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.

Playlist

Enka Path: A collection of enka songs that liken life to a road
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	On the journey of lifeShimizu Setsuko		A wistful song that quietly reflects on life
2	Pathway of the HeartAsahna Miho		Miho Asaka’s song-acting, a cheer song for the heart
3	Courtesan of SatsumaOgawa Takeru		Depicting a passion for the performing arts and a longing for one’s hometown
4	I go my own wayKitajima Saburō		Saburō Kitajima: A Song of Vitality and Conviction in His 64th Year
5	Trying one’s luckHarada Yuuri		A song that supports life, as walked by Yuri Harada
6	There are various things. I’m a woman.Chō Hoyūki		A song about a woman’s life sung by Naga Hozonoki
7	one-way ticketKitayama Takeshi		The debut song, an enka number, ranked high and paved the way for later success.
8	As long as life lastsTendō Yoshimi		A masterpiece of enka that sings of life's joys and sorrows
9	signpostYamanishi Akari		An anthem of encouragement that gives you courage at the crossroads of life
10	processionAsada Atsuko		Singing of life and bonds set in Osaka
11	Life’s journeyMisora Hibari		Hibari Misora’s famous song that celebrates life
12	Shanshan PeonyGodai Natsuko		Staying true to oneself in Natsuko Godai’s contemporary Japanese kayō songs
13	Oga PeninsulaKitayama Takeshi		Takashi Kitayama’s quintessential enka hit set in Akita
14	A Woman’s Life: Flowers of Sweatkawanaka miyuki		A life-affirming anthem that sings of gratitude and love for one's mother
15	Let life shinekomadori・Toshiko & Midori		An inspiring ode to life by the Komadori Sisters
16	Wishing Starooi daisuke		A classic song that sings of longing for one’s hometown and dreams
17	Love and PeopleNakamura Etsuko		A gemlike ballad that heals the heart, a voice singing of love
18	Peonies in the winter of the hearttajima koi		An enka of a dignified flower facing hardship
19	A Man’s LifeKitajima Saburō		Saburo Kitajima’s classic that sings of life
20	A man’s single-minded resolveYamazaki Teiji		An anthem of support that sings of the weight of the heart and of conviction
21	the sunShimazu Aya		A cheering song by Aya Shimazu: the importance of accepting yourself as you are
22	Journey of DreamsKanemura Hiroshi		A cheering song filled with courage and hope
23	In the Sun and the DustCHAGE and ASKA		A powerful pop number by CHAGE and ASKA that portrays youth and the struggles of life
24	horsetailnishina		Theme Song of the Animal Trail Where Lilacs Bloom
25	Before anything else, from atop the roadIsseifubi Sepia		A message of courage and hope that asks about the meaning of life
26	Wind cherry blossomSatō Akemi		A song of the joys and sorrows of living true to oneself
27	A drop of the great riverŌkawa Eisaku		Small efforts enrich life.
28	road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)Jun Katsuragi		An enka anthem that cheers on those facing life's hardships
29	Song is life itself.Fujii Ai		Ai Fujii's enka is a moving work that sings of life.
30	Life Dream Voyagetsuge yuuji		An enka song that sings of a life’s voyage set on the Sea of Japan
31	companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)Miyama Hiroshi		Expressing the bonds of life through a ballad
32	summitSanjo Yutaka		A song that likens life to a mountain, reflecting on the past and cheering on the future
33	layered livesŌkawa Eisaku		A moving classic that portrays the bond between husband and wife
34	Dotonbori SentimentTendō Yoshimi		A passionate song from Osaka that cheers on life
35	Kokoro KaleidoscopeYamauchi Keisuke		A new song depicting Keisuke Yamauchi’s life, a song of courage
36	Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko		Chiyoko Shimakura’s Life-Praising Enka Pop
37	draft (cold air seeping through gaps)Sugi Ryōtarō		A fine song that quietly observes a man's way of life. 1976…
38	Life Support SongMatsumae Hiroko & Miyama Hiroshi		Enka’s life-affirming anthem, singing of courage and hope
39	Because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime lifeMatsubara Nobue		Nobue Matsubara, a classic song that supports life
40	Life waits for no one.Moriyama Aiko		A powerful song that supports life, resonating in the heart.
41	The Flower Path of the DuelHikawa Kiyoshi		Kiyoshi Hikawa's 'Shōbu no Hanamichi' is a cheer song.
42	My turn will surely come.Yonekura Masumi		An encouraging anthem to cheer on those lost in life
43	Life Dream ShogiHosokawa Takashi		A passionate song that likens life's challenges to shogi (Japanese chess)
44	Life is like a Naniwa-bushi (a melodramatic ballad).Hosokawa Takashi		Let's sing cheerful enka to relieve stress
45	Let’s call it good with this.Mikawa Ken’ichi		A warm song filled with insights into life...
46	Midway through life’s journeySatō Yoshito		A moving enka song that portrays a life as it is
47	A life of paying it forwardKanishima Akio		A jewel-like ballad by Akio Kaneshima that gives thanks for kindness and sings of life