An enka themed around heartbreak: a collection of masterpieces whose lyrics seep with lingering regrets

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

Enka, a genre that has been deeply loved in the Japanese music scene for many years.

Countless songs have been performed by numerous enka singers and cherished by many listeners.

In fact, there are many enka songs that portray heartbreak, and among them are numerous masterpieces that many of you likely know.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of classic enka songs themed around heartbreak all at once.

Set to richly emotional melodies and vocals, the lyrics convey lingering attachment and poignant sorrow.

Please lend an ear to these timeless songs that will touch your heart.

Enka songs themed around heartbreak: a collection of unforgettable classics steeped in lingering regret (91–100)

Longing for RainYashiro Aki

Aki Yashiro / Love in the Rain

Longing for RainYashiro Aki

Rain is a situation that easily evokes the image of heartbreak, but when it comes to rain, isn’t this the song that immediately comes to mind? The chorus phrase and the hand gestures drew attention, and whenever it aired on music shows, we’d all sing it when we wanted it to rain.

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Don’t leave mehana-goromo

Hanae 'Don't Throw Me Away, Darling' [Melody Records] Official Music Video

Don't leave mehana-goromo

This is a melancholic enka masterpiece that poignantly sings of a woman’s feelings after being told goodbye.

As Hanae’s debut work, the song beautifully marries Tsunaki Mihara’s delicate composition with Kumi Sawa’s heart-stirring lyrics.

The lingering attachment and bittersweetness embedded in the word “sutenai” (I won’t discard/abandon) are fully conveyed through Hanae’s emotionally rich vocals.

Released in October 2024, the track brims with a charm that captures enka fans and won’t let go.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you need to soothe the pain of heartbreak or when you want to dwell on thoughts of someone dear.

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