Men’s enka: a collection of classic songs portraying the way men live and their fighting spirit
There are many enka songs that depict the way men live and their stylish, gallant spirit.
There are also songs that sing about bonds and love from a male perspective.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide selection of songs that convey men’s emotions.
We’ve gathered plenty of chic, cool tracks and deeply moving songs full of compassion.
We’re sure you’ll find songs that resonate with you regardless of gender, so please listen while following along with the lyrics.
- Cool masterpieces of enka, the heart of Japan
- Enka Path: A collection of enka songs that liken life to a road
- Enka songs that are easy for men to sing: a roundup of tracks to try at karaoke
- [Men] Enka Songs That Can Score High in Karaoke
- [For Men] Masterpiece Enka Songs with High Difficulty
- [Enka] A feature on male singers in their 60s: enka vocalists whose rugged charm shines
- A collection of classic enka masterpieces about love: songs that depict the nuances of mature romance.
- Legendary enka songs that fire up the crowd. A song catalog of enka picks you won’t go wrong with at karaoke.
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Masterpieces for Karaoke — Male Singers Edition
- [2026] Life's Cheering Songs: A Collection of Recommended Enka to Lift Your Spirits
- [Enka] A special feature on male singers in their 30s: authentic kayōkyoku brimming with sensual allure
- [2026] Representative Famous Enka Songs: A Compilation of Classic Favorites [Beginner-Friendly]
- Roundup of male enka singers in their 50s: masters who are active at the heart of the enka world
Men’s enka: A collection of classic songs portraying the way of life and spirit of men (71–80)
Motherly bondedoarudo
The debut song released in 2015 by Eduardo, an enka singer from Brazil, is a moving piece that sings of the bond with his mother.
Its lyrics portray a parent and child striving to live through poverty, and they match perfectly with Eduardo’s emotionally rich vocals, deeply touching many listeners.
Eduardo’s commanding vocal ability, effortlessly spanning from low to high notes, is stunning, and the sustained notes in the chorus are especially captivating.
This piece demands techniques such as maintaining precise pitch and rhythm while applying vibrato, making it a song that seasoned enka singers in particular should try.
Listening to Eduardo’s soul-stirring voice will renew your appreciation for the profound depth of enka.
Hokkai Port FestivalMiyama Hiroshi
This song by Hiroshi Miyama, an enka singer from Kochi Prefecture, was released in 2023 and powerfully portrays the life of a fisherman.
Miyama’s warm “vitamin voice” expressively conveys the hardships and resolve of fishermen with deep emotion.
Depicting a man facing raging waves, it also weaves in bonds with family and mentors, becoming a hymn to life.
Characterized by a driving tempo and powerful vocals known as “gangan enka,” the song demands considerable vocal skill, with a wide range, sharp pitch shifts, and a bold singing style.
Even those familiar with enka will need substantial practice to master it.
When singing it at karaoke, it’s recommended to first grasp the rhythm and practice section by section.
ancient castleMitsubishi Michiya
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
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.
freezing rainKayama Akio
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
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
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.