RAG MusicJapanese Enka
Lovely enka

Enka songs that are easy for men to sing: a roundup of tracks to try at karaoke

You might be surprised by how many people want to try singing enka at karaoke.

Of course, there are those who love enka, but even among those who don’t, some people think, “I want to sing enka well and liven up the mood,” or “I often go to karaoke with older people, so I’d like to add some enka to my repertoire.”

In this article, we’ll introduce easy-to-sing songs for men who want to sing enka at karaoke.

Songs with a not-too-wide vocal range and simple melodies are considered easier to sing.

That said, what suits you can vary, so try singing a variety of songs first to see what works for you!

Easy-to-sing enka recommended for men: A roundup of songs to try at karaoke (61–70)

Headwind InnocenceTakeshima Hiroshi

[MV] Hiroshi Takeshima / Headwind Innocence (Full version)
Headwind InnocenceTakeshima Hiroshi

Released in 2021 and peaking at No.

5 on the Oricon chart, the hit song “Mukaikaze Junjō” is a track that showcases Hiroshi Takeshima’s refined vocals and is also known as the theme song for the NHK BS drama “Daifugō Dōshin 2.” With lyrics by Goro Matsui and composition by Takashi Toshimi—both giants in the field—it’s a killer tune that evokes the golden era of Showa-era pop.

Many people will likely want to try it at karaoke.

When singing it at karaoke, be sure to pronounce each word clearly, and consciously create contrast between the crisp, rhythmic parts and the expansive, sustained phrases.

While recreating the choreography that drew attention in the music video, don’t be shy—go all in and sing with bold, stylish flair, even to the point of overdoing it.

Dawn DreamTakeshima Hiroshi

Hiroshi Takeshima “Dream at Dawn” Music Video (full ver.)
Dawn DreamTakeshima Hiroshi

Although Dawn’s Dream is positioned as the B-side to the 2015 single Melancholy Story, it’s a popular track with its own music video and the kind of classic that’s sure to get the crowd going at karaoke! It’s an up-tempo number with elements reminiscent of kayōkyoku and GS, and if you enjoy the “dance-inducing kayōkyoku” style that Takeshima later released, you’re certain to love this one.

The song structure has great dynamics, and the melody is very easy to remember and sing, so even if you’re not confident in your singing, try riding the rhythm and singing comfortably first.

Love Town CounterTakeshima Hiroshi

Hiroshi Takeshima “Koimachi Counter” Music Video (full ver.)
Love Town CounterTakeshima Hiroshi

Released in 2018 as the first installment of Hiroshi Takeshima’s “Songs That Make You Dance” series, Koimachi Counter is a masterpiece that marked a new frontier for Takeshima, packed with the flavor of Showa-era kayōkyoku and popular songs.

The choreography known as the “Koimachi Dance” also became a hot topic, and it’s unquestionably a killer tune for karaoke.

There’s even a video where he performs the choreography together with fans, so be sure to check that out.

Koimachi Counter is easy to sing for anyone who loves Showa kayōkyoku, regardless of generation, and it’s perfect for getting everyone at a karaoke gathering to join in the choreography and get the party going—so definitely give it a try!

moon pillowTakeshima Hiroshi

Tsukimakura, released in May 2017 as a commemorative work for Hiroshi Takeshima’s 15th debut anniversary, became a long-running hit and was later certified Gold Disc.

Created by the golden duo of Goro Matsui and Takashi Toshimi—who gave rise to the “songs that make you dance (odorasarechau kayōkyoku)” series—it’s a masterpiece that lets you fully savor Takeshima’s refined, elegant vocal charm.

While retaining some enka-like elements, its core is a kayōkyoku-style medium ballad, so those who often sing Showa-era pop in karaoke should be able to handle it smoothly.

That said, delivering a mature, restrained performance without becoming overly emotional—like Takeshima does—is not easy to imitate.

I recommend listening to the original many times to deeply understand the song’s world before giving it a try!

A Man’s Pure Hearttatsumi yūto

Yuto Tatsumi “A Man’s Pure Heart” Music Video
A Man’s Pure Hearttatsumi yūto

Released in 2019, “Otoko no Junjo” was the second single by Yuto Tatsumi, who at the time was active as an enka singer while still a university student.

It topped the enka charts and reached No.

10 on the Oricon overall chart, helping cement the image of a new star for the Reiwa era in the enka world.

It’s classic enka that powerfully sings of supporting the somewhat awkward way a man lives, but its light, refreshing melody—reflecting Tatsumi’s personality—is easy to remember.

The vocal range isn’t very wide either, making it very easy to sing for an enka song.

I’d love for beginners to give it a try!

Downtown Innocencetatsumi yūto

Yuto Tatsumi “Downtown Innocence” Music Video
Downtown Innocencetatsumi yūto

True to its catchphrase, “Enka with all its might!”, this is Yuto Tatsumi’s debut song that brought a fresh breeze to the enka world.

When it was released in 2018, Tatsumi was a university student, and the fact that an active college student was debuting as an enka singer drew a great deal of attention.

As the title suggests, it has the feel of a hymn to life, brightly and breezily singing vivid scenes set in a downtown neighborhood.

If you like upbeat, major-key enka, I definitely recommend trying it at karaoke.

The melody is simple and easy to remember, and once you get the basic enka techniques down, there aren’t many complicated vocal runs.

The overall key is on the lower side, so even those who aren’t confident with high notes should find it easy to sing.

It’s also a great choice for enka beginners as a first song to tackle!

Inarimachi Love Songtatsumi yūto

For Yuto Tatsumi, the coupling track “Inaricho Koiuta” from his second single “Otoko no Junjo” is a classic, heartwarming enka themed around “Inaricho,” which lies between the Ueno and Asakusa areas, just as the title suggests.

It has the feel of quintessential enka, so those accustomed to singing enka should handle it with ease.

Even beginners will likely find it approachable, as signature enka techniques like kobushi and vibrato aren’t overly emphasized.

The pitch range is on the lower side, making it a welcome choice for those who struggle with high notes.

Conversely, if low notes are difficult for you, try to focus on clearly enunciating the lyrics as you sing.