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.

Playlist

Diva of Enka: A roundup of female singers leading the enka world
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Goto Koi TsubakiOka Midori		A local song set in the Goto Islands that Midori Oka released in January 2020
2	North StationSandai Sayaka		Enka from Hokuriku that portrays poignant partings and lingering feelings
3	Let me stay for the night.Kobayashi Sachiko		The allure of Sachiko Kobayashi’s classic Showa-era kayōkyoku songs
4	Sake InnKouzai Kaori		Kaori Kozai’s classic “Sake no Yado” is an easy-to-sing enka song.
5	paper craneOka Midori		Enka singer Midori Oka’s “Paper Crane” enters the Top 20 for the first time
6	Kiyamachi in the RainOka Midori		A poignant enka composed by Tetsuya Gen, “Ame no Kiyamachi” (Rainy Kiyamachi).
7	I’ve fallen for you.Ishihara Junko		Ishihara Junko’s debut song “Horemashita”
8	Woman of the Land of FireSakamoto Fuyumi		Fuyumi Sakamoto’s signature song “Hi no Kuni no Onna” is very difficult.
9	Inn of the White HeronJōnouchi Sanae		Sanae Jounochi’s Reiwa-era Enka Masterpieces
10	NocturneIchikawa Yukino		Yukino Ichikawa’s challenging piece “Nocturne” — an emotional vocal performance
11	Woman of ShinjukuFuji Keiko		The Appeal and Vocal Techniques of Keiko Fuji’s Debut Song
12	Jonkara Onna-bushiNagayama Yōko		A masterpiece that fuses Tsugaru shamisen and enka
13	Jongara Onna-bushiNagayama Yōko		A famous song by Yoko Nagayama featuring the distinctive Tsugaru shamisen
14	Crybaby Tavern BirdShibuya Yumi		An enka song that sings of a port town woman's heartrending love.
15	Kazahana CapeIshihara Junko		I recommend Junko Ishihara’s somber song “Fubuki Misaki.”
16	A Woman’s True HeartFuji Ayako		Good practice classic enka songs by Aya Fusa
17	unlucky flowerFuji Ayako		Fumi Ayako’s 1998 single that sings of a heartbroken woman’s life
18	channel markerKouzai Kaori		Introducing Kaori Kozai’s melancholic song “Mio-tsukushi.”
19	A Woman’s VicissitudesNakagawa Kyomi		Kyomi Nakagawa: A Song of a Woman Facing Adversity
20	Kawachi Otoko-bushiNakamura Mitsuko		Ms. Mitsuko Nakamura, filled with a fiery soul and passion...
21	hay feverIchikawa Yukino		Among Shoosuke Ichikawa’s disciples, he was particularly popular…
22	Osaka LonelinessTanaka Aimi		Set in Osaka, with the lingering ache of a heartbreaking love lost, the front…
23	The person I fell in love withMiyako Harumi		Harumi Miyako’s Showa-era kayōkyoku masterpieces
24	Hama Chidori Love StoryKanazawa Akiko		Kanazawa Akiko’s poignant love classic
25	Woman’s Nostalgic Song of HomeShima Etsuko		Etsuko Shima: A masterpiece that sings of longing for her hometown
26	Where is your hometown?Teresa Ten		Enka-style kayōkyoku by Teresa Teng
27	Premonition of PartingTeresa Ten		“Premonition of Parting” is an easy-to-sing masterpiece.
28	snow-cappedTeresa Ten		Teresa Teng Enka song “Yuki Gesho”
29	Daphne (winter daphne)Ishikawa Sayuri		Characteristics and Appeal of Sayuri Ishikawa’s 1977 Release
30	Strait Woman ShipMiko Takekawa		Miyako Takekawa’s moving masterpiece, portraying love
31	Snow FlowerFuji Ayako		The enka song in which Ikuzo Yoshi and Aya Fukuda co-starred
32	Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri		A bittersweet breakup story from Sayuri Ishikawa’s signature songs
33	Kokoro TownHayama Mizuki		Ms. Mizuki Hayama, who portrayed the heartrending feelings after a broken heart...
34	Love and PeopleNakamura Etsuko		A gemlike ballad that heals the heart, a voice singing of love
35	Forgetfulness SakeNakamura Mitsuko		Mitsuko Nakamura’s “Wasure-zake” is an easy-to-sing masterpiece.
36	evening drinkNakamura Mitsuko		Mitsuko Nakamura’s classic “Banshaku,” a masterpiece of men’s songs.
37	As I AmNakamura Mitsuko		Among Mitsuko Nakamura's songs, it's especially moving...
38	Tearful LoveYashiro Aki		Characteristics of Aki Yashiro’s early work “Namida Koi”
39	A woman’s heartYashiro Aki		Aki Yashiro’s masterpiece, an enka song with a blues style
40	To my hometown…Yashiro Aki		Aki Yashiro’s famous song. Low difficulty with vibrato-style kobushi.
41	Women’s TavernKobayashi Sachiko		Sachiko Kobayashi’s classic enka single
42	Love SakuraKobayashi Sachiko		Enka masterpieces by Sachiko Kobayashi featuring traditional Japanese instruments
43	You made me cry, you bastard.Kobayashi Sachiko		An enka song released in 1982 with lyrics by Tetsurō Hoshino
44	Echigo Love StoryKobayashi Sachiko		Echigo Jōwa is a famous enka masterpiece by Sachiko Kobayashi.
45	snow camelliaKobayashi Sachiko		Introduction to Sachiko Kobayashi’s signature song “Yukitsubaki”
46	Love is separationkawanaka miyuki		A fusion song of enka style and kayōkyoku
47	Unrequited LoveHattori Hiroko		Hiroko Hattori’s classic: from a sultry opening to a grand, soaring chorus
48	Kagerō HillHattori Hiroko		Introducing a masterpiece that is mindful of traditional enka-style phrasing
49	Woman’s ElegyShimizu Setsuko		An emotive song that sings of the pain of heartbreak
50	Live with youIshihara Junko		A vocal piece by Junko Ishihara. It uses relatively little kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) and is low in difficulty.
