RAG MusicJapanese Enka
Lovely enka

Enka themed around flowers: a collection of songs depicting flowers in full bloom and flowers falling away.

Enka is captivating for its melodies that evoke a sense of wistfulness and its lyrics filled with a wide range of human emotions.

Another hallmark of enka is its many evocative, scenic descriptions, and pairing enka with flowers is a classic combination.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of enka masterpieces themed around flowers.

You’ll find everything from songs about flowers in full bloom across the four seasons to pieces with fleeting lyrics, like those about falling cherry blossoms.

Please take your time listening while reading the lyrics, and let your thoughts wander through the scenes woven into each song.

Enka with a flower theme. A collection of songs depicting flowers in full bloom and flowers falling (41–50)

Crybaby Tavern BirdShibuya Yumi

A bittersweet love song about a woman living in a port town, tenderly sung in Shibuya Yumi’s April 2025 release.

It’s an enka piece that unfolds like a story, portraying a woman’s feelings as she sees a man off.

The emotions of watching a ship fade into the mist from the wharf are beautifully conveyed through her rich, alluring voice.

As you listen, you can’t help but relate it to your own life.

Highly recommended for those who want to empathize with the feelings of cherishing someone dear, or savor the profound depth of enka.

Enka songs with a flower theme. A collection of tracks depicting flowers in full bloom and flowers falling (51–60)

Homesick Love Songfujimachiko

Machiko Fuji / Longing Hometown Love Song
Homesick Love Songfujimachiko

A gem of an enka ballad that poignantly sings of lingering feelings for a loved one.

Released by Nippon Crown in March 2025, this work is a song by Machiko Fuji, with her mentor, Kuto Masuda, composing the music.

Its unhurried rhythm and wistful melody—evoking vivid scenes of the raging Sea of Japan—resonate deeply in the heart.

As you listen, why not let your thoughts drift to that precious someone you can no longer meet?

hesitationNagatsuki Akari

Akari Nagitsuki / Hesitation - Music Video
hesitationNagatsuki Akari

A ballad whose melody sinks deep into the heart.

It’s a farewell song set in an airport, released in March 2025 by enka singer Akari Nagatsuki.

Kyo-ko Asahina’s sorrowful yet elegant lyrics blend beautifully with the dramatic composition.

Nagatsuki’s all-embracing vocals are captivating as well.

Each listen deepens the ache, a song that tightens the chest with bittersweet pain.

Please take your time and listen closely.

flower raftTakahashi Kiyoko

“Hana Ikada” is a song released by Kiyoko Takahashi in March 2025, composed by Saburo Kitajima, also known as Joji Hara.

The image of a woman living as if against the flow of the river is beautifully conveyed through the emotive melody and Takahashi’s rich, velvety vocals.

The lyrics, which reflect a life view of “living while carrying one’s scars” and “never forgetting the kindness received from others,” are deeply moving.

It’s an enka piece that can serve as a compass for how to live.

The end of a romanceŌtsuki Miyako

Miyako Otsuki “Period of Love” Music Video
The end of a romanceŌtsuki Miyako

A gem of a ballad by Miyako Otsuki that beautifully captures the wavering heart of love and the poignancy of parting.

Released in March 2025, the song features lyrics by Mami Takubo, music by Hiroshi Tokuhisa, and arrangement by Tatsuya Nango.

Set on a train station platform at dusk, it quietly weaves a tale of travelers passing one another by.

The heartbreaking farewell scenes depicted in the lyrics may be something everyone has experienced at least once.

It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to quietly sort out your feelings.

A Melancholy Road on the Shimokita PeninsulaMatsubara Nobue

Nobue Matsubara “Shimokita Peninsula Melancholy Road” MV [Official]
A Melancholy Road on the Shimokita PeninsulaMatsubara Nobue

A masterful performance by Nobue Matsubara, who gives voice to a soul-stirring poem passed down in the land of Mutsu.

Interweaving imagery of the harsh northern sea winds, lighthouses, and Kandachime horses, it beautifully conveys both aching longing and steadfast resolve.

Released in January 2025, this gem of an enka song was crafted by lyricist Shinichi Ishihara and composer Tetsuya Gen.

It’s a piece that resonates deeply with those who have faced partings in life or wish to confront their own feelings.

Celebrating her 45th debut anniversary, Nobue Matsubara’s voice delivers profound emotion alongside the spirit of the Shimokita Peninsula.

Reiwa ElegyShimizu Setsuko

A wistful enka that portrays people living earnestly resounds with Setsuko Shimizu’s powerful voice.

The lyrics, which carefully depict the feelings of those working in the city—love for family, anxieties about the future, and nostalgia for one’s hometown—are sure to touch everyone’s heart.

Released in November 2023, this work inherits the spirit of the Showa-era classic “Sanya Blues,” offering encouragement to people living in the Reiwa era.

Twilight factories, red lanterns in back alleys, rainy night streets—the finely drawn scenes make this a remarkable song.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re weary of the city’s clamor, when you’re thinking of home, or when you need strength for tomorrow.