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!
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Easy-to-sing enka recommended for men: A roundup of songs to try at karaoke (71–80)
Hokkai Port FestivalMiyama Hiroshi
This song by Hiroshi Miyama, an enka singer from Kochi Prefecture, was released in 2023 and powerfully portrays the life of a fisherman.
Miyama’s warm “vitamin voice” expressively conveys the hardships and resolve of fishermen with deep emotion.
Depicting a man facing raging waves, it also weaves in bonds with family and mentors, becoming a hymn to life.
Characterized by a driving tempo and powerful vocals known as “gangan enka,” the song demands considerable vocal skill, with a wide range, sharp pitch shifts, and a bold singing style.
Even those familiar with enka will need substantial practice to master it.
When singing it at karaoke, it’s recommended to first grasp the rhythm and practice section by section.
The Makioka SistersItsuki Hiroshi
This is a celebrated song by Hiroshi Itsuki that tenderly sings of a woman’s complex, shifting heart as she single-mindedly longs for a man, set against a snowy backdrop.
Released as a single in 1983, it’s one of his signature tracks, ranking fourth in lifetime sales within his discography.
Because it’s a beloved classic, many people have it as their go-to karaoke number, and many others may be eager to give it a try.
As for singing tips, while the overall pitch sits slightly on the low side, the range spans widely—as if mirroring the protagonist’s emotional shifts—so the key is to sing with clear contrasts and dynamic shading.
Avoid sounding too flat; aim to deliver the climactic moments with dramatic, heartfelt emotion.
Nagaragawa ElegyItsuki Hiroshi
It’s no exaggeration to call this song one of the signature works of Hiroshi Itsuki, the singer-songwriter Japan is proud of.
Released in 1984, it’s a regional song set in Gifu Prefecture and became a major hit.
Skillfully depicting the scenery of the Nagara River and the bittersweetness of a one-night romance, the piece resonates with lyrics woven in beautiful Japanese and an emotionally rich melody.
Starting with an intro marked by an evocative shamisen tone, the story unfolds through Itsuki’s soaring vocals.
The song garnered numerous music awards, including the Grand Prize at the 26th Japan Record Awards.
It’s relatively easy to sing and recommended for newcomers to enka; when trying it at karaoke, listen closely to Itsuki’s performance and sing with heartfelt expression—that’s the key.
Easy-to-sing enka recommended for men: A roundup of songs to try at karaoke (81–90)
freezing rainKayama Akio
A signature work by Akio Kayama that poignantly sings of the heartache of unrequited love through the figure of a woman enjoying a solitary drink at a bar.
This classic captivates many fans with its bittersweet vocals and richly expressive delivery.
Released in 1977 as his debut single, it has gradually seeped into people’s hearts over time.
In 1983, it won the Long-Seller Award at the Japan Record Awards and is highly regarded as a beloved song of the Showa era.
With a light, folk-tinged melody, the key is to value rhythm and hold back overt power, emphasizing restrained emotion over force.
For karaoke, try singing up to the chorus as if speaking to the listener, and have fun by getting friends to handle the tricky parts.
Boat SongYashiro Aki
There aren’t many songs that fit a nighttime bar as well as this one.
It’s a hit number powerfully delivered by Aki Yashiro’s natural vocal prowess.
Men should have this song in their repertoire, too.
Don’t force it—sing it gently while picturing yourself drinking at the bar counter.
Northern SpringSen Masao
It’s a classic enka song that portrays the feelings of a city dweller nostalgic for their hometown.
The imagery is wonderful—you can almost see the northern spring landscapes with white birches, Japanese kerria blossoms, and a watermill.
Released in April 1977, this piece achieved the remarkable feat of being performed at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen three years in a row.
If you sing it at karaoke, I recommend picturing the scenes in the lyrics and filling your voice with the sentiment of longing for home.
Prioritize gentle, heartfelt expression over sheer power.
Even if you’re not used to singing, the melody is easy to remember, so it’s a comfortable song to try.
It’s perfect for those living away from their hometown or anyone who wants to recall familiar, nostalgic landscapes.
To my daughter…Yoshi Ikuzo
From the very intro—melancholic acoustic guitar and tasteful strings—you can feel a poignant atmosphere.
It’s a masterpiece written and composed by Ikuzo Yoshi, imbued with the clumsy yet heartfelt feelings of a father toward his daughter as she marries and leaves home.
Fathers who’ve had similar experiences will likely find themselves in tears.
It’s a classic not only for karaoke but also one we’d love to see the bride’s father sing at weddings and receptions.
The melody sits on the lower side, making it easier for those who struggle with high notes, and the pitch is straightforward, so you can expect a solid karaoke score.
That said, more important than any flashy technique is pouring your deep, aching love for your daughter into the performance.
Be sure to read the lyrics carefully and then sing your heart out.