When you think of the world of enka, many of you may imagine a “grown-up realm where one has tasted the sweet and bitter of life.” However, there are also performers who debuted as enka singers in childhood and have been active across a wide range of fields.
In this article, we’ll introduce enka singers who have been active since they were children.
Their pure, innocent voices and endearing gestures—unique to children—are full of charm, so take this opportunity to discover what makes them so appealing.
- [Rising Star] Teenage Female Enka Singer
- A roundup of female enka singers in their 20s: The young divas of the enka world
- [Enka] A special feature on female singers in their 30s: Kayō singers whose music goes beyond enka
- Debut songs of enka singers in the 2000s
- A roundup of female enka singers in their 70s: voices that evoke nostalgia
- [2026] Enka Singer from Tohoku
- A roundup of 40-something female enka singers with captivating voices
- A roundup of male enka singers in their 80s: veterans who left their mark on the enka world
- 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
- [Topic] Teen Male Enka Singer
- Diva of Enka: A roundup of female singers leading the enka world
- A roundup of leading female enka singers representing the Showa era
Compilation of enka singers who have been active since childhood (1–10)
Tearful LoveYashiro Aki
Aki Yashiro possesses a very unusual vocal quality for a singer.
Typically, as singers age, their lower register gains more heft, but in her case it was the opposite—she had a richer, deeper low range when she was younger.
One of the works released early in her career is Namida Koi.
Its slightly muffled, husky voice timbre leaves a strong impression, doesn’t it? As enka, this piece features relatively few kobushi ornaments and incorporates plenty of kayōkyoku (Japanese pop) elements, making it easy to sing even for those who aren’t fond of enka.
The wind blows.Tendō Yoshimi
Yoshimi Tendo is also a champion of the All-Japan Kayō Championship.
However, it took her ten years after her re-debut to become successful.
That said, when she was 16, she sang songs everyone has heard, under the name Yoshimi Yoshida.
Her vocals on the anime Inakappe Taisho’s “Daichan Kazoewuta / Inakappe Taisho” have a power you wouldn’t expect from a 16-year-old.
Mist-bound feelingsYamauchi Keisuke
Keisuke Yamauchi made his debut in 2001 at the age of 17 after being scouted at a karaoke competition in his home prefecture of Fukuoka.
To become a singer, he reportedly traveled to Tokyo once a month for a year to take vocal lessons.
That must have been quite an expense.
With a somewhat feminine vibe, enka singer Keisuke Yamauchi is now an idol among older ladies.
A Flower of This WorldShimakura Chiyoko
Chiyoko Shimakura’s clear, melancholy voice had many fans.
Because of her gentle nature and pure-hearted trust that didn’t know how to doubt others, she even lent her personal seal to an acquaintance and ended up burdened with debts said to total as much as 2 billion yen.
Astonishingly, she is said to have paid it all off in just seven years.
Will you marry me?Niinuma Kenji
Kenji Niinuma’s path to becoming a singer began with Star Tanjō, the gateway to stardom in that era.
He failed the preliminaries four times and passed on his fifth try, showing real grit.
In the final championship round, however, a record 17 companies for a male contestant scouted him.
His gentle Tohoku accent felt fresh and gave rise to a new type of enka idol.
Woman’s DepartureMatsubara Nobue
There are quite a lot of enka singers from Kyushu, aren’t there? Nobue Matsubara is also from Kyushu—Ōita Prefecture.
With her straightforward, unadorned singing voice, she’s one of the truly skilled enka performers, but I’ve heard she had kidney problems from a young age.
As she got older, it worsened, and whenever she had concerts or promotional events, she would look for hospitals nearby where she could receive dialysis.
Now, after receiving a kidney transplant from her younger brother, she’s embarked on a second life.
teacherMori Masako
Masako Mori, at 13, had outstanding vocal ability, but she didn’t start singing full-fledged enka until around 1977 with “Namida no Sambashi.” Her mentor, the lyricist Yū Aku, reportedly told her, “Don’t sing too perfectly,” and “Sing as you are now.” Indeed, a hardcore enka performance from a 13-year-old can be a bit off-putting.