained his voice.
His song “Onna no Tameiki” coincided with Mina Aoe’s “Kokotsu no Blues” around the same time, and both were considered part of the “sigh” trend and became hits.
Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi
In the Showa era, J-pop and enka complemented each other well, and both were released as popular songs.
Many enka singers who debuted in this period are still active on the front lines as formidable talents.
Among the promising young artists, Kiyoshi Hikawa, who debuted in 2000, was a key contributor who revitalized the enka world—both with his looks and his skill—at a time when it was in a slump.
I’ve fallen for you.Ishihara Junko
Junko Ishihara’s classic “Horemashita.” Released in 1988, this piece marked her memorable debut and is still beloved by many fans today.
While it inherits elements of enka, the song as a whole features an easy-to-sing vocal line reminiscent of kayōkyoku.
In particular, the kobushi (ornamental vocal turns) are very easy—there are no difficult kobushi in this piece at all.
They’re limited to, at most, a one-step pitch change, so anyone with experience singing enka should be able to perform it with ease.
Don’t leave mehana-goromo
Hanae’s debut song delicately portrays the pain of parting.
Even as the one she loves turns away, the woman cannot let go of her feelings—an emotion that seeps into the heart alongside a wistful melody.
Released by Melody Records in October 2024, it also includes the coupling track “Memories.” She is slated to appear at the “Yume Gekijō Kayō Festival” in November, and expectations are high for her live performance.
It’s a perfect song for easing the ache of heartbreak or when you want to feel your devotion to someone special.
Hanae’s emotionally rich voice will surely resonate with listeners and evoke deep empathy.
That’s a problem.Miyako Harumi
Harumi Miyako’s distinctive vocal ornamentation (kobushi) is not something easily imitated, but there was once a singer who performed in front of her and sounded exactly like her: Sayuri Ishikawa.
Miyako herself burst out laughing.
Masako Mori sang “Namida no Renrakusen” in the final round of a competition, and it seems that Harumi Miyako is someone today’s active enka singers look up to.