Nostalgic enka. A collection of classic enka hits from the Showa era.

When it comes to classic enka songs, there are so many that even today’s younger generations know them—truly music that’s loved across eras.

That said, the golden age of enka was likely the Showa period.

It was a time when countless enka singers released many songs into the world, and many listeners were captivated by enka.

In this article, we’ll introduce a comprehensive selection of nostalgic enka masterpieces that colored the Showa era.

We’ve picked not only timeless classics loved across generations, but also hidden gems known to the connoisseurs.

Take this opportunity to revisit and listen to the masterpieces that defined an era.

Playlist

Nostalgic enka. A collection of classic enka hits from the Showa era.
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Tokyo JunctionSHOW-WA		SHOW-WA: Reviving Shōwa-era pop songs for today
2	Hydrangea SlopeHirayama Kaha		The charm of Kanaha Hirayama, a refreshing enka singer
3	Flowers and SamuraiMiyama Hiroshi		Hiroshi Miyama shows his full charm with rock enka!
4	Ballad of the RainYubara Masayuki		Masayuki Yuhara's wistful ballad: City Rain and Love
5	Enduring RainGodai Natsuko		Natsuko Godai’s signature song “Shinobu Ame” (Enduring Rain)
6	Showa-era manToba Ichirō		The way of life of a Showa-era man as sung by Ichiro Toba
7	Not even worth confessingKitahara Mirei		A shocking song—the song of iron bars—was etched into my heart.
8	celebratory sakeSakamoto Fuyumi		Fuyumi Sakamoto’s “Iwaizake” was released in 1988...
9	In a dreamKobayashi Akira		Among the enka songs that colored the Showa era, even among those by Akira Kobayashi...
10	Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri		Released in 1986 and still to this day un…
11	Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari		An immortal masterpiece, like the flow of a river
12	Festival MamboMisora Hibari		A classic hit by Hibari Misora. It’s easy to sing and really gets the crowd going.
13	Would you like some Noto?Sakamoto Fuyumi		Sakamoto Fuyumi’s signature song that evokes nostalgia
14	Mother of NaniwaNatsuki Ayako		A soul-stirring anthem passed from mother to daughter
15	Boat SongYashiro Aki		This song is Aki Yashiro’s husky voi…
16	Love Song of SadoHosokawa Takashi		Takashi Hosokawa’s love-themed folk song set on Sado Island
17	one-way ticketKitayama Takeshi		The debut song, an enka number, ranked high and paved the way for later success.
18	Oga PeninsulaKitayama Takeshi		Takashi Kitayama’s quintessential enka hit set in Akita
19	Around the season of urizun (the early springtime in Okinawa, literally “the time when melons begin to grow”)Sakamoto Fuyumi		Fuyumi Sakamoto’s famous song that sings of memories of her hometown
20	A Woman’s Life: Flowers of Sweatkawanaka miyuki		A life-affirming anthem that sings of gratitude and love for one's mother
21	Castle of White CloudsHikawa Kiyoshi		The enka masterpiece by Kiyoshi Hikawa, the historical romance of a decayed castle
22	North GobanchoHosokawa Takashi		Takashi Hosokawa’s heartwarming song portrays the warmth of people in a northern town.
23	Two FlowersFuji Ayako		A classic enka song portraying a woman who supports the one she loves
24	diamond dustŌzora Ayumi		Overcoming the pain of heartbreak and stepping into a hopeful spring
25	Our town was green indeed.Sen Masao		A classic by Masao Sen, enka-style but easy to sing
26	I’m appearing under my former name.Kobayashi Akira		The poignancy of a nightlife woman who keeps waiting under her stage name
27	Returning RiverGodai Natsuko		Natsuko Godai’s enka “Modorigawa,” a heartrending love story
28	YosakuKitajima Saburō		A single by Saburo Kitajima, in March 1978…
