A collection of classic enka masterpieces about love: songs that depict the nuances of mature romance.
Among popular enka songs, there are truly so many that depict romance.
What’s more, many of them portray mature love stories, and they’re full of such passion that just listening can make your chest ache.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of classic enka masterpieces themed around love.
We’ll cover famous songs everyone knows, but when you revisit the lyrics, you’ll undoubtedly be moved by the profound love woven into them.
I hope you’ll listen to the songs below while reading along with the lyrics.
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A collection of classic enka masterpieces about love: songs depicting mature romances (61–70)
A Letter from a Cold CountryTokodai Fumiya
This is a song, themed around a letter that arrived one day, about thinking of someone precious.
Fumiya Tokodai’s rugged, resonant vocals gently envelop the protagonist’s aching sorrow and loneliness.
It’s moving to hear the quiet resilience of someone who, despite lingering attachment, wishes happiness for a loved one far away.
Makano’s lyrics, which brilliantly capture deep emotional shifts, harmonize beautifully with Chiaki Oka’s richly expressive melody.
Released in March 2025, this work is an ambitious piece commemorating the fifth anniversary of the artist’s debut.
It’s a song that will gently accompany those who still think of a former lover.
YukoYūji Matsuo
It feels like a sweet love story that seeps into the heart.
This song by Yushi Matsuo, who has built a firm place for himself in the enka world as a singer, was released in December 2024.
It carefully weaves the tale of a protagonist who stays by the side of a woman named Yuko and seeks to lead her toward a happy future.
Matsuo’s distinctive phrasing, featuring his signature rolled Rs, and his warm vocal tone further elevate the story.
It’s a track that lets you fully savor the appeal of enka that stands by life’s side—one you’ll want to listen to with someone special.
Hirosaki StoryFujiwara Dai
Set against the scenery of Hirosaki, this gem of a track weaves a story of deep love.
Released in January 2025, it is Ms.
Fujiwara’s 10th-anniversary debut single.
The song richly portrays the protagonist, who returns to Hirosaki for the first time in four years, reuniting with the lover who kept their promise.
Lyrics interlace Hirosaki’s landmarks—Nakamachi, the castle town, the church bells—painting vivid images in the listener’s mind.
Give it a listen when you want to resonate with the bittersweet feelings of longing for someone you love.
HeadlightHashiri Yusuke
Sang by Yusuke Hashiri, this piece was included in the October 2024 album Original & Cover Collection.
It’s a cover of a song originally performed by Kenji Niinuma, beautifully blending lyrics by Yuu Aku with Hiroshi Tokuhisa’s deeply moving melody.
Hashiri’s powerful yet gentle voice lights the path of life like a headlight, kindling a ray of hope in listeners’ hearts.
It’s perfect for a long-distance drive—or for times when you’ve lost your way in life.
Back Alley Fireflieskoori kenta
This song, which expresses a wistful love by likening it to the glow of fireflies, is a piece brimming with Kenta Koori’s charm.
Released in September 2024, it is his 17th single, commemorating the 15th anniversary of his debut.
With Koori’s delicate vocals, it vividly portrays the feelings of a woman tormented by unrequited love.
It’s a track that could be called the very essence of the artist known as the “Missionary of Women’s Songs.” The image of a woman identifying with a lone firefly glowing in the stillness of night, her longing for her beloved deepening, is truly moving.
Anyone who has known heartbreak will surely relate.
Do give it a listen on a quiet, mellow night.
Tipsy Love Tavernmichigoe yuu
This song about a bittersweet love really brings that tipsy, tender mood close to the heart.
Released as a single CD by Teichiku Records in June 2024, it became a hot topic among enka fans.
Yu Michigoe’s gentle voice beautifully portrays a mature romance set in a bar.
Haven’t we all felt, “I thought I’d given up, but I might fall in love again”? It’s a richly atmospheric track you’ll want to play on a nighttime drive or during a quiet drink alone.
It’s sure to resonate widely as an adult love song.
Hyenayuasa michiru
Steeped in a wistful blues aroma, this gem reveals a new side of Michiru Yuasa.
Released in August 2024, the song was written and composed by Yuhei Hanaoka.
The lyrics, which liken a cold-blooded romantic relationship to a “hyena,” leave a striking impression, portraying an adult love that preys on vulnerability.
With its distinctive low-end and Yuasa’s firm, resonant vocals, it grips the heart.
This is Yuasa’s sixth digital single—perfect for quiet, reflective moments or when you’re wrestling with complicated feelings about love.