Men’s enka: a collection of classic songs portraying the way men live and their fighting spirit

Thank you to you.Yamamoto Jōji

[MV] Joji Yamamoto / Thank You to You (full ver.)

Between 2000 and 2001, Joji Yamamoto released three singles with lyrics by Takashi Taka, music by Tetsuya Gen, and arrangement by Toshiaki Maeda.

The second of these is Omae ni Arigatou, which was released on February 1, 2001—Yamamoto’s birthday.

It’s a classic enka number characteristic of Yamamoto, conveying a gently melancholic mood and masculine strength through his distinctive kobushi vocal ornamentation, and it’s naturally very popular for karaoke.

While the expansive vibrato makes it a bit challenging for beginners, its overall difficulty is moderate for enka, making it a great practice song for those who enjoy this style.

Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo

EXILE ATSUSHI – Sake, Tears, Men and Women (EXILE ATSUSHI SPECIAL SOLO LIVE in HAWAII)

This is a socially conscious masterpiece that portrays the subtle miscommunications between men and women and the nuances of emotional expression with deep insight.

It warmly observes how men open up through drinking and women through tears, each revealing their inner feelings.

Born from impressions Eigo Kawashima had at age 18 during a family memorial gathering, the song was included on the November 1975 album “Jinrui” (Humanity) and released as a single in June 1976.

Also known as the jingle for the sake brand Kizakura, it became a major hit, reaching No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It is a gem I recommend to anyone who wants to face their heart honestly when confronted with life’s sorrow and poignancy.

Headwind InnocenceTakeshima Hiroshi

[MV] Hiroshi Takeshima / Headwind Innocence (Full version)

Released in 2021 and peaking at No.

5 on the Oricon chart, the hit song “Mukaikaze Junjō” is a track that showcases Hiroshi Takeshima’s refined vocals and is also known as the theme song for the NHK BS drama “Daifugō Dōshin 2.” With lyrics by Goro Matsui and composition by Takashi Toshimi—both giants in the field—it’s a killer tune that evokes the golden era of Showa-era pop.

Many people will likely want to try it at karaoke.

When singing it at karaoke, be sure to pronounce each word clearly, and consciously create contrast between the crisp, rhythmic parts and the expansive, sustained phrases.

While recreating the choreography that drew attention in the music video, don’t be shy—go all in and sing with bold, stylish flair, even to the point of overdoing it.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

A Man’s Pure Hearttatsumi yūto

Yuto Tatsumi “A Man’s Pure Heart” Music Video

Released in 2019, “Otoko no Junjo” was the second single by Yuto Tatsumi, who at the time was active as an enka singer while still a university student.

It topped the enka charts and reached No.

10 on the Oricon overall chart, helping cement the image of a new star for the Reiwa era in the enka world.

It’s classic enka that powerfully sings of supporting the somewhat awkward way a man lives, but its light, refreshing melody—reflecting Tatsumi’s personality—is easy to remember.

The vocal range isn’t very wide either, making it very easy to sing for an enka song.

I’d love for beginners to give it a try!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

Motherly bondedoarudo

[MV] Eduardo / Motherly Bonds (full ver.)

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

Hiroshi Miyama “Hokkai Minato-bushi” MUSIC VIDEO

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.

A Man’s WayMiyama Hiroshi

Hiroshi Miyama “A Man’s Way” MUSIC VIDEO

This song by Hiroshi Miyama, a leading figure in enka, is a moving masterpiece that powerfully sings of a man’s way of life and outlook on life.

Since it mainly sits in the low to mid vocal range, it’s structured to be easy to sing even for those who struggle with high notes.

Released in February 2017, it also became a popular hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Enka/Kayō Single Chart.

The lyrics capture a calm, composed male figure, his views on love, and his feelings for his hometown—making it a perfect track for those moments when you want to quietly reflect on life, like savoring a drink at a bar and looking back on your journey.