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!

Playlist

Enka songs that are easy for men to sing: a roundup of tracks to try at karaoke
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Dream PlayUmezawa Fumio		The famous song through which Tomio Umezawa succeeded as a singer
2	Like myself…Toukyou Rikisha		New enka ballad single about rickshaws
3	Showa-era manToba Ichirō		The way of life of a Showa-era man as sung by Ichiro Toba
4	It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Uchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five		A song commentary by Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five that introduces methods for practicing enka
5	Blues of SorrowYoshi Ikuzo		Yoshi Ikuzo’s “Ai no Blues” is easy to sing.
6	Scorpio womanMikawa Ken’ichi		It took the world by storm as a song sung by a man in a feminine style...
7	youSen Masao		Masao Sen’s classic song “Anta,” which sings of a woman’s heartrending feelings.
8	A Man’s LifeKitajima Saburō		Saburo Kitajima’s classic that sings of life
9	old man teacherSen Masao		Masao Sen's classic song “Oyaji Sensei” resonates with the heart.
10	Our town was green indeed.Sen Masao		A classic by Masao Sen, enka-style but easy to sing
11	Motomachi BluesSen Masao		Showa Blues, a classic in a gritty enka style
12	70th birthday celebrationSen Masao		A warm, celebratory song for a 70th birthday (Koki)
13	Beside the TearsSen Masao		Masao Sen’s Tearful Next, Hawaiian-style Enka
14	A Man’s HarborToba Ichirō		Ichiro Toba’s “Otoko no Minato” is suitable for enka beginners.
15	I’m going to Tokyo.Yoshi Ikuzo		Yoshi Ikuzo’s classic song “We’re Headin’ to Tokyo”
16	Casablanca GoodbyeToba Ichirō		Enka songs by Ichiro Toba that are easy to sing
17	festivalKitajima Saburō		Saburo Kitajima’s “Matsuri” is a low-register piece, but its difficulty level is low.
18	tear-drunkKenjiro		Kenjiro 15th Anniversary Commemorative Song
19	Calm or stormIchijō Kanta		A powerful song that portrays the life of a sea fisherman
20	bridgeKitajima Saburō		Saburo Kitajima’s classic song “Hashi” (“Bridge”) is a man’s anthem that gives courage.
21	Thank you to you.Yamamoto Jōji		The enka song released by Joji Yamamoto on February 1, 2001
22	Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo		A socially conscious masterpiece that depicts the feelings of men and women
23	Headwind InnocenceTakeshima Hiroshi		Sing Takeshima Hiroshi’s hit songs with emotion
24	A Man’s WayMiyama Hiroshi		A classic enka masterpiece that sings of Hiroshi Miyama’s masculine outlook on life
25	king (shogi piece)Murata Hideo		A Showa-era classic, singing of a man's pride and dreams
26	The Bond Between Us Twotatsumi yūto		A happy enka filled with love
27	konnyaku bastardKurokawa Shinichiro		A bright, upbeat song humorously celebrating konnyaku
28	Rose music boxMaekawa Kiyoshi		Introduction to Kiyoshi Maekawa’s classic song “Rose Music Box”
29	Song of FarewellKobayashi Akira		A cover of a school song sung by Akira Kobayashi
30	With a fiery heartKobayashi Akira		A featureless song by Akira Kobayashi; pay attention to the rhythm in the chorus.
31	Person Sought in the NorthNakazawa Takuya		Takuya Nakazawa’s “Kita no Tazunebito” is easy to sing at karaoke.
32	In a dreamKobayashi Akira		A classic song by Akira Kobayashi that delicately portrays life and love
33	Will you marry me?Niinuma Kenji		Kenji Niinuma's signature song depicting a country youth's marriage proposal
34	Cape ErimoMori Shinichi		A song in which Shinichi Mori attempted a fusion of enka and folk
35	Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō		Yujiro Ishihara’s Northern Love Song
