Diva of Enka: A roundup of female singers leading the enka world
When you hear “diva of the enka world,” which singer comes to mind? If you’re an enka fan reading this article, you’re probably thinking, “I can’t pick just one!” This article will introduce, all at once, the women who are leading Japan’s enka scene.
We’ve selected popular female enka singers from across different generations.
Be sure to listen to their songs, and if one catches your interest, check out more of her music too.
- A roundup of female enka singers in their 70s: voices that evoke nostalgia
- A roundup of 40-something female enka singers with captivating voices
- A roundup of captivating enka female singers in their 50s [2026]
- [2026] A roundup of female enka singers in their 60s: Artists who support Japanese enka
- [Enka] A special feature on female singers in their 30s: Kayō singers whose music goes beyond enka
- Popular Enka Singers Ranking [2026]
- Women’s Enka: A collection of classic enka songs expressing women’s emotions
- [Enka] A special feature on female singers in their 80s. Singers who were active from the early to mid-Showa era.
- 【2026】Difficult Enka Songs to Sing — Women Singers Edition
- Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
- A roundup of leading female enka singers representing the Showa era
- A roundup of female enka singers in their 20s: The young divas of the enka world
- Debut song of an enka singer
Enka songstress: A roundup of leading female singers in the enka world (61–70)
Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten
Teresa Teng, the legendary singer from Taiwan.
If you’re in your late 40s or older, you probably know her.
Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is “Toki no Nagare ni Mi o Makase” (I Only Care About You).
The trickiest part of this piece is probably the falsetto near the end of the chorus.
I think many people struggle there.
In that case, instead of lowering the key, I actually recommend trying to raise it.
Falsetto can sometimes be harder to produce at lower pitches, so give it a try.
Genkai ElegyNakayama Rumi
A classic enka masterpiece celebrating unwavering love arrived in June 2024.
Powerfully capturing a woman’s heartrending feelings, this work portrays a lament for lost love and emotions that refuse to fade, set in a seaside town.
Rumi Nakayama’s commanding vocals resonate like the rough waves of the Genkai Sea.
With its dramatic arrangement and expressive singing, it’s a track that even non-enka fans can enjoy.
Highly recommended for those troubled by love or harboring secret feelings.
It’s the kind of song that tightens your chest a little more with every listen.
Because I’m a loner girl.Kayama Akio
A song by Akio Kayama that portrays the feelings of a woman nostalgic for a past love.
It’s an enka/kayōkyoku piece grounded in a tango rhythm, and his sweet, soft vocals heighten the sense of melancholy.
Included on a single released in September 2024, it’s a disc packed with Kayama’s charm alongside its coupling track, “Ore ni Kanpai” (“A Toast to Me”).
It really hits home when you’re heartbroken or find yourself thinking about an ex.
Kayama is a veteran singer who debuted with “Hisame” in 1977 and won the Grand Prix at the All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards in 1983.
In this work as well, the sensibilities he has cultivated over the years shine through, beautifully expressing the bittersweet emotions of a woman in love.
Woman Harbor TownYashiro Aki
Aki Yashiro was a great singer who left remarkable achievements not only in enka and kayōkyoku, but also in genres like jazz and blues.
The famous songs she performed are all extremely popular choices for karaoke; however, when you actually try singing them, you realize they’re anything but straightforward—thanks to her outstanding vocal technique, expressive power, and naturally husky voice.
This time, we’re introducing “Onna Minato-machi,” a hit released in 1977 and performed at the 28th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Yashiro, then in her twenties, delivered vocals that were powerful and sultry; if you can nail this song, you’re sure to earn thunderous applause from your karaoke buddies.
Overall, the song sits in a higher register, makes frequent use of vibrato, and features many tricky spots—particularly the rhythmic phrasing in the A section.
The piece itself straddles the line between enka and kayōkyoku, and singing along to its funky rhythm—unlike conventional enka—can actually be challenging, especially for those accustomed to classic, straight-ahead enka.
Practice each section repeatedly so you can master both the light, buoyant rhythm and the expansive, ringing vocal delivery.
Boat SongYashiro Aki
Aki Yashiro, a female enka singer with a one-of-a-kind husky voice, had a profound impact on the enka world.
She continues to be loved even after her passing, and her songs are still sung in many karaoke cafés today.
Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Funauta.
While the song has a relatively wide vocal range, the pitch movement itself isn’t overly dramatic.
However, the section sung during the instrumental interlude—which is practically the song’s signature—can be a bit tricky.
It’s hard to sustain your breath there, so instead of adding vibrato from the start, apply vibrato toward the end of the phrase.
That way, you’ll be able to make your breath last.
Longing for RainYashiro Aki
It’s no exaggeration to call this one of the defining songs of the 1980s.
Though it takes rain as its theme, it’s a classic filled with a bright, positive message.
That’s a feature that sets it apart from traditional enka and captured the hearts of many.
Released in April 1980, the song won the 22nd Japan Record Award.
It also closed out that year’s Kohaku Uta Gassen, making it a milestone in Aki Yashiro’s career.
With its rhythmic melody and easy-to-remember lyrics, it’s great for karaoke beginners.
The choreography—turning your palms up toward the sky during the chorus—is also distinctive and makes it fun to sing along.
Be sure to pay attention to the lyrics, which express the feelings of a woman after a breakup.
I’m drunk.Utsumi Miyuki
Released in 1982, this smash hit is an enka song with a kayōkyoku flavor that portrays a woman’s aching feelings through the metaphor of alcohol.
It sold over 300,000 copies and remains a karaoke favorite.
The lyrics, which depict a woman pretending to be drunk to mask her bravado and inner sorrow, resonated with many.
With a simple melody and repeated phrases, it’s a tune you can carry off by feel even if you miss a note.
Recommended for those who’ve experienced heartbreak or parting; you can enjoy it by duetting with friends or just singing the chorus.
It’s a perfect number to liven up a drinking get-together or to close out the night.