[2026] A Collection of Masterpieces of Enka and Mood Kayō

It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Uchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five

It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.

The classic song that depicts a heartbreak story set in rainy Nagasaki was the major debut single released by Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five in 1969.

With lyrics tinged with sorrow and melancholy and Kiyoshi Maekawa’s distinctive low vocals, the track made a strong impression, entering the Oricon Top 10 about four months after its release and ranking eighth in annual sales.

It became a million seller with cumulative sales of about 1.5 million copies and won the New Artist Award at the 11th Japan Record Awards that same year.

It’s recommended not only for enka and mood kayō fans but also for younger listeners interested in Showa-era pop.

Listen to it on a rainy day, and it will resonate even more deeply.

Ikebukuro at NightAoe Mina

Ikebukuro at Night

Set against the bustling nightlife districts of Tokyo, this song capturing inner turmoil is known as one of Mina Aoe’s signature works.

Its lyrics, which brilliantly depict the city’s clamor and loneliness, pair exquisitely with her husky vocals.

Released in July 1969, it became a million seller and dominated the Oricon charts at No.

1 for six consecutive weeks, making major waves in the music scene of the time.

That same year, it also became the subject of a Nikkatsu-produced kayō film, creating a powerful synergy between music and imagery.

It’s a recommended track not only for those troubled by love but also for anyone who wants to savor the atmosphere of the city at night.

Beloved to this day as a classic of the Shōwa era, it is enjoyed by fans of both enka and mood kayō.

Port Town BluesMori Shinichi

Port Town Blues

This song, which portrays a poignant love story set in Japan’s port towns, was the third single of Shinichi Mori’s career, released in 1969 (Showa 44).

With lyrics by Takeshi Fukatsu and music by Kosho Inomata, it weaves the names of port towns from around the country into a richly emotional tale of heartbreak and lingering affection for a lost lover.

Coupled with Mori’s powerful, husky voice, it has long been cherished as a melancholic masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.

At the 62nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2011 (Heisei 23), the song was performed for the first time in 42 years as part of a program supporting recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, drawing renewed attention to its enduring appeal.

It’s a track you’ll want to share with someone special as you take in the scenery and sentiments of Japan’s port towns.

Tokyo JunctionSHOW-WA

SHOW-WA / Tokyo Junction -Music Video-

SHOW-WA, a group produced by Yasushi Akimoto, has been gaining buzz with the concept of reviving Showa-era kayōkyoku for modern times.

Through live TV performances and steady grassroots events, they’ve been steadily expanding their fan base.

Their track “Tokyo Junction,” released in January 2026 as their major-label third single, is an ambitious work that blends the emotive depth of Showa pop with the sleek drive of contemporary city pop.

It portrays intertwined romances set against a rainy, neon-lit Tokyo night.

Enjoy a sound that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Torn to pieces by loveChon Tefu

Jung Tae-fu “Torn to Pieces by Affection” MV [Official]

A powerhouse singer, Jung Tae-ho, was born in Seoul, South Korea, and came to Japan in 2006 after performing with a dance group.

His tenth single is Itoshisa de Boroboro.

Continuing the love story that began with his earlier releases Cold Rain and Silver Rosary, this song poignantly conveys the pain of unrequited love.

Created by his familiar team—lyricist Madoka-no and composer Hiroshi Tokuhisa—this work showcases his sweet, melancholic voice, beautifully expressing a heart torn between lingering attachment and passion.

Cape KamuiHosokawa Takashi

Takashi Hosokawa / Cape Kamui

Takashi Hosokawa, a grand master beloved in living rooms across Japan for his powerful high notes honed through folk songs and his larger-than-life personality.

Marking the major milestone of 50 years in his art, he released the second commemorative single in January 2026: “Kamui Misaki.” Set at Cape Kamui on the Shakotan Peninsula in his home of Hokkaido, it’s a full-fledged enka number that pours unreachable longing into the rough waves and winds of the Sea of Japan.

The music video, created entirely with AI, also drew attention for its outlandish concept of him blasting into space dressed as a ninja.

Prepare to be overwhelmed by his unwavering vocal power!

Waltz of StarlightSen Masao

Waltz of Starlight

This is the signature hit that catapulted Masao Sen, one of the Showa era’s most iconic enka singers, to stardom.

It’s distinguished by a melancholy melody and lyrics that sing of a bittersweet love.

When it was released in March 1966, it reportedly didn’t attract much attention at first, but Sen himself loved the song and promoted it to cable music services nationwide.

Gradually it gained popularity and ultimately became a massive hit, selling over 2.5 million copies.

It’s a must-listen not only for enka fans, but also for younger music listeners interested in Showa-era pop.

And if you sing it at karaoke, it’s sure to be a hit across generations!