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.
- A collection of masterpieces! A roundup of enka love songs
- Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
- Women’s Enka: A collection of classic enka songs expressing women’s emotions
- An enka themed around heartbreak: a collection of masterpieces whose lyrics seep with lingering regrets
- Compilation of enka duet songs. Introducing popular kayōkyoku hits as well!
- Men’s enka: a collection of classic songs portraying the way men live and their fighting spirit
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- [For Women] Masterpiece Enka Songs with a High Degree of Difficulty
- [2026] A roundup of classic enka songs you'd like to sing at weddings and receptions
- Nostalgic enka. A collection of classic enka hits from the Showa era.
- A roundup of captivating enka female singers in their 50s [2026]
- [Karaoke] Love songs that make you want to sing along. Heart-throbbing popular romance tracks
- [2026] A Collection of Classic Enka and Kayōkyoku Songs About Nagasaki [Local Songs]
Masterpieces of enka about love. A collection of songs depicting mature romances (1–10)
Tears and laughterChisato
Chisato is a singer with authentic vocal technique honed through classical training.
Since her re-debut in June 2010, she has captivated fans with her rich expressiveness.
This track commemorates the 15th anniversary of her singing career.
With lyrics by Toyohisa Araki and music by Tetsuya Gen, the song adopts a relaxed “spoken-song” style, weaving a portrayal of the complex emotions felt toward a loved one.
It’s a gem that blends an urbane mood with a deeply human mix of affection and frustration.
Be sure to check it out.
The Sitting-and-Waiting Moonokuyama eiji
Eiji Okuyama, whose heartfelt voice carefully portrays the depth of human emotion, has won the hearts of many enka fans.
To commemorate his 15th anniversary with Teichiku, this single was released in September 2025.
It richly expresses the feelings of a woman who, gazing up at the moon, thinks of someone she can hardly ever meet and continues to wait for them.
How about listening closely on a night when you want to immerse yourself in the bittersweet ache of love?
Marionette Fallen into the Eternal Swampokamoto kota
A passionate kayō-pop song performed by Kota Okamoto.
Released in September 2025 as his third single, with lyrics penned by Junretsu’s Kazuyoshi Sakai.
It portrays an irresistible world of love that will captivate you after just one listen.
While expressing intense feelings for the other person in rhythmic words, it also conveys a subtle sense of loneliness, drawing you into its compelling, story-rich depth.
Be sure to listen closely!
Masterpieces of enka about love: A collection of songs depicting adult romance (11–20)
How old is love? / Until what age does love last?Morikawa Daisuke
Daisuke Morikawa is a singer from Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture.
After first working as a company employee, he made his debut as a singer in 2016 with “Castle in the Sky: Takeda Castle.” One of the tracks on his double A-side single—the first release after moving to Nippon Crown—was released in September 2025.
Branded as a “modern Latin Showa kayō,” it’s a passionate, danceable number.
Its bright message—that the feeling of falling in love can’t be stopped no matter how old you are—is sung over a light, Latin rhythm.
It’s a song for when you want to lift your spirits or add a spark of excitement to everyday life.
Koisame (Love Rain)Ishihara Junko
Junko Ishihara, who captivates listeners with the assured expressiveness honed through shigin recitation, saw her 1999 release Miren-zake sell over 400,000 copies.
Now, her 48th single has been released in September 2025.
This work portrays a yearning love that deepens despite knowing it will never be rewarded, layered over a wintry scene where cold rain turns into snow.
The lyrics were written by Ishihara herself under the name Itō Fujiko, and the composition is by Kazuto Miura, the artist she has long professed to be a fan of.
Its lyrical melody, imbued with the aroma of folk kayō, gently nestles against the ache of the heart.
Inn of the Night Cherry BlossomsTsubuki Miyu
Enka singer Miyu Tsubuki—known for her “resonant, straight-down-the-middle voice”—released her single “Yozakura no Yado” in September 2025.
Set in a hot spring town, this classic enka number portrays the heartache of a forbidden love.
Through a round window, the protagonist gazes at fleeting dreams; their helpless longing seeps into your heart alongside Tsubuki’s richly expressive vocals.
This bittersweet yet beautiful tale of adult romance is perfect for a quiet night of solitary reflection.
Be sure to give it a listen.
Feelings for youAsada Masumi
Masumi Asada, known for her powerful vocals, returns with her first release in about eight years since her 2017 debut.
Released in August 2025, this work features compositions by her mentor, Tamae Arai.
Set against Kyoto’s evocative scenery—such as the ceremonial fires of Okuribi and the Togetsukyo Bridge—it portrays a steadfast love that endures over time.
The beautiful ensemble, drawn by the timbre of the strings, further highlights Asada’s richly emotive voice.
Give it a listen while reminiscing about a past romance.