36	In every age…Sen Masao		Famous enka songs that even beginners can sing
37	Yaima (Yaeyama)Sen Masao		Yaima New Version, Okinawan Style
38	You are everything.Sen Masao		Masao Sen’s classic song—easy to sing with vibrato-driven kobushi ornamentation.
39	Poem of Miso SoupSen Masao		The poem of miso soup is a melancholic song in the lower to mid range.
40	Song of YouthSen Masao		Enka with a warm atmosphere, songs that are easy for beginners to sing
41	nostalgic personSen Masao		Masao Sen’s “Natsukashi no Hito” is easy to sing.
42	Northern fishing groundsKitajima Saburō		Saburo Kitajima’s manly song— a rugged, easy-to-sing classic.
43	Chome-chomehoriemonn		Feeling refreshed and exhilarated with a Horiemon cheer song
44	Heart RainŌe Yutaka		Oe Hiroshi’s women’s songs, easy-to-sing masterpieces
45	Woman of FateŌe Yutaka		Oe Hiroshi’s woman’s song. It’s like a kayōkyoku and easy to sing.
46	Eating My Way Across JapanŌe Yutaka		Introducing Hiroshi Oe’s warm, patriotic songs
47	Shigure Moon in KinosakiŌe Yutaka		Kinosaki Shigure-zuki is an easy-to-sing enka song
48	The Blue Bird of HappinessYamamoto Jōji		Beloved Enka Classics by Joji Yamamoto
49	I want loveMaekawa Kiyoshi		Kiyoshi Maekawa skillfully captures a masterpiece that sings of a woman’s heart
50	Fragments of Men and WomenMaekawa Kiyoshi		Kiyoshi Maekawa’s classic “Fragments of a Man and a Woman,” with a Showa kayō (retro Showa-era pop) vibe
51	The northern city, HakodateKitagawa Daisuke		Expressing a port town love story in Showa-era kayōkyoku
52	I’m heading to Tokyo.Yoshi Ikuzo		A signature song by Yoshikazu Ikuzō that humorously depicts rural life
53	passionate flameYoshi Ikuzo		Ikuzo Yoshi’s classic song “Jōen” is an easy-to-sing masterpiece.
54	Elegy of a Port TownYoshi Ikuzo		The melancholy-tinged masterpiece by Itsuki Hiroshi, “Minatomachi Banka.”
55	Drunken SongYoshi Ikuzo		Feature explanation of a fusion song of enka and jazz, “Yoiuta”
56	Feel-good song♪Ōe Yutaka		An enka pop song with a bright melody
57	A Migratory Bird with a GuitarKobayashi Akira		Kobayashi Akira’s classic hit “Guitar,” influenced by Western music
58	Homeward Journey to the NorthKobayashi Akira		A gentle song depicting a man's feelings as he returns to his hometown
59	a desperate gambleYamauchi Keisuke		A fusion of enka and rock in Hanakappa’s ending theme
60	AfterglowYamauchi Keisuke		A moody Hachiroku-style masterpiece by Keisuke Yamauchi
61	Crimson ButterflyYamauchi Keisuke		Keisuke Yamauchi’s Japanese-style song
62	New York StoriesYamakawa Yutaka		A fusion song of pop and enka by Yutaka Yamakawa.
63	Big brotherYamakawa Yutaka		A simple enka imbued with respect for my older brother
64	Harbor TavernYamakawa Yutaka		Port Tavern is a masterpiece that expresses masculinity with a low voice.
65	KeikoYamakawa Yutaka		Keiko is subdued and moist, holding back her strength
66	Omokage Main LineYamakawa Yutaka		Yutaka Yamakawa’s sultry enka mood ballad
67	sunsetYamamoto Jōji		Joji Yamamoto’s classic song “Yūhi” is suitable for beginners of enka.
