Men’s enka: a collection of classic songs portraying the way men live and their fighting spirit

ancient castleMitsubishi Michiya

Mitsuhashi Michiya [Kojo (Old Castle)]

When it comes to timeless, melancholy Japanese classics, this song is the first that comes to mind.

Its lyrical poetry and rich melody blend beautifully, stirring the listener’s heart.

Through the image of a decayed castle, it poignantly sings of lost glory and nostalgia for bygone days—truly the essence of enka.

Since its 1959 release, it has remained beloved by many and is a karaoke staple.

Yet its difficulty is well known: Mihashi’s distinctive vocal timbre and expressive power, along with the wide-ranging melody, put any singer to the test.

Even so, it’s a song I especially hope those with a wealth of life experience will try.

The Makioka SistersItsuki Hiroshi

[MV] Hiroshi Itsuki “Sasameyuki” [Official]

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

freezing rainKayama Akio

Hiyusame by Akio Kayama

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.

Musashikanmuri jiro

Jiro Kanmuri / Musashi [“Kanmuri Revolution” PV Ver.]

Sung by enka heavyweight Jiro Kanmuri, this piece is a captivating song that fuses a powerful vocal style with Japanese tradition.

Using the life of Miyamoto Musashi as its motif, it delves deeply into life’s choices and solitude.

Released by Nippon Columbia in April 1993, it also became a popular track included on the album “Tokusenshu Kan Jiro / Musashi” the same year.

While it’s by no means an easy song to sing, its upbeat, rock-inflected elements make it surprisingly singable if you go for it and have fun.

festivalKitajima Saburō

Festival - Saburo Kitajima [COVER]

Released in 1984, this song features lyrics that vividly depict a bountiful harvest festival praying for an abundant five-grain crop, and a vibrant great catch festival passed down to the next generation.

It has been performed a total of six times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

On stage, Kitajima sings atop a Nebuta float alongside a large group of dancers, creating a dynamic and spectacular performance.

Woman of KagaKitajima Saburō

Woman of Kaga

It’s a classic masterpiece from Saburō Kitajima’s “Woman Series” that lets you fully feel the charm of golden-age Showa enka.

Set against the scenery and culture of Kanazawa, the song portrays the poignant feelings of a man reminiscing about a past love.

Released in July 1969, it was also performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It became a major hit, selling over 800,000 copies, and was included on albums in 2004 and 2007.

While the song showcases Sab-chan’s overwhelming vocal power and masterful expressiveness, it’s actually difficult to sing.

Its wide vocal range and deeply emotional phrasing are distinctive; if you’re trying it at karaoke, it’s best to first grasp the rhythm of the piece and practice it section by section.

mountainKitajima Saburō

mountain

Saburo Kitajima’s portrayal of a man’s way of life is deeply moving.

This work expresses an unwavering will like a majestic mountain.

You can gradually feel the strength to overcome life’s rough seas.

Although released in January 2022, it’s a masterpiece that conveys a timeless universality, like the earth itself.

Its life philosophy, linked with a yearning for mountains, is also superb.

It’s imbued with the resolve to fear no hardship and stay true to one’s own path.

A song you should listen to when you’re uncertain about work or life.

Kitajima’s voice, steeped in a masculine aesthetic, will surely give you a push forward.