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

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!

Hydrangea SlopeHirayama Kaha

Hanaha Hirayama “Hydrangea Slope” MV [Official]

Hanaha Hirayama is an enka singer with a fresh charm that puts a smile on anyone’s face when they listen.

Hailing from Tochigi Prefecture, she proved her talent by winning NHK NodoJiman during her high school years.

Her debut release is Ajisai-zaka (“Hydrangea Hill”).

It’s a classic kayōkyoku number that layers unrequited love over hydrangeas in the rain, and her clear, dewy voice resonates straight to the heart.

Enka fans—and anyone seeking to be soothed by a fresh, pure vocal—should definitely give it a listen.

Romance ExpressKoikawa Iroha

Romance Express

Iroha Koikawa is an enka singer from Kanagawa Prefecture.

Having studied Japanese traditional dance from a young age and holding an instructor’s license, she captivates many fans as a “dancing enka-tainer,” blending song and dance on stage.

Romance Express is her fourth single, released in January 2026, a stylish track imbued with the atmosphere of Showa-era kayōkyoku.

It portrays a woman’s bittersweet feelings as she jumps on a train to chase the one she loves.

It’s a kayōkyoku number where nostalgia and freshness coexist.

Woman of the Echigo RoadYajima Akiyo

Akiyo Yajima “Onna Echigo Road” Music Video

Akayo Yajima is a folk song–enka singer from Yūki City, Ibaraki Prefecture.

A highly skilled performer who has studied folk music since childhood, she has won numerous national competitions.

She debuted as a folk singer in 2017 and now broadens her activities by performing both folk and enka.

Her single “Onna Echigoji,” released in January 2026 as the fourth installment in her authentic enka series, features lyrics by Koyomi Asa and composition by Hideo Mizumori.

It grandly portrays the harsh winter landscapes of Echigo and the emotions of a woman, and her clear, expansive high notes and vibrato—honed through folk music—resonate deeply with listeners.

Let the scenes of the snow country stir your imagination.