A classic enka masterpiece about one's hometown. A wonderful song that evokes thoughts of home.
Among the themes often sung in enka, there are quite a lot of songs about one’s hometown.
Some songs dwell on the family and friends left behind, while others convey a resolve like, “I can’t go back until I’ve made it!”—each carrying different emotions.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of classic enka songs written with thoughts of home.
If any of them resonates with your own experiences, it may become a truly special song for you.
Be sure to read the lyrics and listen closely.
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A classic enka masterpiece about one’s hometown. A wonderful song that evokes memories of home (91–100).
Shall I head home?Kitajima Saburō
Kitajima Saburō’s song “Kaerokana” expresses the feeling of worrying about the mother you left behind in your hometown.
Released in 1965 as Kitajima’s 12th single, it was produced for the “Song of the Month” segment on NHK’s variety show “Yume de Aimashou,” which also gave rise to classics like Kyu Sakamoto’s “Ue o Muite Arukō.” The lyrics, which capture the wavering sentiment of being homesick—torn between going back and deciding not to—resonated deeply with many people working away from home, became a huge hit, and went on to sell a million copies.
Woman of TakayamaŌe Yutaka
A gem of a song by Hiroshi Oe that invites you into the richly emotional world of enka.
Released in February 2024, this piece is set in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, beautifully portraying festival scenes and a heartrending love.
The stunning landscapes of the Hida region and a fleeting romance with a woman met on a journey unfold throughout the song.
Feelings swaying in the night breeze and the deep emotions beneath the lights of festival stalls strike a chord.
Perfect for commemorating Oe’s 15th anniversary, it’s a masterpiece where Japanese tradition and contemporary sensibility blend seamlessly.
With vocals that resonate in the heart and lyrics brimming with emotion, listeners will sense a love that anyone can relate to.
Back-Alley Man’s SakeKihara Takeshi
This is a gently moving song that portrays a man entrusting the melancholy of life to his drink in a narrow back-alley hideaway.
Takeshi Kihara’s warm vocals carefully weave the bittersweet emotions of a man drinking alone.
Released in October 2024, the piece features lyrics interlacing heartbreak, regret, and hope for the future.
It speaks of the struggle of letting go of someone precious and lingering feelings for a former lover, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s a track best enjoyed with a quiet drink at night—recommended for anyone reflecting on life.
Harbor Pier DrizzleIshikawa Sayuri
When it comes to enka, you can’t forget the formal pre-song introduction speech.
Delivered in a smooth 5-7 rhythm, it introduces the piece and ends precisely the moment the singing begins—true craftsmanship.
Announcers like Kazuo Tokumitsu and Kimimaro Ayanokoji are so captivating you can’t help but listen.
“Sipping sake to the sound of a foghorn…” That kind of intro fits this song, ‘Hatoba Shigure,’ perfectly.
Its breezy lyrics portray an ill-fated woman drifting from port to port in the Seto Inland Sea—classic enka through and through.
The way the 5-7 cadence settles the heart—at this point, is the 5-7 rhythm embedded in the Japanese DNA? Sayuri Ishikawa’s sultry allure also makes this a superb track!
Cape Tappi of the WindFukumoto Masaru
A heartfelt tour de force by Masaru Fukumoto that weaves together fierce winds and aching emotion.
The lyrics, which beautifully overlay the landscapes of Tohoku with the human heart, resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in January 2024, the track is marked by the striking timbre of the Tsugaru shamisen.
Set in Cape Tappi, it portrays lost hope and a heart beginning to move again—truly the essence of Tohoku enka that stirs the soul.
It’s a song I especially want those who have left their hometowns or who stand at a crossroads in life to hear.
Fukumoto’s voice is sure to stay close to your heart.
Shonai Shigure SakeFukuda Kouhei
A new single from Kohei Fukuda that portrays a man’s pride and his feelings for his hometown.
The title track sings of a man’s melancholy as he yearns for the distant place he came from, yet vows never to return.
Fukuda’s powerful vocals bring the world of the poignant lyrics vividly to life.
Released on January 1, 2024, this song is considered a “make-or-break” track that holds special meaning for him.
It’s a piece that fully showcases his strengths: praising hometown pride and the beauty of nature.
A must-listen for those living away from their hometowns or standing at a crossroads in life.
Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri
The well-known classic that represents enka, “Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scenery.” It’s also the song with which Sayuri Ishikawa transitioned from an idol singer to a full-fledged enka artist.
It’s an epic ballad about people who boarded a night train departing from Ueno Station, crossed the Tsugaru Strait in Aomori Prefecture, and made their way to Hokkaido.
In 2016, Sayuri Ishikawa appeared as a coffee shop master in the Suntory BOSS commercial “Hokkaido Shinkansen,” which featured Tommy Lee Jones, and her a cappella performance of the song became a hot topic.
It’s a masterpiece that stirs feelings of homesickness, so give it a listen while thinking of your hometown!
Alone in the North CountryYoshi Ikuzo
Ikuzo Yoshi, who always shows his humor on variety shows and as an MC, delivers this song earnestly and passionately, and it strangely hits me right in the heart—it’s a masterpiece.
From “Ora Tokyo sa Igu da” to this track, his range as a singer is unbelievably wide.
Setouchi Love SongYamaguchi Misato
Set against the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, this song is a heartfelt ode to those who chase their dreams.
The lyrics were written by Kazu Tsubasa, known for “Kiyoshi no Dodonpa,” and the music was composed by Hiroshi Tokuhisa, president of the Japan Composers’ Association—an all-star lineup.
Released by Nippon Columbia in March 2025, it marks the 10th anniversary of Misato Yamaguchi’s debut.
Drawing on Yamaguchi’s hometown region of Setouchi, the song unfolds a dramatic narrative.
Immerse yourself in this deeply expressive enka and let both body and soul be carried by it.
When I turn around, it’s YokohamaSakamoto Fuyumi
With her overwhelming vocal and expressive power, Fuyumi Sakamoto has led Japan’s enka scene since her debut in 1987.
“Furimukeba Yokohama” is a famous song by Marcia, and Sakamoto included a cover version on her 2018 album ENKA III: Shinika (Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Komasa Inomata’s Birth).
The piece portrays love, parting, and thoughts about the road ahead through the scenery of Yokohama.
Sakamoto’s richly expressive voice and the lyrics of “Furimukeba Yokohama” blend beautifully, creating a song that resonates deeply with listeners.
It is especially recommended for those who have experienced a bittersweet romance or who stand at a turning point in life.
Through this work, Sakamoto looks back on lost love while giving us the courage to face forward and take the next step.