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)
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.
Captain SlowpokeŌe Yutaka
An uplifting anthem that defined the 2000s, stirring the heart with its portrait of someone single-mindedly pursuing their dream despite being clumsy.
Released in February 2009 as Hiroshi Oe’s debut single, it was selected as the ending theme for TBS’s variety show “Sanma no Super Karakuri TV,” and, together with his distinctive personality, became widely beloved by audiences at home.
It tells the story of a protagonist who keeps moving forward step by step, holding a strong resolve to one day become a big name, even if people around him laugh.
Created by his mentor Saburo Kitajima under the pen name Jōji Hara, the song is also included on Oe’s first album, “Enka Taisho • Hiroshi Oe — Nihon Rettō Uta Hikyaku I.” Hiroshi Oe’s passionate vocals convey that pure sentiment straight and true, as if gently giving listeners a push forward.
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.
The Last SamuraiKano Hiroshi
This is a kayōkyoku song that passionately portrays a man’s melancholy and pure-hearted spirit.
Released by Teichiku Entertainment in May 2025, it marks a renewed collaboration with his longtime mentor, Toyohisa Araki.
The lyrics carefully depict scenes from the Showa era and the way of a man’s life, expressing the gap between boyhood and adulthood through nostalgic terms like “chanbara play” and “adventure play.” While honoring the traditions of enka, it features modern arrangements, resulting in a work that resonates across generations.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who feels nostalgic for the atmosphere of the Showa period.
A Man’s HarborToba Ichirō
With a fisherman father and an ama diver mother, Ichiro Toba is truly an enka singer worthy of being called a “man of the sea.” Released in 1986, this song became a popular hit and was even performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Characterized by lyrics themed around the sea and fishermen’s lives and a powerful melody, it showcases Toba’s vocal prowess to the fullest.
The overall pitch is on the lower side, but it’s challenging to deliver the lyrics clearly while employing vibrato.
It takes considerable technique to sing the low-register melody with stability.
If you’re not confident with vibrato, you might focus on delivering the lyrics clearly with crisp articulation.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to let their thoughts drift to the world of the sea and its fishermen.
Feel-good song♪Ōe Yutaka
The classic “Gokigen Song♪,” with its bright, smile-inducing melody, leaves a lasting impression.
While the piece faithfully follows the hallmarks of enka-style melodies, the vocals throughout are arranged into a catchy, upbeat pop-like line.
In particular, the kobushi—often considered a challenging aspect of enka—appears infrequently here, and most instances are simple, involving a two-note pitch change, so you’ll hardly feel the typical difficulty associated with enka.
Be sure to add it to your repertoire.
Men’s enka: A collection of classic songs portraying the way men live and their spirit (21–30)
Midway through life’s journeySatō Yoshito
You’ll be drawn in by its majestic tone.
“Life, Halfway Along the Road” is a song by Yoshito Sato from Yamagata Prefecture, released in December 2024.
It’s an enka piece that portrays life as it is, and as the song progresses, the feeling embedded in the lyrics—of moving toward one’s dreams—grows stronger, stirring the heart.
When you find yourself feeling reflective about life, this song will surely resonate.
Be sure to listen closely and take it all in!