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 classic songs portraying the way of life and spirit of men (71–80)
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.
Woman of KagaKitajima Saburō
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
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.