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 men live and their spirit (21–30)
Motomachi BluesSen Masao
Speaking of the Showa era, it’s also memorable as the heyday of blues.
Unlike overseas blues, the Japanese take on blues was about whether it carried a bluesy feel within an enka style, and by that definition, this work is a spot-on blues kayō song.
It preserves the essence of enka while combining the grit of blues with the singability of pop kayō, and the vocal lines are kept very simple throughout.
It’s approachable even for beginners, so consider adding it to your repertoire.
Poem of Miso SoupSen Masao
The uniquely titled piece “Miso Soup Poem” leaves a strong impression.
It’s not exactly a comic song, but it carries a flavor somewhat reminiscent of Ikuzo Yoshi, featuring lyrics and a melody that evoke both pathos and charm.
The vocal range is on the narrow side, mostly occupying the mid-to-low register throughout.
Near the end of the chorus there’s a slightly higher phrase, and a brief kobushi-style turn that shifts the scale by one step appears there, so it’s best to pay attention only at that point when singing.
Consider adding it to your repertoire.
nostalgic personSen Masao
Among Masao Sen’s songs, “Natsukashi no Hito” is renowned as a particularly mood-rich piece.
While the arrangement prominently features traditional enka elements, the vocals lean closer to Showa-era kayōkyoku and folk, resulting in a simple, streamlined vocal line.
The range is somewhat wide, but there are no difficult techniques involved, and the tempo is relaxed, making it easier to sing than it might sound.
If you use the hiccup technique, where the voice flips, you can get even closer to the feel of the original, so give it a try for reference.
Song of YouthSen Masao
Known as a masterpiece from his later years, “Song of Youth.” Released as the coupling track when the new version of the classic “Yaima” came out, it’s arranged to match the single’s overall mood, resulting in a very relaxed and warm tone.
It does feature kobushi ornamentation, but since it’s the type characteristic of Masao Sen—where he completely stops the voice briefly to shape the phrase—the difficulty is minimal.
It’s very easy to sing even for beginners to enka, so consider adding it to your repertoire.
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.