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

Cape ErimoMori Shinichi

Cape Erimo

This is a song released by Shinichi Mori in 1974.

The lyrics were written by Osami Okamoto and the music was composed by Takuro Yoshida—big names who symbolize the folk music scene of the 1970s contributed to this track.

The song was born from Takuro Yoshida’s wish to write a piece for Shinichi Mori and Mori’s desire not to be confined solely to the enka genre.

It’s easier to approach if you take the style of singing a folk song with an enka vocal approach.

Since there are no pitch-shaking techniques like kobushi or vibrato here, sing it straight.

There’s a challenging section in the chorus where the melody rises sharply and then falls; if you can get through that part, a high score is within reach.

Kiyoshi’s Soran BushiHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Kiyoshi’s Soran Bushi [Official]

This modern arrangement of the traditional Hokkaido folk song “Soran Bushi,” combined with Kiyoshi Hikawa’s powerful vocals, is a track that gives listeners courage and energy.

Released in May 2007, it achieved major success on the Oricon Singles Chart and won the Gold Award at the 49th Japan Record Awards.

It was also performed at the 58th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, drawing widespread attention.

Characterized by an up-tempo, energetic rhythm, it is a challenging piece that demands a wide vocal range from high to low.

The song strikes a perfect balance between innovative elements that transcend the enka genre and traditional influences.

EbisuSanada Naoki

[MV] Naoki Sanada / Ebisu (full ver.)

Produced by Ikuzo Yoshi, this song tells a love story set in the Ebisu district.

Naoki Sanada, known for his captivating husky voice, delivers an emotionally rich performance.

The lyrics skillfully depict the progression of romance while weaving in the transition from autumn to winter and then to spring, leaving a strong impression.

Released in January 2020, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Enka/Kayō ranking.

With its urban atmosphere and warm lyrics, it’s an easy song to enjoy at karaoke.

Even if you’re not confident in your singing ability, belting out the chorus with power should be more than enough to get the crowd going.

Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō

Ishihara Yujiro "Traveler of the North"

A gem of a song by Yujiro Ishihara that tenderly portrays a man’s aching heart as he searches for a lost love against the backdrop of the northern lands.

Blended with the harsh natural environment, his melancholic vocals resonate deeply.

Released in August 1987, the piece was also used as an insert song for the TV Asahi drama “Seibu Keisatsu.” A mood-kayo number that makes the most of his deep voice, it vividly conveys northern landscapes and the sentiment of travel.

With a narrow melodic range and a relaxed tempo, it’s a song that’s easy to try at karaoke.

Recommended for those who want to savor Ishihara’s unique aura.

Man BoatJinno Mika

Man Boat

Mika Jinno’s powerful voice echoes through “Otokobune.” This song, which celebrates the bravery of fishermen on the raging Northern Seas, leaves you deeply moved by the lives of men who face the ocean at the risk of their lives.

Shosuke Ichikawa’s dynamic melody perfectly matches Yō Yashiro’s lyrics depicting a man’s life and death, love and parting.

Released on October 6, 2021, the track is an anthem that reminds us of the courage to confront harsh nature and the love we hold for our families.

It’s a song I especially recommend to those being tossed by the rough waves of life or thinking of someone dear.

TakumiFukuda Kouhei

[Official] Kohei Fukuda “Takumi” [Official Music Video Short ver.]

This is an enka song portraying a man who carves out his path through sweat and effort.

Set for release by Kohei Fukuda in January 2025, with lyrics by Takashi Manjo and composition by Chiaki Oka.

It’s a passionate work distinguished by its rokyoku-style melodic turns.

The song powerfully sings of the way of life of a Japanese man who advances steadily, step by step, and its robust vocals are sure to move you.

If you’re facing obstacles in work or life, this is a track you should definitely hear.

It will give you the courage to face forward.

Mother’s Seaside SongFukuda Kouhei

Mother’s Seaside Song

One of Kohei Fukuda’s signature songs, it portrays a mother working on the beach before dawn.

The mother’s diligence and love as she labors by the shore are expressed with rich emotion.

The line calling out, “Fresh sardines! Come and get them! In seven days they’ll turn into sea bream,” is particularly striking, and the encouragement imbued in those words is deeply moving.

Released in February 2017, this is an enka number that highlights Fukuda’s powerful yet wistful vocals.

It features a wide vocal range from low to high notes and a distinctive phrasing honed through folk song traditions.

The technical difficulty is very high, including subtle nuances in the lyrics, the use of kobushi (ornamental turns), and other details.

It’s a song I’d highly recommend not only to enka lovers but also to singers confident in their vocal skills.