An enka song about the Sea of Japan. A collection of famous songs themed around the great ocean.
Did you know there are many enka songs that sing about the Sea of Japan?
Of course, there are plenty of songs with “Sea of Japan” in the title, and many others where it appears in the lyrics.
The rough waves and the harsh cold of winter—the images associated with the Sea of Japan—fit perfectly with the mood of enka.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of classic enka songs that depict the Sea of Japan.
Take your time listening as you imagine the scenery portrayed in each song.
- A roundup of regional enka songs: classic hits that feature places from all across Japan in their lyrics.
- Cool masterpieces of enka, the heart of Japan
- Men’s enka: a collection of classic songs portraying the way men live and their fighting spirit
- Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
- A classic enka masterpiece about one's hometown. A wonderful song that evokes thoughts of home.
- Nostalgic enka. A collection of classic enka hits from the Showa era.
- [For Men] Masterpiece Enka Songs with High Difficulty
- A roundup of male enka singers who represent the Showa era
- [2026] A Collection of Masterpieces of Enka and Mood Kayō
- [Queen of Enka] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Sayuri Ishikawa [2026]
- A collection of enka songs with “Blues” in the title: masterpieces that sing of sorrow
- Enka themed around flowers: a collection of songs depicting flowers in full bloom and flowers falling away.
- [For Women] Masterpiece Enka Songs with a High Degree of Difficulty
An enka song about the Sea of Japan. A collection of famous songs themed around the vast ocean (81–90)
SpotlightYamauchi Keisuke
The term “Seventh Generation” of comedians is all the rage these days, but in the enka world there are also young singers who are thriving as a kind of seventh generation.
Takuya Nakazawa and Leon Niihama are at the forefront, and I believe they’ll surely carry the next new era.
If we’re talking in those terms, Keisuke Yamauchi would probably be part of the sixth generation, wouldn’t he? This song, with lyrics that depict the sorrowful parting of a poor couple and a tear-jerking, weeping melody—every aspect of it follows the royal road of enka.
It’s a track I’d love young people to hear.
He spent 15 years before appearing on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen—a hard worker and the “Prince of Enka,” Keisuke Yamauchi is someone you still can’t take your eyes off!
soft, blessed rainShimazu Etsuko
A gem of a song set against the Sea of Japan, tenderly portraying the aching heart that mourns a lost love.
It opens with the image of petal-like waves drifting down, and lyrics woven with place names from Hokuriku—such as Toyama and Kanazawa—seep into the listener’s heart.
The image of rain, symbolized by the word “jiyu” (blessed, gentle rain), is striking as it softly envelopes sorrow.
Etsuko Shimazu’s emotionally rich vocals beautifully express the pain and lingering attachment of heartbreak.
Released in January 2024, this is Shimazu’s 60th single.
Set on the wintery Sea of Japan, it’s a recommended track for those who wish to be close to the grief of losing someone dear.
The last singer of the Showa eraNitta Akihiro
Set against a nighttime city steeped in the lingering traces and melancholy of the Showa era, this work by Akiya Nitta gives voice to a bittersweet longing.
Released in June 2024, the song is a culmination packed with the passion for life and music of Nitta, now 80.
Through the perspectives of a woman wandering Ginza’s clubs and an unnamed singer with only a guitar, it conveys a yearning for the end of the Showa period.
Depicting days drowned in drink and solitary tears, the piece sings of the passage of time, loneliness, and love.
It will resonate not only with those who lived through Showa, but also introduce younger generations to the allure of Japanese enka.
We’re number one in Japan!sakura yumi
A song that evokes the spirit of Japanese wa is brought to life by Yumi Sakura’s powerful, lustrous voice.
This work beautifully portrays the Japanese sensibility of cherishing bonds with family and friends, as well as the small joys of everyday life.
Released in May 2024, the track is a cover commemorating Chiaki Oka’s 50th anniversary.
The coupling track also includes “Yumi-chan Ondo.” It’s a piece we especially recommend to adults who have experienced the joys and sorrows of life.
It’s also perfect for gatherings with family and friends over drinks, or for events that celebrate Japanese tradition.
Igossō CurrentShiina Sachiko
A moving new song has arrived, depicting the blessings of the sea and the lives of fishermen.
Released by Sachiko Shiina in April 2024, this piece pulses with the soul of powerful enka.
The lyrics vividly evoke seaside scenes from around Japan—places like Sanriku and Tosa—while portraying the daily routines of fishermen.
It’s striking how real-to-life images are woven throughout, from rowing through the waves to the joy of a big catch.
You can also feel their love for their families and gratitude toward the sea.
Shiina’s emotionally rich vocals further illuminate the fishermen’s way of life.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to breathe in the scent of the sea and reflect on someone dear.
Sanriku ElegyMizumori Kaori
Kaori Mizumori’s new song portrays the deep love and sorrow of a fisherman’s wife against the backdrop of the Sanriku sea.
Released in January 2024, its melody blends nostalgia with freshness, striking a chord in the listener’s heart.
The delicate depiction of a woman’s aching feelings as the fishing boat heads offshore is truly moving.
Released in two editions along with the coupling track Kitakami River Journey, the song is set in Iwate Prefecture and is a quintessential work by Mizumori, known as the queen of local songs.
The phrase “zan-za-za-zan,” evoking the sound of the sea, leaves a strong impression, making this a piece that conveys both the beauty and harshness of Sanriku’s nature.
Enka songs about the Sea of Japan: A collection of classic masterpieces themed on the vast ocean (91–100)
sea dragonTayama Hiroshi
A powerful song by Hiroshi Tayama that calls to mind classic enka masterpieces that passionately sing of the Japanese spirit.
It portrays the passion and resolve of a man of the sea, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in 2015 by Aforce Entertainment, the track features lyrics set in the port of Iki, depicting a fateful love that feels like listening to a single, unfolding story.
The wildness of the ocean intertwines with the man’s burning emotions, gripping the listener’s heart.
It’s a song for those troubled by love or holding deep feelings for someone special.
Listen to this piece, and you’ll surely feel a fire well up inside you too.