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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Masterpieces of enka songs about love. A collection of tracks depicting adult romance (31–40)
Memory of a moonlit nightKoga Masami
The soothing Latin rhythm is sure to make listeners feel light and buoyant.
This track, a love story sung by Masami Koga, was released by Teichiku Entertainment in June 2025.
With lyrics by Kazue Kohama and composition/arrangement by Yoshitaka Higuchi, the duo delivers a piece that feels like a fresh blossom of mood kayō’s charm.
It’s the perfect touch of color for moments spent with someone special or for nights when you want to lift your spirits.
At the whim of ManiMatsuzaka Yuuki
This track nimbly leaps over genre boundaries! Released as the title song of the single “Manimani no Mani / Koi Hanabi” to mark Yuuki Matsuzaka’s 10th debut anniversary, it sets wavering feelings of love to an up-tempo beat.
The piece showcases Matsuzaka’s multifaceted talent, mastering everything from folk songs and classical vocals to pop.
You can’t help but be drawn in by the stylish arrangement that evokes a jazz club.
If you’re looking to discover something new in music, don’t miss it!
A sneaky personKibana Amano
A bittersweet yet warm kayō ballad themed around the romance of mature adults.
Composed by Amano Konohana, it was released in May 2025.
The song portrays the feelings of cherishing the present relationship while still probing into past loves.
Its emotionally rich melody fits perfectly with lyrics that convey tolerance and resolve.
If you’ve gathered some life experience, you’ll relate to this depiction of a seasoned, mature love—definitely give it a listen!
fishing lightsTachibana Mika
It’s an enka song that seeps into the heart, vividly evoking the nightscape of a port town.
Originally released as a coupling track in 1997, this piece by Mika Tateki was re-recorded and released by Nippon Crown in May 2025.
The lyrics, depicting a romance with a younger fisherman, delicately convey a woman’s complex emotions.
With lyrics by Toshiya Niitani and composition by Hiroko Murakami, the song poignantly expresses feelings for a man who is stern at sea yet gentle on land.
Revived after about 28 years, this work radiates Mika Tateki’s deep attachment to it—a true classic.
It’s perfect for nights when you’re weighed down by matters of the heart or simply want to listen quietly and intently.
The End of LoveAikawa Masaki
A soulful enka ballad that tenderly sings of love’s end, resonating with mature hearts.
It’s the 12th single by enka singer Masaki Aikawa from Kumamoto Prefecture, released in April 2025.
Lyrics by Miwa Ito, music by Hiroshi Tokuhisa.
With Aikawa’s sweet, lustrous low register conveying the theme of a romance’s demise, the song unfolds dramatically.
It’s a track that will especially move those who have tasted both the bitter and the sweet of life.
Masterpieces of enka songs about love. A collection of tracks depicting mature romance (41–50)
Mi Amore of the Gazekoyuri
Titled “Mi Amore,” which means “my love” in Italian, this work passionately portrays a mature romance.
Released by Nippon Columbia in March 2025, it is studded with striking Spanish phrases and envelops the listener in a melody rich with exotic flair.
The joys, heartaches, and inner conflicts felt in love are depicted with delicate nuance.
Koyuri’s translucent vocals blend beautifully with Minoru Maruo’s emotionally rich arrangements.
It’s a gem of a love song that resonates with the heart—perfect for a romantic evening with someone special.
Karakuri Kabuki KaleidoscopeNakanishi Rie
From Reiwa to Edo, and all the way back to Heian.
This ambitious work portrays a groundbreaking love story that transcends time and place.
It’s Rie Nakanishi’s 15th single, set to be released by Nippon Crown in May 2025.
The song features an all-star creative team: lyrics by Reiji Mizuki, composition by Keisuke Hama, and arrangement by Megumi Wakakusa.
Its mysterious, time-hopping twists were the talk of the recording sessions, with a sense of fun that’s impossible not to smile at.
While honoring the traditional flavor of enka, it’s adorned with a fantastical, bewitching arrangement.
By stepping beyond the boundaries of enka, it pioneers a new genre that music lovers of all kinds can enjoy.