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 (71–80)
Crimson PrideOkada Shinobu
A new enka song perfect for the melancholic autumn season has arrived.
Released by Shinobu Okada in October 2024, this gem portrays the lingering attachment and inner strength of a woman heartbroken in love.
With richly expressive vocals, it sensuously conveys the heart of a mature woman.
Its theme, symbolizing the traditional ‘woman’s resolve,’ is likely to resonate with many enka fans.
It’s a song that will inspire passionate karaoke performances.
Listened to in the calm of the night, it may sink even deeper into the heart.
Karatachi DiaryShimakura Chiyoko
A song that is still spoken of as a Showa-era classic, it captivates listeners with Chiyoko Shimakura’s clear, crystalline voice and deeply expressive singing.
Released in 1958, this piece tells a heartrending story of heartbreak and the lonely days that follow, resonating deeply with all who hear it.
Tracing the flow of time from the night when the trifoliate orange blossoms fall to the ripening of its fruit, the unwavering feelings voiced in the song are truly overwhelming.
Its dramatic development and the insertion of spoken passages further heighten the emotional expression, making it distinctive.
In the 1970s, a drama based on this song was produced, and it has continued to be beloved by many.
Because it is so well known, many people attempt it at karaoke; however, its subtly woven mixed meters and other rhythmic nuances make it quite difficult to keep time with, requiring considerable vocal skill to sing well.
If you’re confident, by all means give it a try!
Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko
Chiyoko Shimakura, a female enka singer who gained popularity with her adorable persona and catchy vocals.
When she debuted, Western music was in the spotlight, but her image of donning a kimono and singing solid enka evoked the quintessential Yamato Nadeshiko.
Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Jinsei Iroiro.
While it’s categorized as enka, it also strongly features kayōkyoku elements, so it has fewer kobushi (ornamental vocal turns) than typical enka.
Since kobushi are the toughest part of enka, having fewer of them is a crucial factor when aiming for a high score, don’t you think?
Enka Songstresses: A roundup of leading female singers in the enka world (81–90)
Northern Love SongKawano Natsumi
Set in a wistful northern winter, this enka song portrays the feelings of a woman who still longs for a former lover.
The lyrics vividly evoke a frigid port town, perfectly matched by Natsumi Kawano’s clear, expansive vocals.
Combined with its richly emotional melody, it really strikes a chord.
Released in August 2024, this is Kawano’s 36th single.
Its beat-driven arrangement stands out, setting it apart from her previous works.
It’s the perfect track for when you want to feel the ache of love or simply sink into music at a relaxed pace.
Snow Love BlossomIchikawa Yukino
Yukino Ichikawa made her debut in her teens and, armed with solid ability, has remained at the forefront from the early Heisei era to today in Reiwa.
The song introduced here, “Yukikoi-bana,” was released in January 2019 and became her last track of the Heisei era, just before the transition to Reiwa—a true classic.
Beyond Ichikawa’s superb vocals that convey a burning, passionate yet heartrending love, the song’s dramatic structure—blending elements of kayōkyoku and J-pop—makes it enjoyable even for listeners beyond enka fans.
It’s the kind of piece you’ll want to try at karaoke, but it’s not so easy to master.
Its defining feature is the wide vocal range, and delivering a seamless contrast between the calm verses and the dynamically developing chorus requires considerable singing ability and expressive power.
That said, it doesn’t demand shockingly high notes, so rather than relying on superficial tricks, first focus on clear enunciation and channeling your overflowing emotions into the song.
freezing rainHino Mika
This song is a quintessential example of enka, where a catchy melody and emotionally rich lyrics blend beautifully.
Released in December 1982, it remains beloved by many as one of Mika Hino’s signature numbers.
The lyrics, which intertwine the chill of winter rain with the pain of heartbreak, portray a universal theme that anyone can relate to.
Hino, renowned for her vocal prowess, conveys the aching heart of a forlorn love with remarkable expressiveness.
With its relaxed tempo and relatively modest melodic shifts, it’s a song that even beginners to enka will find approachable.
Why not sing it slowly, savoring the lyrics that resonate so deeply?
Flowers bloom in the winds of hardship.Mori Konomi
As a representative enka singer who debuted in the 2010s and beyond, Konomi Mori is always one of the first names that comes up.
Discovered by the legendary Takashi Hosokawa at the young age of 18, Mori is a popular enka vocalist known for her exceptional singing ability, backed by years of learning traditional folk songs from childhood.
Among her songs, the one I especially recommend trying at karaoke is “Hana wa Kurō no Kaze ni Saku” (Flowers Bloom in the Wind of Hardship).
As the title suggests, it’s an uplifting anthem for life, and its lyrics cheer listeners on with a strong, gentle warmth that feels so good to hear.
As mentioned, Mori’s characteristic folk-style phrasing, combined with enka’s distinctive traits, makes her singing highly unique.
Rather than placing notes mechanically, she employs subtle fluctuations that never slip off pitch—something that can feel very challenging.
The passages where she glides smoothly across a wide range, soaring from low to high notes in an instant, are particularly tricky in terms of rhythm and intonation.
I’d love to see those who think “I’m the one!” take on this song!