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.
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Men's enka: A collection of classics depicting the way men live and their fighting spirit (61–70)
Homeward Journey to the NorthKobayashi Akira
Hokkikō, a work that depicts the feelings of a man returning to his hometown.
This piece is characterized by a very gentle melody that perfectly matches its theme.
Above all, the tempo is extremely slow, allowing ample preparation before each entry in any part.
In addition, the vocal line itself is simple, and it does not feature the complex lines that often appeared in popular songs of that era using enka-style melismatic ornamentation.
With its narrow vocal range, it ranks among the easiest of Akira Kobayashi’s songs to sing.
The Northern CliffsYamauchi Keisuke
This work gives voice to a woman’s aching heart, as if the sea breeze were piercing her chest.
Released in February 2025 to commemorate Keisuke Yamauchi’s 25th anniversary since debut, it perfectly pairs his powerful vocals with a melody that conveys emotions with no place to go.
Set against the sheer cliffs of the north, it portrays lingering attachment, frustration, and a loss of hope for tomorrow.
It is a song that will surely stay close to the hearts of those bearing the pain of love.
Big brotherYamakawa Yutaka
A work that leaves a strong impression of masculinity and sincerity, “Aniki” honors an older brother and is known for its moving lyrics.
While the piece firmly inherits elements of enka, the vocal line is surprisingly understated, with none of the intricate kobushi runs typical of the genre.
If the presence of kobushi is used to define enka, this work would be classified as kayōkyoku, as every part features a simple vocal line.
As a result, even those who are not confident in their singing ability should be able to perform it without difficulty.
KeikoYamakawa Yutaka
Yutaka Yamakawa’s classic “Hotaruko” is memorable for its masculine lyrics that express deep feelings for a woman.
While it’s categorized as a so-called “man’s song,” its power is somewhat restrained compared to typical enka.
Instead, it emphasizes a smooth, mellow singing style, so high-level techniques like shouts aren’t required.
Also, aside from the very end of the chorus, there aren’t particularly difficult spots for kobushi (melodic turns), and even there, the kobushi functions as an extension of the vibrato.
Overall, the level of difficulty is quite low for an enka song.
Thank you to you.Yamamoto Jōji
Between 2000 and 2001, Joji Yamamoto released three singles with lyrics by Takashi Taka, music by Tetsuya Gen, and arrangement by Toshiaki Maeda.
The second of these is Omae ni Arigatou, which was released on February 1, 2001—Yamamoto’s birthday.
It’s a classic enka number characteristic of Yamamoto, conveying a gently melancholic mood and masculine strength through his distinctive kobushi vocal ornamentation, and it’s naturally very popular for karaoke.
While the expansive vibrato makes it a bit challenging for beginners, its overall difficulty is moderate for enka, making it a great practice song for those who enjoy this style.