29	I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi		Fuyumi Sakamoto’s songs are timeless masterpieces that resonate with the hearts of older adults.
30	Withered Pampas Grass of the Showa Erasakura to ichirō		It’s a truly indescribable, heartrending song…
31	my husbandMifune Kazuko		The aesthetics and chivalry of a woman who endures hardship
32	Tearful LoveYashiro Aki		Shinjuku in that era really is a fitting subject for enka...
33	Terminal Station of LoveYashiro Aki		Aki Yashiro’s heartrending love song, a timeless masterpiece that resonates with the heart
34	Longing for RainYashiro Aki		A signature song of Aki Yashiro, a masterpiece with lyrics by Yū Aku.
35	Brotherly Code of HonorKitajima Saburō		The Bond of Sworn Brotherhood and the Aesthetics of Manhood
36	The Northern LandKitajima Saburō		Saburo Kitajima sings of love for his hometown
37	Waltz of StarlightSen Masao		Masao Sen’s famous song spread across the country and became a huge hit.
38	Snow CountryYoshi Ikuzo		Composed and written by Ikuzo Yoshi in his 1986 work, and...
39	Naniwa SpiritSakamoto Fuyumi		Depicting positivity with a powerful new song themed around Osaka
40	The Camellia Sasanqua InnŌkawa Eisaku		"Sazanka no Yado" was released in 1982...
41	White StraitŌtsuki Miyako		Miyako Ōtsuki’s popular TV drama theme songs
42	Jindo MonogatariTendō Yoshimi		A song praying for the reunion of people separated by the Miracle of Jindo
43	Woman’s PathMiya Shirō to Pinkara Torio		The allure of a smash hit, intoxicating in its vocals
44	Memories SakeKobayashi Sachiko		The song “Omo…” by Sachiko Kobayashi, a singer who represents the Showa era
45	Keiji, the flower that blooms on the battlefieldKobayashi Sachiko		Theme song of the 'Hana no Keiji' series passionately sung by Sachiko Kobayashi
46	Love on the Yamanote LineKobayashi Akira		Akira Kobayashi’s Versatile Musical Activities and the Yamanote Line Song
47	America BridgeYamakawa Yutaka		A bittersweet love story of the Ebisu Minami Bridge
48	A solitary journey to MichinokuYamamoto Jōji		Jōji Yamamoto’s famous song “Michinoku Hitori Tabi”
49	Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko		Chiyoko Shimakura’s 1987-released repre…
50	Aizen Katsura Once MoreShimazu Aya		Aya Shimazu’s signature songs are moving and celebrate family love.
51	Anemone flaccida (nirinsō; literally “two-flowered anemone”)kawanaka miyuki		Miyuki Kawanaka’s signature song “Nirinsou” has the theme of marital love.
52	Enka chanchaka-chanHirano Masaaki		A comically irreverent yet very understandable enka lyric...
53	A Doll’s HouseHirota Mieko		A classic song that represents the Showa era, Mieko Hirota’s signature…
54	Will you marry me?Niinuma Kenji		Kenji Niinuma’s “Won’t You Marry Me?” was, at the time…
55	draft (cold air seeping through gaps)Sugi Ryōtarō		Warmth and kindness for living like a human being
56	king (shogi piece)Murata Hideo		By Mr. Hideo Murata, who shines brilliantly in the world of Showa-era enka, …
57	Cape ErimoMori Shinichi		Mr. Shinichi Mori, who adorned the Showa music scene…
58	Strings of TearsTonosama Kingusu		The feudal lord K—, who left a deep mark on Japan’s music scene...
59	Life is like a Naniwa-bushi (a melodramatic ballad).Suizenji Kiyoko		This song, “Naniwabushi Dayo Jinsei wa,” is by Takashi Hosokawa…
60	Tottori Sand DunesMizumori Kaori		From heartbreak to hope in Kaori Mizumori’s signature song 'Tottori Sand Dunes'
61	Raised in ShinjukuTsuyama Yōko, Ōki Hideo		Despite the tough conditions in Shinjuku, delivered an overwhelming vocal performance.
62	Reiwa ElegyShimizu Setsuko		Setsuko Shimizu’s powerful enka resonates in the heart.
63	Gardenia blossomWatanabe Tetsuya		Speaking of classic songs from the Showa era, you simply can’t leave this one out…
