[March 2026] Latest Enka and Kayōkyoku roundup. Check out the buzzworthy new songs!

I’ll wipe away your tears.Kawakami Ai

[Full MV] Ai Kawakami “I’ll Wipe Your Tears” [Official]

Ai Kawakami is a powerhouse female vocalist who skillfully spans a wide range of genres, from enka to jazz.

Since her debut in 1987, she has persevered through hardships while continuing to perform on stage, and she remains energetically active today, even successfully holding commemorative recitals.

Her single released on January 21, 2026, is “Omae no Namida wa Ore ga Fuku” (“I’ll Wipe Your Tears”).

This work marks her first attempt at a ‘male-perspective song’ in her career, expressing the gentle, understated support of a man for the woman he loves, set to a quietly resonant melody.

Unlike her previous songs from a woman’s point of view, her warm, embracing vocal tone truly sinks into the heart.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to reaffirm the bond with their partner.

Be sure to check it out.

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.

Flowers and SamuraiMiyama Hiroshi

Hiroshi Miyama “Flower and Samurai” MUSIC VIDEO

Hiroshi Miyama, known for his warm “vitamin voice” and beloved in households as the kendama enka singer, delivers a rock-enka number in this work released in January 2026, singing while playing the drums.

I hear he carried around an electronic drum kit during production to practice extensively.

His performance, powerfully expressing the spirit of the Japanese man, is truly breathtaking.

It’s a highly recommended song for anyone who needs a push forward.

Warbler TidingsYamamoto Kenji

Warbler Tidings

Kenji Yamamoto is a veteran singer whose roots lie in Tsugaru and Nanbu folk songs.

With Tsugaru’s distinctive accent and melodic phrasing, he captivates listeners.

While a leading figure in the folk music world, he’s also known in the enka genre for hits like “Tsugaru Bojo.” His latest spotlighted work is Uguisu Dayori (“Warbler Tidings”).

It was originally included as the B-side to the single “Tsugaru no Waltz,” released in May 2022, and—buoyed by strong fan support—was released as a single in January 2026.

The song conveys the heartfelt emotions of a father in his hometown reading a letter from his married daughter, expressed through a richly seasoned voice honed in folk music.

Give it a listen while thinking of family far away.

You got swept away? / It got washed away?Kusunoki Kohei

Kohei Kusunoki “Even If I’m Swept Away” MUSIC VIDEO

Kohei Kusunoki, a native of Koriyama City in Fukushima Prefecture, charms audiences with the gap between his unassuming personality and his “bewitching falsetto.” This track, ‘Even If We’re Carried Away,’ portrays the resolve of two people who choose a forbidden love.

It was originally written for another singer, but Kusunoki directly pleaded, “I want to sing it,” and the song was handed over to him.

His sweet vocals pair beautifully with the dramatic arrangement.

Please immerse yourself in this heartbreaking tale of lovers on the run.