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 (11–20)
I’m going to Tokyo.Yoshi Ikuzo
Enka singer Ichi Ikuzō, known for his wide-ranging musicality from comic songs to songs in a female voice and heart-wrenching ballads.
Unusual for an enka singer, he also has the side of a singer-songwriter, and his original songs, for which he writes both lyrics and music, are full of creativity and have remained beloved across generations.
Speaking of Ikuzō Yoshii’s masterpieces, it has to be “Ora Tokyo sa Iguda,” doesn’t it? While it has elements typical of enka, it features many spoken-style parts, so the overall difficulty is on the lower side.
As a comic song, it really gets the crowd going, so be sure to add it to your repertoire.
In every age…Sen Masao
Masao Sen’s classic “Itsunoyo mo…” is known for its orthodox enka-style melody.
The song carries the message that some things remain unchanged even as times change, and perhaps to match that theme, it’s composed with a very straightforward, low-quirk melody.
While it’s full of enka elements, most of the kobushi (melodic turns) and shakuri (scoops) are modest and approachable, making it a song that even beginners or those not yet accustomed to singing enka can handle comfortably.
old man teacherSen Masao
Masao Sen has left behind many great songs, but among them, Oyaji Sensei is especially known for its outstanding storytelling.
The spoken lines at the beginning draw you into the piece, and from there the world of the song unfolds all at once.
The depiction of sharing drinks with one’s former teacher is particularly memorable, and the whole piece is set to a warm, unhurried melody.
There’s hardly any kobushi (ornamental vibrato), so even those who find enka vocal stylings challenging can sing it comfortably.
Consider adding it to your repertoire.
Like myself…Toukyou Rikisha
How about a powerful, heart-stirring enka ballad? It’s a song by Tokyo Rikisha, a group of active rickshaw pullers from Asakusa, set to be released as a single in February 2025.
It’s also been a hot topic because Joji Yamamoto, a legend in the enka world, wrote the lyrics based on his own experiences.
While looking back on the past, the song portrays a burning resolve to live true to oneself, and just listening to it makes your heart swell.
Belt it out at karaoke and it might even deepen the bonds with your friends.
As long as life lastsTendō Yoshimi
This work can truly be called the pinnacle of “life enka,” a song that celebrates the strength to overcome life’s joys and sorrows.
Released by Yoshimi Tendo in January 2006, the track spent 38 weeks on the Oricon charts and captured the hearts of many.
The determined resolve to live for a loved one and the single-minded pursuit of dreams supported by a mother’s words unfold like a sweeping epic.
Tendo’s deep, warmly enveloping voice brings a dramatic richness to the lyrics’ world.
When you find yourself at a crossroads in life or in need of the strength to look forward once more, this song may gently nudge you onward.