Enka Path: A collection of enka songs that liken life to a road

Journey of DreamsKanemura Hiroshi

Hiroshi Kanemura - Dream Journey (Music Video)

This is a song that stays close to the hearts of people walking their own life’s path.

Its gentle melody and powerful vocals will give you a push forward.

The song’s appeal lies in lyrics that embody the courage and hope to never give up, even when facing hardship.

The phrase “Even if we sometimes stumble and fall” seems to capture life itself.

Released in July 2024, the track marks a new challenge for Hiroshi Kanemura.

If you’re about to take a new step, give it a listen—it’s sure to resonate with you.

horsetailnishina

Nishina – Tsukushi [Official Video]

A song written as the theme for NHK’s Saturday drama “The Beast Path Where Lilacs Bloom.” It’s a heartwarming piece that gently portrays the fragility and beauty of life, as well as the strength of people who face adversity.

Released in February 2025, the work was created after Nishina visited the land and school that inspired the original story.

With delicate nuance, it captures the way life carries itself with quiet dignity even amid loneliness, and the growth that follows trials—like flowers that take on color as they learn of parting.

Born from experiences of encountering the rhythms of nature and the ways people live, and of contemplating the meaning of life, this work will stay close to your heart and give you the courage to look forward when confronted with difficulties or standing at a crossroads.

Song is life itself.Fujii Ai

Megumi Fujii “Song Is Life” MUSIC VIDEO

This is a song that powerfully celebrates a woman’s life.

It’s Ai Fujii’s first new work in about ten years, released in February 2025.

The melancholic enka melody and Fujii’s emotionally rich vocals leave a strong impression.

Each note seems to reach deep into your ears and heart, becoming part of your very being—an experience that truly moves you.

If you’re feeling lost in life, this piece is sure to be by your side.

Life Dream Voyagetsuge yuuji

Yuji Tsuge “Life Dream Voyage” MV (included on the single ‘Life Dream Voyage,’ released October 9, 2024)

Set against the Sea of Japan, this song about the voyage of life features powerful lyrics and a wistful melody that have captured many listeners’ hearts.

Yuji Tsuge’s rugged voice symbolically portrays a life sailing toward dreams amid rough seas, powerfully singing of a man’s strong will and determination in the face of hardship.

Released in October 2024 to mark the 20th anniversary of Tsuge’s debut, it’s a quintessential enka number.

Combining the genre’s trademark strength and melancholy, the piece strongly embodies the spirit of “fall down seven times, get up eight,” resonating deeply with Japanese listeners.

Its message aligns with values in Japanese society that prize endurance and challenge, making it a song that speaks widely to its audience.

companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)Miyama Hiroshi

companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)

A song by Hiroshi Miyama that portrays the bond between a man and a woman walking together through life’s ups and downs.

It expresses a fate that drifts like floating weeds in a gentle ballad.

Miyama’s powerful yet warm voice resonates deeply with listeners.

Originally released in 1978 as a song by Mieko Makimura, Miyama’s cover is included on the album “Utaitsugu! Nihon no Ryūkōka Part 5,” released in June 2024.

It’s a perfect track for times when you feel lost in life or want to feel the bond with someone important.

Dotonbori SentimentTendō Yoshimi

[MV] Yoshimi Tendo / Dotonbori (Tonbori) Ninjō (Full Ver.)

Set in Osaka’s Dotonbori, this song celebrates the strength and passion to overcome life’s setbacks.

Yoshimi Tendo’s voice beautifully conveys the resolve to never give up and the warmth of Osaka’s human spirit.

Though many artists have performed this classic, Tendo’s especially famous version, released in December 1985, became a massive hit, selling 800,000 copies in two years, and she closed out the Red Team’s performances at the 2000 NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

When you feel lost in life, listening to this song will surely give you the courage to face forward.

This ballad of compassion echoing through the streets of Osaka will set your heart ablaze.

Kokoro KaleidoscopeYamauchi Keisuke

Keisuke Yamauchi “Kokoro Kaleidoscope” Music Video

A song by Keisuke Yamauchi that likens the complexity and beauty of life to a kaleidoscope.

The accomplished enka singer who kept “Furenko” on the Oricon charts for 50 weeks released this heartfelt track in March 2023.

Yamauchi himself calls it the opening of his “third chapter.” Released at the milestone age of 40, the piece symbolizes his new musical challenges.

With lyrics by Goro Matsui and composition/arrangement by Takatsugu Muramatsu, the song showcases Yamauchi’s distinctive character.

When you’re lost, hurt, and stuck in place, listening to this track will surely give you the courage to face forward and start walking again.

Please give it a listen as a fight song that gently pushes the weary forward in their daily battles.