Enka Path: A collection of enka songs that liken life to a road
Enka has many songs that portray the ups and downs of life.
In good times and bad, enka stays close to our hearts.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of classic enka songs that compare life to a road.
Each of the songs we’re about to introduce tells a different story, so be sure to read the lyrics and listen carefully to each message.
You’re sure to find a song that will become a source of support for your heart.
- Men’s enka: a collection of classic songs portraying the way men live and their fighting spirit
- [2026] Life's Cheering Songs: A Collection of Recommended Enka to Lift Your Spirits
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Classics for Karaoke — Women Singers Edition
- [Showa Era] A Collection of Enka Hits: Timeless Classics Loved Across Generations
- Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
- Enka Singer Popularity Ranking in Karaoke [2026]
- Cool masterpieces of enka, the heart of Japan
- [2026] Enka to Listen to in Winter: A Collection of Classic Enka Songs Depicting Snow and Cold
- Women’s Enka: A collection of classic enka songs expressing women’s emotions
- A roundup of regional enka songs: classic hits that feature places from all across Japan in their lyrics.
- An enka song about the Sea of Japan. A collection of famous songs themed around the great ocean.
- [The Pinnacle of Modern Enka] Shimazu Aya’s Easy-to-Sing Songs
- A collection of classic enka masterpieces about love: songs that depict the nuances of mature romance.
[Enka Way] A compilation of enka songs that liken life to a road (41–50)
Life Dream ShogiHosokawa Takashi

This is a memorable song with lyrics that liken life to shogi.
It expresses the ups and downs of life, challenges, and the path to success by comparing them to shogi pieces and strategies.
Takashi Hosokawa’s distinctive, sultry warmth and gentle storytelling feel fresh, resulting in an enka number that blends strength with brightness.
It was released in May 2017 as the single “Enmusubi Iwai Uta / Jinsei Yume Shogi,” and was also included on the album “Takashi Hosokawa Complete Collection: Enmusubi Iwai Uta / Jinsei Yume Shogi,” released in November of the same year.
This work is recommended for people of all ages as a cheering song that gives you the courage to face forward and try again when you stand at a crossroads in life or experience setbacks.
Life is like a Naniwa-bushi (a melodramatic ballad).Hosokawa Takashi

My recommendation for an enka song to sing when you want to blow off stress is “Naniwabushi da yo Jinsei wa.” Its relentlessly cheerful melody makes you feel refreshed as you sing.
In today’s society, where stress tends to build up, belting out songs at karaoke to loosen up your mood is important.
Pour your heart into a bright enka tune and recharge your energy for tomorrow.
Let’s call it good with this.Mikawa Ken’ichi

It’s a song filled with insights into life, carried by a warm and resonant vocal.
Released in September 2024 to celebrate Kenichi Mikawa’s 60th anniversary since debut, it was created through a star-studded collaboration with Takahiro Matsumoto of B’z and TAKURO of GLAY.
Set to a medium tempo, the lyrics sing of facing forward and living on even in the face of hardship.
Within its calm atmosphere, the words convey a seasoned perspective on life that truly touches the heart.
When you’re troubled or feeling worn out, listening to it will surely give you courage.


