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)
Omokage Main LineYamakawa Yutaka
Yutaka Yamakawa, who delivers emotionally charged performances and excels at both masculine and feminine songs, is renowned for many works—but among them, Omokage Honsen stands out as a track that exudes distinctly masculine allure.
While it firmly retains elements of enka, the overall piece leans strongly into mood kayō (mood pop), especially emphasized in the A and B sections.
As a result, there are fewer instances of kobushi (ornamental vocal turns) and no complex pitch movements, making it perfect for beginners to enka.
Be sure to add it to your repertoire.
Motherly bondedoarudo
The debut song released in 2015 by Eduardo, an enka singer from Brazil, is a moving piece that sings of the bond with his mother.
Its lyrics portray a parent and child striving to live through poverty, and they match perfectly with Eduardo’s emotionally rich vocals, deeply touching many listeners.
Eduardo’s commanding vocal ability, effortlessly spanning from low to high notes, is stunning, and the sustained notes in the chorus are especially captivating.
This piece demands techniques such as maintaining precise pitch and rhythm while applying vibrato, making it a song that seasoned enka singers in particular should try.
Listening to Eduardo’s soul-stirring voice will renew your appreciation for the profound depth of enka.
Hokkai Port FestivalMiyama Hiroshi
This song by Hiroshi Miyama, an enka singer from Kochi Prefecture, was released in 2023 and powerfully portrays the life of a fisherman.
Miyama’s warm “vitamin voice” expressively conveys the hardships and resolve of fishermen with deep emotion.
Depicting a man facing raging waves, it also weaves in bonds with family and mentors, becoming a hymn to life.
Characterized by a driving tempo and powerful vocals known as “gangan enka,” the song demands considerable vocal skill, with a wide range, sharp pitch shifts, and a bold singing style.
Even those familiar with enka will need substantial practice to master it.
When singing it at karaoke, it’s recommended to first grasp the rhythm and practice section by section.
The Makioka SistersItsuki Hiroshi
This is a celebrated song by Hiroshi Itsuki that tenderly sings of a woman’s complex, shifting heart as she single-mindedly longs for a man, set against a snowy backdrop.
Released as a single in 1983, it’s one of his signature tracks, ranking fourth in lifetime sales within his discography.
Because it’s a beloved classic, many people have it as their go-to karaoke number, and many others may be eager to give it a try.
As for singing tips, while the overall pitch sits slightly on the low side, the range spans widely—as if mirroring the protagonist’s emotional shifts—so the key is to sing with clear contrasts and dynamic shading.
Avoid sounding too flat; aim to deliver the climactic moments with dramatic, heartfelt emotion.
To my daughter…Yoshi Ikuzo
From the very intro—melancholic acoustic guitar and tasteful strings—you can feel a poignant atmosphere.
It’s a masterpiece written and composed by Ikuzo Yoshi, imbued with the clumsy yet heartfelt feelings of a father toward his daughter as she marries and leaves home.
Fathers who’ve had similar experiences will likely find themselves in tears.
It’s a classic not only for karaoke but also one we’d love to see the bride’s father sing at weddings and receptions.
The melody sits on the lower side, making it easier for those who struggle with high notes, and the pitch is straightforward, so you can expect a solid karaoke score.
That said, more important than any flashy technique is pouring your deep, aching love for your daughter into the performance.
Be sure to read the lyrics carefully and then sing your heart out.