51	taking shelter from the rainIshihara Junko		Vocal techniques in Junko Ishihara’s “Amayadori”
52	Rain of MemoriesIshihara Junko		Classic enka songs for beginners
53	Yorisoi grassIshihara Junko		Explain Yorisoigusa, a famous song by Junko Ishihara
54	Tsubaki GotoIshihara Junko		An enka song depicting a man and woman’s romance themed around the Goto camellia
55	I want to see you—I wish I could be with you right now.Ishihara Junko		Vocal tips for easy-to-sing hit songs by Junko Ishihara
56	Scorpio womanMikawa Ken’ichi		Depicting the emotions of a passionate woman that are deeply etched in the heart…
57	Purple Rain SentimentFuji Ayako		The Appeal of Aya Fuses Classic Song “Murasaki Ujō”
58	crimsonFuji Ayako		Ayako Fuji’s classic enka “Kurenai”
59	Alone on the Kuji RiverYajima Akiyo		A poignant enka love song set on the Kuji River
60	flower raftTakahashi Kiyoko		A woman’s way of life that goes against the current of the river
61	Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi		From the late 1960s to the 1970s, nationwide…
62	applausechiaki naomi		The classic song that represents the Showa era, “Kassai.” Naomi Chiaki…
63	atonementTeresa Ten		Teresa Teng’s classic masterpiece of tragic-love enka
64	Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten		Legendary female singer from Taiwan, Teresa …
65	Genkai ElegyNakayama Rumi		A melancholic love enka sung in a seaside town
66	Because I’m a loner girl.Kayama Akio		Kayama Akio’s masterpiece that sings of the melancholy of love
67	Woman Harbor TownYashiro Aki		How to sing Aki Yashiro’s classic song “Onna Minato-machi”
68	Boat SongYashiro Aki		With a one-of-a-kind husky voice, [they] have made a tremendous impact on the enka world…
69	Longing for RainYashiro Aki		Aki Yashiro’s classic song themed around rain
70	I’m drunk.Utsumi Miyuki		The smash-hit song released in 1982 is...
71	O-Shichi and the Night Cherry BlossomsSakamoto Fuyumi		With an emotionally rich singing voice and a beautiful melody, it captivates listeners...
72	Hydrangea BridgeJōnouchi Sanae		A classic enka song that poignantly sings of the rainy season, and...
73	A Woman’s HarborŌtsuki Miyako		It captivates with a wistful melody and lyrics that touch the heart...
74	Dotonbori SentimentTendō Yoshimi		This song, which portrays the streets and warmth of the people of Osaka, is Tendo...
75	Memories SakeKobayashi Sachiko		An enka masterpiece that sings of alcohol and love
76	MaybeKobayashi Sachiko		To Sachiko Kobayashi, the songstress who represents the world of enka...
77	Woman’s SlopeOka Yuuko		A moving work that sings about the life of Yuko Oka
78	Crimson PrideOkada Shinobu		Shinobu Okada’s new song passionately sings of melancholy and a woman’s heart.
79	Karatachi DiaryShimakura Chiyoko		Chiyoko Shimakura’s classic, a heart-wrenching singing voice
80	Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko		Adorable characters and a catchy vocal…
81	Northern Love SongKawano Natsumi		An emotive enka by Natsumi Kawano singing of love in the northern country
82	Snow Love BlossomIchikawa Yukino		Introduce Yukino Ichikawa’s famous song “Yukikoi-bana.”
83	freezing rainHino Mika		A quintessential enka song depicting heartbreak and winter rain
84	Flowers bloom in the winds of hardship.Mori Konomi		Introduction to Support Songs by Konomi Mori
85	A Woman’s Path to GloryNagai Yuko		An inspiring song that portrays a woman's emotions and journey
86	Life won’t give (it) to me / Unyielding lifeSegawa Eiko		Eiko Segawa’s signature work that conveys the enduring charm of enka...
87	Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri		Amagi-goe, a masterpiece of enka, challenging vocal techniques
88	As I am in love…Akimoto Junko		A husky-voiced classic becomes an unusual hit
89	Drunken SeagullMizuki Yuu		Yuu Mizuki's enka: a masterpiece that conveys the pain of love
90	Melancholy WharfMisora Hibari		Hibari Misora’s classic song “Aishu Hatoba” is a difficult piece.
91	Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari		Hibari Misora, a leading enka singer representing Japan. …
92	Crimson SunMisora Hibari		An iconic song representing the Showa-era pop scene evokes a dance upon the summer sea...
93	A woman aloneFuji Ayako		Ayako Fuji covers one of Saburo Kitajima’s classic songs
94	Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko		Introducing Keiko Fuji’s classic Showa-era enka masterpieces
95	From the northern innMiyako Harumi		A female enka singer who has gained popularity for her exceptional vocal ability…
96	abandonedNagayama Yōko		A song with grand sound and heartrending lyrics characteristic of kayō (Japanese popular ballads)…
97	Shirakami-SanchiNagayama Yōko		Yoko Nagayama’s new song is richly expressive.
98	Red MoonIshihara Junko		Vocal Technique Analysis of Junko Ishihara’s Masterpiece “Akai Tsuki” (Red Moon)
99	Rainy Harbor StationHanasaki Yukimi		An enka song that portrays the poignant feelings of a woman in a port town.
100	I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi		In her later years, the female perfo… who also achieved great success in popular music