68	Dawn DreamTakeshima Hiroshi		Dawn Dream is a popular coupling track
69	Love Town CounterTakeshima Hiroshi		Hiroshi Takeshima’s new song danced in the style of Showa-era kayōkyoku
70	moon pillowTakeshima Hiroshi		Hiroshi Takeshima’s 15th anniversary debut commemorative single
71	A Man’s Pure Hearttatsumi yūto		Yuto Tatsumi’s Reiwa New Star Enka Song
72	Downtown Innocencetatsumi yūto		A refreshing downtown ode to life by a college student enka singer
73	Inarimachi Love Songtatsumi yūto		A classic enka brimming with human warmth, set in Inaricho
74	Could it be… you?Kouzai Kaori		A masterpiece by Kaori Kozai. It’s enka-like but pop. Expressing emotion is essential.
75	ComradeToba Ichirō		An enka piece that passionately sings of the bond between men
76	marine snowjero		The appeal and vocal prowess of Jero’s blockbuster enka song
77	Mount IwakiMiyama Hiroshi		Miyama Hiroshi’s famous song that grandly sings of a man’s emotions, set against Mount Iwaki
78	Hokkai Port FestivalMiyama Hiroshi		Hiroshi Miyama’s Fisherman’s Anthem, a high-difficulty enka song
79	The Makioka SistersItsuki Hiroshi		A famous song by Hiroshi Itsuki that sings of feelings for a man through snowy scenes
80	Nagaragawa ElegyItsuki Hiroshi		Itsuki Hiroshi’s famed song of the Nagara River
81	freezing rainKayama Akio		A Showa-era classic that sings of the bittersweet feelings of heartbreak
82	Boat SongYashiro Aki		Aki Yashiro's bar-friendly hit songs
83	Northern SpringSen Masao		A classic enka song longing for one’s hometown, with beautiful scenery.
84	To my daughter…Yoshi Ikuzo		A father’s heartrending feelings as he sings of his daughter’s marriage
85	Oh, sake!Yoshi Ikuzo		A classic enka song by Ikuzo Yoshi that sings of loneliness and alcohol
86	Beloved DaysHoriuchi Takao		Byakkotai theme song, with an emphasis on the lower register
87	The Camellia Sasanqua InnŌkawa Eisaku		Eisaku Ōkawa’s signature enka song about an adulterous love
88	Sake of TearsŌki Nobuo		A classic enka song that portrays a man's heart trying to drown out love's longing with alcohol
89	I’m appearing under my former name.Kobayashi Akira		A signature song by Akira Kobayashi; the key isn’t high, so it’s easy to practice.
90	A street corner in loveYamauchi Keisuke		Vocal highlights of Keisuke Yamauchi’s 2008 hit song
91	America BridgeYamakawa Yutaka		Yutaka Yamakawa’s “America-bashi.” The key point is the 6/8 time signature.
92	A solitary journey to MichinokuYamamoto Jōji		Joji Yamamoto’s signature work, an enka masterpiece that portrays parting and embarking on a new journey
93	A Lone Journey to MichinokuYamamoto Jōji		One of Joji Yamamoto’s signature songs. A masterpiece that’s challenging for its low register and steady pitch.
94	Lost in the cityIwaide Kazuya		Kazuya Iwade’s “City Stray” is recommended for karaoke
95	draft (cold air seeping through gaps)Sugi Ryōtarō		Tips for singing Ryotaro Sugi’s “Sukimakaze”
96	Kiyoshi’s Zundoko SongHikawa Kiyoshi		Hikawa Kiyoshi’s 2002 single, with a tricky descending pitch section
97	EbisuSanada Naoki		A love enka song produced by Itsuki Hiroshi, set in the streets of Ebisu
98	Okuhida BojoRyū Tetsuya		How to sing Ryu Tetsuya’s enka debut song
99	North TavernHosokawa Takashi		Takashi Hosokawa’s enka singing style and rhythm
100	Brother ShipsToba Ichirō		Introduction of the debut song by a singer from a fisherman's family