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

Cape ErimoMori Shinichi

Cape Erimo

This is a song released by Shinichi Mori in 1974.

The lyrics were written by Osami Okamoto and the music was composed by Takuro Yoshida—big names who symbolize the folk music scene of the 1970s contributed to this track.

The song was born from Takuro Yoshida’s wish to write a piece for Shinichi Mori and Mori’s desire not to be confined solely to the enka genre.

It’s easier to approach if you take the style of singing a folk song with an enka vocal approach.

Since there are no pitch-shaking techniques like kobushi or vibrato here, sing it straight.

There’s a challenging section in the chorus where the melody rises sharply and then falls; if you can get through that part, a high score is within reach.

Kiyoshi’s Zundoko SongHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi [Official]

This is a single released by Kiyoshi Hikawa in 2002, and of course it was a hit.

His strong vocal ability has been a draw since his debut, but even so, his earliest songs are full of a fresh innocence and the vibrant quality of youth at the time.

Among Hikawa’s songs, which might seem difficult, this one is relatively approachable.

If I were to point out a tricky spot, it’s the part where the pitch drops at the end of phrases.

Generally speaking, descending motion is considered harder than ascending.

Practice so you can drop the pitch cleanly.

Karaoke scoring systems are pretty strict about pitch, after all.

EbisuSanada Naoki

[MV] Naoki Sanada / Ebisu (full ver.)

Produced by Ikuzo Yoshi, this song tells a love story set in the Ebisu district.

Naoki Sanada, known for his captivating husky voice, delivers an emotionally rich performance.

The lyrics skillfully depict the progression of romance while weaving in the transition from autumn to winter and then to spring, leaving a strong impression.

Released in January 2020, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Enka/Kayō ranking.

With its urban atmosphere and warm lyrics, it’s an easy song to enjoy at karaoke.

Even if you’re not confident in your singing ability, belting out the chorus with power should be more than enough to get the crowd going.

Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō

Ishihara Yujiro "Traveler of the North"

A classic song that depicts the harsh northern landscapes and a bittersweet love, it is one of Yujiro Ishihara’s signature works.

The protagonist’s feelings as he travels through Kushiro, Hakodate, and Otaru are woven together with a wistful melody.

Released as a single in August 1987, it was also used as an insert song for the TV Asahi drama “Seibu Keisatsu.” Ishihara’s distinctive low voice is captivating, and the song is popular for karaoke.

Even beginners will find it easy to sing thanks to its relaxed tempo and straightforward melody.

Why not picture the great northern land and take your time singing it?

Okuhida BojoRyū Tetsuya

Tetsuya Ryuu – Okuhida Yearning [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This is Tetsuya Ryu’s debut single, released in 1980.

With this song, he even appeared on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1981.

Despite losing his eyesight at 25, he persevered, debuting as an enka street performer in his hometown of Takayama, Gifu, with an accordion in his arms.

He sings the lyrics, set in his home region of Okuhida, with deep emotion.

This is enka at its finest—a masterpiece packed with its unique charm.

The style features an abundance of kobushi, the characteristic melodic ornaments of enka.

To master it, listen to the recording and try imitating the kobushi.

As you repeat, you’ll start to grasp their nuances.

Be sure to mimic the note sustains and accents closely.

Not only will this help you score higher, it will undoubtedly make singing enka even more enjoyable.

North TavernHosokawa Takashi

North Tavern

This is Takashi Hosokawa’s signature song, released in 1982 and a major hit.

Many people might name this track when they think of enka.

It’s memorable for its approachable, more kayōkyoku/pop-like feel and its rock-style arrangement rather than traditional enka.

While many enka songs place accents on the first and third beats, this one emphasizes the second and fourth beats, like Western music and J-pop.

Memorizing the melody is important, but keeping the rhythm throughout the entire song is crucial.

Also, while Hosokawa’s high notes tend to draw attention, being able to produce solid low notes is another key point.

Brother ShipsToba Ichirō

Ichiro Toba “Kyodai-bune (Brothers’ Boat)” (Official Audio)

This work was sung as the debut song by Ichirō Toba, who was born and raised in a fisherman’s family.

With a powerful yet wistful voice, it expresses the bonds among men of the sea and their feelings for their families.

Released in August 1982, it became a million-seller and later was performed seven times on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, making it a classic.

The overall pitch is on the lower side, making it approachable even for those who struggle with high notes.

If vibrato is difficult, try focusing on clear enunciation to convey the lyrics distinctly.

It’s a recommended song for livening up a karaoke session or for singing with heartfelt thoughts for someone special.