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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 (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.

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.

A Man’s WayMiyama Hiroshi

Hiroshi Miyama “A Man’s Way” MUSIC VIDEO
A Man's WayMiyama Hiroshi

This song by Hiroshi Miyama, a leading figure in enka, is a moving masterpiece that powerfully sings of a man’s way of life and outlook on life.

Since it mainly sits in the low to mid vocal range, it’s structured to be easy to sing even for those who struggle with high notes.

Released in February 2017, it also became a popular hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Enka/Kayō Single Chart.

The lyrics capture a calm, composed male figure, his views on love, and his feelings for his hometown—making it a perfect track for those moments when you want to quietly reflect on life, like savoring a drink at a bar and looking back on your journey.

king (shogi piece)Murata Hideo

A quintessential classic of the Showa era, this song powerfully portrays a man’s pride and poignant loneliness.

Using a shogi grandmaster as its motif, it movingly depicts a man who refuses to abandon his dreams despite a life of poverty, as well as his gratitude toward his beloved wife.

Released in November 1961, it became an instant smash after Hideo Murata performed it on that year’s NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

The following year, it was chosen as the theme song for a film of the same name, ultimately selling over three million copies.

Marked by its distinctive waltz (3/4) rhythm, the chorus is meant to be sung with powerful conviction.

It’s a perfect choice not only for shogi fans, but also for anyone striving toward their dreams or wishing to sing with heartfelt thanks to someone dear.

The Bond Between Us Twotatsumi yūto

Released in 2022 as the coupling track to the historical enka song “Setsugekka,” themed around Okita Sōji of the Shinsengumi, “Futari no Kizuna” is, true to its title’s image, a quintessential “happy enka.” If you enjoy heartwarming enka brimming with love and happiness, you should definitely try singing it at karaoke.

Tatsumi’s performance avoids gimmicks and smoothly incorporates classic enka techniques like kobushi and vibrato, making it approachable even for beginners to enka.

konnyaku bastardKurokawa Shinichiro

Shinichiro Kurokawa “Konnyaku Bastard” MV [Official]
konnyaku bastardKurokawa Shinichiro

It’s been crafted into a relatable, friendly song that feels as if it’s singing about you.

The lyrics, which liken the characteristics of konnyaku to the singer themself, are full of humor and depth.

Shinichiro Kurokawa’s clear, soaring high notes match the bright, lighthearted melody perfectly.

Released in July 2024, this work also includes the coupling track “To Mother,” a song of gratitude to his mom.

It’s the perfect tune for livening up a karaoke session or cheering up a downhearted friend—sure to lift your spirits!

Rose music boxMaekawa Kiyoshi

One of Kiyoshi Maekawa’s signature solo songs, also performed at the 1997 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, is “Bara no Orugōru” (The Rose Music Box).

With its moody guitar phrases, an instantly catchy chorus, and Maekawa’s irresistibly masculine delivery that poignantly conveys a woman’s heartache, it’s the kind of classic that makes you want to sing it at karaoke.

The production straddles enka and mood kayō, and the overall melody line is easy to sing, so even beginners who struggle with straight enka should find it approachable.

That said, clearly projecting the low notes and adding vibrato like Maekawa does is surprisingly difficult, making this a great practice piece for those who aren’t confident with their lower register.