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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 (11–20)

Casablanca GoodbyeToba Ichirō

Ichiro Toba “Casablanca Goodbye” (Official Audio)
Casablanca GoodbyeToba Ichirō

Enka singer Ichiro Toba, popular for his wide-ranging musicality from male-voiced to female-voiced songs, has left many masterpieces.

Among them, Casablanca Goodbye is especially recommended as an easy song to sing.

While there are a few spots that feature kobushi (traditional enka vocal ornaments), overall the piece has a flavor closer to kayōkyoku (Japanese popular song).

It employs a very light mixed voice, but the high phrases aren’t very long, and it doesn’t demand much power overall, so the overall difficulty is on the lower side.

Its mood-rich melody is sure to get the crowd going!

festivalKitajima Saburō

Saburo Kitajima “Matsuri” (Official Audio)
festivalKitajima Saburō

Saburo Kitajima is a great enka singer who has left behind many masterpieces.

His distinctive, undulating kobushi and vibrato are especially striking.

Among his songs, the one I particularly recommend is Matsuri.

While the piece is memorable for its low register, it surprisingly spans a range from mid1 A to high C.

However, because the pitch changes within the kobushi are contained within two notes, it is classified as a work with a lower level of difficulty in terms of overall technique.

If you adjust it to your suitable key, it’s not un-singable, so be sure to identify your own vocal range carefully.

tear-drunkKenjiro

Kenjiro “Teary Drunk” Music Video
tear-drunkKenjiro

A melancholic song that portrays the aching feelings of being intoxicated by alcohol and tears.

It’s a medium-tempo enka released in August 2024 to commemorate Kenjiro’s 15th anniversary.

Composed by Makoto Sugimoto, the piece captivates with its profound emotional expression.

Unable to forget the warmth of a love that has passed, the yearning for one’s hometown overlays the memory, seeping with loneliness.

It’s a tender masterpiece that empathizes with those carrying wounds in their hearts—perfect for late nights spent alone, when it’s sure to resonate deeply.

This work may be an ideal pick not only for enka fans but also for men looking to try singing enka at karaoke.

Calm or stormIchijō Kanta

[New Song] “Calm or Storm” LIVE version.
Calm or stormIchijō Kanta

As the third installment in a series themed around the ocean, this work powerfully depicts fishermen who keep moving forward with unwavering resolve, whether the seas are calm or raging.

The lyrics by Takashi Banjo and the melody woven by Kenji Miyashita blend beautifully, while Kanta Ichijo’s clear, expansive vocals resonate deeply.

Brimming with speed and dynamism, this piece is sure to accompany those standing at a crossroads in life, offering courage to take a new step forward.

A Man’s LifeKitajima Saburō

A heartfelt, powerful song that reexamines the joys and sorrows of life and celebrates living with sincerity.

It carefully weaves together a half-life spent overcoming hardships and trials while valuing duty and truth.

Released by Saburo Kitajima in January 2011, this work conveys the sentiments of his more than 50-year career in show business with a mature vocal performance that deeply resonates with listeners.

While honoring the traditional flavor of enka, the song features contemporary arrangements that give it a profoundly moving quality that sinks into the heart.

It is a gem of a masterpiece to listen to when you stand at a crossroads in life or want to savor your gratitude toward someone important.

Thank you to you.Yamamoto Jōji

[MV] Joji Yamamoto / Thank You to You (full ver.)
Thank you to you.Yamamoto Jōji

Between 2000 and 2001, Joji Yamamoto released three singles with lyrics by Takashi Taka, music by Tetsuya Gen, and arrangement by Toshiaki Maeda.

The second of these is Omae ni Arigatou, which was released on February 1, 2001—Yamamoto’s birthday.

It’s a classic enka number characteristic of Yamamoto, conveying a gently melancholic mood and masculine strength through his distinctive kobushi vocal ornamentation, and it’s naturally very popular for karaoke.

While the expansive vibrato makes it a bit challenging for beginners, its overall difficulty is moderate for enka, making it a great practice song for those who enjoy this style.

Easy-to-sing enka recommended for men: A roundup of songs to try at karaoke (21–30)

Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo

EXILE ATSUSHI – Sake, Tears, Men and Women (EXILE ATSUSHI SPECIAL SOLO LIVE in HAWAII)
Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo

This is a socially conscious masterpiece that portrays the subtle miscommunications between men and women and the nuances of emotional expression with deep insight.

It warmly observes how men open up through drinking and women through tears, each revealing their inner feelings.

Born from impressions Eigo Kawashima had at age 18 during a family memorial gathering, the song was included on the November 1975 album “Jinrui” (Humanity) and released as a single in June 1976.

Also known as the jingle for the sake brand Kizakura, it became a major hit, reaching No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It is a gem I recommend to anyone who wants to face their heart honestly when confronted with life’s sorrow and poignancy.