64	Dream-Chasing SakeAtsumi Jirō		In 1978, Jiro Atsumi, a powerhouse of the enka world...
65	Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri		As a classic song representing the Showa era, it has touched the hearts of many people...
66	Nakanoshima BluesAkiniba Yutaka & Aronaitsu		A local song set on Nakanoshima, Hokkaido
67	North TavernHosokawa Takashi		On March 21, 1982, Takashi Hosokawa’s ki…
68	lingering regretHosokawa Takashi		“Kokoro no Kori” is a group that centers its activities in Sapporo and...
69	Yagiri no Watashi (Yagiri Ferry)Hosokawa Takashi		One of the iconic songs that represents the 1980s, and many people...
70	Ringo OiwakeMisora Hibari		Ringo Oiwake reflects the deep emo...
71	12th graderFunaki Kazuo		Kazuo Funaki’s ... released in June 1963
72	Heart SakeFuji Ayako		Fujii Ayako's signature song 'Kokoro-zake' became a big hit.
73	Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko		While also known as Hikaru Utada’s mother…
74	Women live for love.Fuji Keiko		The spirit of a Showa-era woman who sings of selfless love
75	Woman of ShinjukuFuji Keiko		A fresh breeze in enka with Keiko Fuji’s debut song
76	From the northern innMiyako Harumi		Harumi Miyako’s “Kita no Yado Kara” is from 1975…
77	Osaka ShigureMiyako Harumi		Released in 1980, this song is Harumi Miyako...
78	In Search of Love and DeathAoyama Kazuko		Released in 19764 and even won the Japan Record Award...
79	Fleeting LoveKouzai Kaori		Kaori Kozai's signature song 'Ruren-sou' became a big hit.
80	Freeze my heartTakayama Iwao		Takayama Gen’s enka song “Kokoro Koorasete” left a significant mark on the Heisei-era music scene.
81	Enka BoatToba Ichirō		Enka songs by Ichiro Toba that were performed at Kōhaku
82	A life full of scarsTsuruta Koji		He cups his hand to his ear and says, “You probably think I’m old-fashioned, but…”
83	I liked it.Tsuruta Koji		A melancholy love ballad by Koji Tsuruta
84	Blues of the DawnItsuki Hiroshi		Increase in TV enka programs, gaining popularity with an aging population
85	Rampaging Taiko Drum ~Including ‘Outlaw Generation’~Sakamoto Fuyumi		Fuyumi Sakamoto conveys the tradition and appeal of enka.
86	O-Shichi and the Night Cherry BlossomsSakamoto Fuyumi		The famous Enka song with brass, 'Yozakura Oshichi'
87	Woman of TakayamaŌe Yutaka		Oe Hiroshi’s Fleeting Love Song of the Hida Road
88	SpotlightYamauchi Keisuke		Young enka singers will carry the next generation of enka.
89	The last singer of the Showa eraNitta Akihiro		A classic by Koya Nitta that sings of the melancholy of the Showa era
90	wintering swallowMori Masako		Masako Mori’s classic “Ettō Tsubame” is a masterpiece of enka.
91	Eternal JourneyIshikawa Sayuri		A gem of a timeless song that resonates with the heart: Goro Matsui and Sayuri Ishikawa
92	Harbor Pier DrizzleIshikawa Sayuri		The spoken prelude in enka is a craftsman’s art and pleasing to the ear.
93	Crimson SunMisora Hibari		The Group Sounds classic “Blue Shadow”
94	Jongara Onna-bushiNagayama Yōko		Yoko Nagayama’s classic hit “Jongara Onna-bushi” features captivating shamisen.
95	Brother ShipsToba Ichirō		Ichirō Toba, who sings about the way of life of a cool, stoic man
96	The Ferry of TearsMiyako Harumi		Speaking of female enka singers, Harumi Miyako comes to mind...
97	Isezakicho BluesAoe Mina		Mina Aoe, discovered by Yasunori Kawauchi, stakes her comeback...
98	With a fiery heartKobayashi Akira		Known by the nickname “Might Guy,” and in 2020…
99	And, KobeMaekawa Kiyoshi		The signature song of Kiyoshi Maekawa, who is famous for his motionless singing style...
100	Nostalgic JonkaraHosokawa Takashi		A masterpiece that only this person can sing. It’s such a good song…