[2026] A roundup of classic enka and kayōkyoku masterpieces: male-male duets

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

There are countless classic duet songs around the world, but when it comes to male-female units, same-gender duos are generally more common in fields like pop and R&B.

In enka and kayōkyoku as well, duos are typically male-female pairings.

However, this article compiles standout tracks featuring male–male duets—songs where two men team up in the enka and kayōkyoku genres.

While the number is relatively small, these are passionate, intense, and at times deeply refined songs—centered around the great masters—that let you fully savor the rugged world of men.

Enjoy these timeless classics.

[2026] Best Male-Male Duet Enka and Kayōkyoku Classics (11–20)

An Unspoken GoodbyeKiyoshi Maekawa · Tomio Umezawa

An Unspoken Goodbye

An Unspoken Goodbye Maekawa Kiyoshi · Umezawa Tomio

A male duo performing enka and kayōkyoku is a rare combination, but this song by Kiyoshi Maekawa and Tomio Umezawa brings out the full appeal of that pairing.

With their deep, resonant voices and richly emotional delivery, they vividly express the pain of heartbreak and the sting of regret.

Although the song was released in November 2003 without any particular tie-in, its profound emotional expression and wistful melody captured many hearts and it remains enduringly popular.

For those who have experienced adult love and parting, it’s a track that resonates deeply.

It’s great for karaoke, of course, but also highly recommended for a quiet night of attentive listening.

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between menSaburō Kitajima · Ichirō Toba

between men

between men Kitajima Saburō · Toba Ichirō

A song celebrating the steadfast bond and friendship between men has been woven by two giants of the enka world.

The powerful duet by Saburo Kitajima and Ichiro Toba captivates with its richly emotional expression that conveys a man’s way of life and spirit.

Released by Nippon Crown in January 2013, this single was produced as part of the label’s 50th anniversary project.

It is the fourth duet by the two artists and has also become popular for karaoke.

The lyrics, which inspire courage and hope in the face of life’s trials, are perfect for those confronting difficulties or wishing to reaffirm the ties with their close companions.

It’s a recommended track not only for enka fans but for anyone who wants to feel the camaraderie between men.

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Azusa No. 2karyūdō

Azusa No. 2 / Kariudo

Azusa No. 2karyūdō

This is a signature song by a male duo from the Showa era.

I love folk songs from this period! In “Azusa No.

2,” the A and B sections are relatively quiet, but once the chorus hits and the harmonies come in, it suddenly soars! It’s incredibly cool and feels so good to sing! The harmony is basically a third below, but since the main melody’s chorus sits around G4 and has that belting quality, the harmony should come in firmly so it doesn’t get overshadowed.

When entering the chorus, listen carefully to the backing track and breathe together so you both come in at the same time! The unison at the end of the chorus after all that harmonizing is wonderful, too.

It might be a somewhat wistful song, but when the harmonies lock in, it’ll give you goosebumps—so definitely find a partner and give it a try!

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How Angels and Demons Lovefuurin

Wind Ring: “How Angels and Demons Love” MV [Official]

How Angels and Demons Lovefuurin

A heart-stirring duo song where diverse musical styles blend together.

“How Angels and Demons Love” was released in April 2025 as Fuurin’s third single.

Crafted by the accomplished songwriting team of Masato Sugimoto and Mami Takubo, it’s a sweet yet bittersweet love song.

With a romantically atmospheric arrangement that highlights the duo’s clear, expansive vocals, the track shines.

It’s a perfect pick for anyone seeking a love-boosting kayōkyoku-style tune.

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A street corner where stars fallSatoi Ito to Happī & Burū

Star-Falling Street Corner — Toshii Ito and Happy & Blue, 2000 (reunited with vocals from 17 years earlier)

A street corner where stars fallSatoi Ito to Happī & Burū

Set to a bossa nova rhythm, this work vividly portrays a blissful moment spent with a lover on a quiet city night.

Released in 1977 by Satoshi Itō and Happy & Blue, it garnered numerous honors, including participation in the 6th Tokyo Music Festival (Domestic Competition) and winning both the Vocal Award and the Special Excellence Award at the 1st Osaka Popular Music Festival.

The memorable, striking choral work and sophisticated performance blend beautifully to create a sweet, immersive world.

Enjoy the gentle, heartfelt vocals when you want to revisit cherished memories with a loved one or spend a calm, peaceful evening.

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In conclusion

As I mentioned at the beginning, duets are basically exchanges between a man and a woman, so there are actually very few songs in the enka and kayōkyoku genres that were sung as male–male duets.

When I did some research, I honestly found myself thinking, “Oh, these two sang a duet together?” If you dig deeper, you might uncover some unexpected tracks!