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 depicting the way men live and their spirit (31–40)
Back-Alley Man’s SakeKihara Takeshi
Takeshi Kihara’s new single, released in October 2024, is a masterpiece of enka packed with a man’s way of life and spirited resolve.
It gently weaves the poignant feelings of a man drinking alone in a back alley, carried by his warm vocals.
Interlacing heartbreak, regret, and hope for the future, the lyrics are sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
The song features lyrics by Koyomi Asa, composition by Kenji Miyashita, and arrangement by Norio Ito.
It’s recommended not only for enka fans but also for anyone reflecting on life.
It’s a quietly moving piece you’ll want to savor with a drink in the stillness of the night.
I’m heading to Tokyo.Yoshi Ikuzo
The song that catapulted Ikuzo Yoshi to nationwide fame, “Ora Tokyo sa Igu da.” It’s a signature comic song of the enka world, with charming lyrics that humorously depict country life.
While this piece is firmly categorized as enka, it doesn’t feature the elaborate kobushi—those complex pitch bends—typical of more traditional enka.
The Aomori dialect phrasing might take a bit of getting used to, but the song itself is quite easy to sing for an enka number, so it’s well worth adding to your repertoire.
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.
Our town was green indeed.Sen Masao
Masao Sen’s classic “Waga Machi wa Midori Nariki” is notable for its gentle melody.
While it is nominally classified as enka, the vocal line strongly reflects the essence of Showa-era kayōkyoku, and the characteristic enka vocal melisma (kobushi) is scarcely present.
The few instances of kobushi are mostly limited to a single scale step up or down, so even those not adept at enka-style phrasing should be able to sing it without difficulty.
If you enjoy songs with a nostalgic, old-fashioned mood, consider adding this one to your repertoire.
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.
Men's enka: A roundup of classic songs portraying the way men live and their spirit (41–50)
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.