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 Songstresses: A roundup of leading female singers in the enka world (81–90)
A Woman’s Path to GloryNagai Yuko
This song features a striking melody that is both brilliant and powerful.
Composed in a minor key, it delicately conveys nuanced emotions.
The poignant lyrics portray a woman’s steady steps and inner struggles, and when paired with Hiroko Nagai’s vocals, they deeply move the listener.
Released in April 2024, the song brings together elite talents from the enka world: lyrics by Takashi Manjo, composition by Akito Shikata, and arrangement by Tatsuya Nango.
It’s a track that will give you a gentle push when you find yourself at a crossroads in life.
If you can, attend a concert and experience the live performance for yourself.
Life won’t give (it) to me / Unyielding lifeSegawa Eiko
Eiko Segawa’s signature song “Inochi Kurenai,” which conveys the enduring appeal of enka, captured people’s hearts after its 1986 release and sold a total of 1.7 million copies.
At the core of its impact are lyrics that portray a couple’s journey—happy yet sometimes harsh.
This piece, while evoking nostalgia especially among women in their 70s, still resonates freshly today.
Sing it at karaoke, and you can convey the importance of family bonds not only to your peers but also to younger listeners.
Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri
It’s no exaggeration to say this is one of the most famous songs in the enka genre.
Sayuri Ishikawa’s 1986 release “Amagi-goe” won the Gold Prize at the 28th Japan Record Awards, and thanks in part to being performed alternately with her other signature song “Tsugaru Kaikyō Fuyugeshiki” on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it enjoys nationwide recognition and is a perennial karaoke favorite.
That said, as you’ll find if you actually try singing it, it’s not a song you can pull off easily.
It demands techniques characteristic of enka—such as the dramatic rises and falls in pitch that accentuate the contrast between the restrained delivery of the A-melody and the soaring chorus, as well as expansive vibrato and kobushi ornamentation made possible by the leisurely tempo.
Be sure to study the lyrics closely—written in exquisite Japanese and saturated with a fierce lament that vividly portrays a woman’s passion—and try to recreate “Amagi-goe” in your own expressive way!
As I am in love…Akimoto Junko
A classic song that pours deep affection and pure emotions into a distinctive husky voice was released in January 2008.
Created by a veteran singer active across diverse genres such as jazz and Latin, the track gradually gained popularity after its release and achieved an extraordinary feat by reaching No.
1 on the weekly charts a year later.
The artist also performed at the 2008 Kōhaku Uta Gassen, capturing the hearts of many.
Set to a wistful melody featuring a memorable accordion timbre, the lyrics convey sincere feelings for a beloved person and resonate with listeners of all generations.
When tackling it at karaoke, consider emphasizing rich expressiveness and singing along to the relaxed tempo.
Drunken SeagullMizuki Yuu
This work is distinguished by Yuu Mizuki’s lustrous singing voice.
It’s an enka song that portrays a bittersweet love for a man who sways like a seagull drunk on alcohol.
Marked by powerful vocals and relatable lyrics, it beautifully expresses the difficulties of love and the turmoil of the heart.
Released in September 2024 as her eighth single, it also includes a coupling track—a cover song paying respect to her mentor, Wataru Ofuna.
Its upbeat tempo makes it accessible not only to enka fans but to a wide range of listeners.
Recommended for times when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or feel the purity of single-hearted love.
Melancholy WharfMisora Hibari
When it comes to challenging songs by female singers, Hibari Misora’s “Aishū Hatoba” (Port of Sorrow) is indispensable.
Released in 1960, this masterpiece features lyrics by Miyuki Ishimoto and composition by Tōru Funamura.
Set against the backdrop of a harbor, it powerfully and poignantly expresses a bittersweet love.
Hibari’s voice, both strong and delicate, resonates deeply with listeners.
With its wide melodic range and difficult kobushi ornamentation, it’s quite demanding to sing.
But if you can pull it off at karaoke, you’re sure to impress everyone around you.
A highly recommended track for fans of Shōwa-era kayōkyoku.
Diva of Enka: A roundup of leading female singers in the enka world (91–100)
Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari
Hibari Misora, one of Japan’s most renowned enka singers.
She has many famous songs, and among them are both difficult and easy ones.
This time, I recommend “Kawa no Nagare no Yō ni,” which is reasonably easy to sing and extremely popular.
Although it gives the impression of being high, its vocal range isn’t excessively wide.
However, it uses many kobushi (ornamental twists), so if you tend to go off pitch with the kobushi, ignore them and focus solely on staying in tune.
Be sure to add it to your repertoire.
