A collection of classic enka masterpieces about love: songs that depict the nuances of mature romance.

Yurushi RiverNagai Miyuki

Miyuki Nagai “Yurushigawa” Music Video

Released in August 2025, this work by Miyuki Nagai is a minor-key kayō enka song, featuring lyrics by poet Rein Dōzan and composition by Akihiro Ōtani.

The lyrics depict a woman who dreamed of a one-night romance and now struggles with the conflict of wanting to forgive yet being unable to.

The protagonist’s feelings, likened to the confederate rose, are expressed in words that are both beautiful and heartrending, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

It’s a piece that invites you to savor the anguish and futility of love.

Sendai Woman — Chapter Twotachibana shigeru

Sendai Woman — Chapter Two

The theme of this work is the futile, lingering feelings of a man who wanders alone through Sendai, the city of his memories, still hung up on the woman he parted with.

Landmarks of the City of Trees, like Jozenji Street and Aoba Castle, are woven in, so as you listen, you can picture the protagonist’s journey unfolding.

This track is a long-awaited single released in August 2025, three years after the March 2022 debut release, Benimokuren.

Tachibana’s signature dandy timbre captures the pathos of heartbreak perfectly.

Take your time and immerse yourself in the story as you listen.

Autumn MoeKawano Natsumi

Akimoe (Preview)

Enka singer Natsumi Kawano has remained at the forefront since her debut in 1998.

Released in August 2025, “Akimoe” is a classic, lyrical enka number featuring lyrics by Yoko Aki and composition by Tetsuya Gen—both masters of their craft.

The song overlays the burning emotions of a woman who, after a fresh start in life, has fallen into an unstoppable love with the oleander flower—delicate yet tinged with danger.

The wish to keep one’s heart fluttering no matter one’s age is expressed through Kawano’s mature, resonant vocals.

Do take the time to listen closely.

drinking aloneGodai Natsuko

Natsuko Godai “Hitori-zake” Music Video (1 chorus)

Amid the alluring, sensual elegance that exudes feminine charm, Natsuko Godai’s voice—harboring quiet strength—resonates deeply in this song.

It portrays a woman drinking alone, yet what lies beneath is surely more than mere loneliness.

You can picture the protagonist standing with dignity as she faces her solitude.

Released in January 1994, the single became a long-selling hit with over 300,000 copies sold and won the Cable Broadcast Grand Prize.

The track was also included in the video collection “Enka no Hanamichi: Natsuko Godai” and was widely loved through popular music programs of the time.

Some listeners may find their hearts stirred as they see their own experiences reflected in the strength that shines through the sadness.

O-Shichi and the Night Cherry BlossomsSakamoto Fuyumi

Fuyumi Sakamoto – Yozakura O-Shichi

A classic released in September 1994, this song shines with Fuyumi Sakamoto’s passionate vocals.

Inspired by the Edo-period tragic love tale Yaoya Oshichi, it vividly portrays a love in flames and the cherry blossom storm that heralds its end.

Through Sakamoto’s overwhelming expressive power, the heroine’s fierce emotions are sung with such intensity that they grip the listener’s heart.

Released in the seventh year of her career, the work carries a flavor close to progressive rock, secured a firm place as one of her signature pieces, and has been covered by many artists.

When you’re burdened by the pain of a hopeless love, surrendering yourself to the world of this song may make its poignant sorrow press upon your heart.

bad personMori Shinichi

bad person

This is a song composed by Shinichi Mori himself, steeped in the fervent spirit of Showa-era enka.

Released in May 1993 as one of the tracks on a double A-side single, it was also included that July on the album “Shinichi Mori Composition Anthology,” a collection of his own compositions.

It depicts the pure love of a protagonist who throws themselves into a romance so intense it makes them waver between life and death.

The inescapable, tragic end of that love is conveyed through Mori’s husky, deeply expressive voice, piercing the listener’s heart.

The anguish of surrendering to a passion that blazes on, even while knowing it’s hopeless—many may find themselves empathizing with that inner conflict.

Four o’clock flowerMizumori Kaori

Ochiroi-bana · Kaori Mizumori

This is the debut song that became the starting point of Kaori Mizumori’s brilliant career, beloved as the “Queen of Local Songs.” Released in September 1995, the track debuted at No.

3 on the Oricon enka/kayō chart.

It portrays the single-hearted feelings of a woman who wishes to bloom beautifully by the side of the one she loves, likening her heart to a flower blooming at dusk.

Her deeply expressive vocals, carried by a light, string-accented melody, resonate in the heart.

Listening to this piece may revive memories of a once-pure love, and some may find their hearts unexpectedly stirred.

It’s a gentle song that feels as if it softly embraces earnest, devoted affection.