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.
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Enka songs about the Sea of Japan. A collection of masterpieces themed around the great ocean (51–60)
When I turn around, it’s YokohamaSakamoto Fuyumi
With her overwhelming vocal and expressive power, Fuyumi Sakamoto has led Japan’s enka scene since her debut in 1987.
“Furimukeba Yokohama” is a famous song by Marcia, and Sakamoto included a cover version on her 2018 album ENKA III: Shinika (Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Komasa Inomata’s Birth).
The piece portrays love, parting, and thoughts about the road ahead through the scenery of Yokohama.
Sakamoto’s richly expressive voice and the lyrics of “Furimukeba Yokohama” blend beautifully, creating a song that resonates deeply with listeners.
It is especially recommended for those who have experienced a bittersweet romance or who stand at a turning point in life.
Through this work, Sakamoto looks back on lost love while giving us the courage to face forward and take the next step.
Esashi: Oiwake, Town of WindŌkawa Eisaku
Eisaku Okawa is an enka singer born in 1948.
His career began with his 1969 debut, “Men-nai Chidori,” and he went on to produce numerous hits, including his signature song “Sazanka no Yado.” “Esashi · Oiwake · Kaze no Machi” is one of Okawa’s hallmark works, themed around Oiwake in Hokkaido.
The song delicately yet powerfully conveys the poignant emotions of mourning a lost love, resonating deeply with listeners.
Written and composed by Minoru Endo, the piece is distinguished by lyrics that reflect the region’s unique sentiment.
Combined with Okawa’s warm, rich vocals, it continues to captivate many fans.
This song touches the heart in any situation and is recommended not only for enka enthusiasts but for anyone interested in Japan’s landscape and history.
Tanegashima Kamone OndoTendō Yoshimi
This is a beloved hit by Yoshimi Tendo that lovingly portrays Tanegashima, a remote island of Kagoshima Prefecture.
Set to a traditional ondo rhythm, it introduces the island’s many charms one after another: the deep blue of the Osumi Strait, the lush green land that hosts a rocket launch site, and Cape Kadokura, known for the arrival of firearms in Japan.
The song is included on the albums “Yoshimi Tendo Single Collection 1985–1991” and “Yoshimi Tendo Concert Selection,” released in June 2024, delighting many fans.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to feel the allure of Kagoshima or who loves local-themed songs.
Koitou (Koitome) Coastyamaguchi hiromi
This is an enka song set on Hokkaido’s Koitoi Coast that poignantly gives voice to a woman’s bittersweet feelings.
It weaves together the pain of heartbreak with hope for the future, and listening to it feels like reliving a story.
The beautiful scenery of the Pacific Ocean harmonizes perfectly with Hiromi Yamaguchi’s emotionally rich vocals.
Released in July 2024, the song is crafted by the duo Koyomi Asa and Chiaki Oka, who also found success with “Mitsui no Banshō,” and it brings out the very best of Yamaguchi’s charm.
Highly recommended for karaoke fans, it’s an ideal piece for moments when you want to reflect on love and life.
Enka songs about the Sea of Japan: A collection of classic masterpieces themed on the great ocean (61–70)
Cape TappiShimakura Chiyoko
The single “Tappi Misaki,” released by Chiyoko Shimakura in 1971, is a particularly memorable song in her long career.
Its appeal lies in the unique world it creates through elements of traditional Japanese music, including the Tsugaru shamisen, the emotionally rich lyrics by Miyuki Ishimoto, and Shimakura’s deep, resonant vocals.
The work portrays a Japanese landscape where poignancy and beauty intersect, stirring the hearts of listeners.
It is especially recommended for fans of enka or for moments when you want to contemplate Japan’s beautiful scenery.
Shimakura’s expressive singing is sure to deeply move listeners of any generation.
Echizen Capekawanaka miyuki
Miyuki Kawanaka is a highly accomplished singer who has brought numerous enka songs to the world.
Her 1980 release “Futarizake” is well known.
Her song “Echizen Misaki,” released on August 5, 1982, is a masterpiece that sings of a poignant love.
In this piece, Kawanaka expresses her profound feelings for a beloved far away with a powerful voice.
The lyrics delicately portray the sorrow of unfulfilled feelings and unwavering love, deeply moving listeners.
It is a recommended song for anyone with a straightforward, earnest love, and a work that showcases Kawanaka’s exceptional expressive power.
Woman Large Fishing BoatKawano Natsumi
Characterized by Natsumi Kawano’s powerful vocals, this song portrays the resilience of a woman working at a fishing port.
It vividly sings of a seaside-born woman with both courage and capability, donning a red raincoat and striving out at sea.
The cries of seagulls and the scenes of hauling nets convey the bustle of the port, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released by Nippon Crown in August 2003, the track is also included on the album “Natsumi Kawano: The Best.” With lyrics that realistically depict the harshness of the sea and the lives of its people, it’s recommended for those who want to feel the atmosphere of fishing ports and harbor towns.