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.
Playlist
| A collection of classic enka masterpieces about love: songs that depict the nuances of mature romance. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | A Love Like Ephemeral LightSakishima Jun |  play_arrow | Jun Sakishima's lyrical love songs |
| 2 | What are you doing tonight?Junretsu |  play_arrow | A passionate adult song composed by Kōsetsu Minami |
| 3 | Romance ExpressKoikawa Iroha |  play_arrow | Showa love ballads delivered by a dancing enka singer |
| 4 | shared umbrella for twoSeguchi Yuki |  play_arrow | Yuki Seguchi’s “Futari-gasa” is a song of love and happiness. |
| 5 | Stop the NightKiryuu Daisuke |  play_arrow | Daisuke Kiryu, Elvis-style singer, night-view love song |
| 6 | Love in Kyoto is a passing showerTakamiyagi Seiji |  play_arrow | A classic song set in Kyoto by a singer who debuted at 69 |
| 7 | Ephemeral Flowermizuki sayoko |  play_arrow | The inner conflict of a heart swayed by a forbidden love |
| 8 | Tears and laughterChisato |  play_arrow | Chisato of classical vocal music, a narrative song of love |
| 9 | The Sitting-and-Waiting Moonokuyama eiji |  play_arrow | Eiji Okuyama’s heartrending singing voice embraces the heart. |
| 10 | Marionette Fallen into the Eternal Swampokamoto kota |  play_arrow | Kota Okamoto’s Passionate Love Song |
| 11 | How old is love? / Until what age does love last?Morikawa Daisuke |  play_arrow | Daisuke Morikawa’s new song, a passionate Latin-style track |
| 12 | Koisame (Love Rain)Ishihara Junko |  play_arrow | The poignant ache of love overlaid on a winter scene, Junko Ishihara |
| 13 | Inn of the Night Cherry BlossomsTsubuki Miyu |  play_arrow | Miyu Tsubuki’s poignant romantic enka ‘Inn of the Night Cherry Blossoms’ |
| 14 | Feelings for youAsada Masumi |  play_arrow | Masumi Asada, a love song coloring the scenery of Kyoto |
| 15 | Yurushi RiverNagai Miyuki |  play_arrow | Miyuki Nagai, an enka song about a heartrending love |
| 16 | Sendai Woman — Chapter Twotachibana shigeru |  play_arrow | A story of a man’s heartbreak and lingering attachment as he journeys through Sendai |
| 17 | Autumn MoeKawano Natsumi |  play_arrow | Natsumi Kawano’s new song: a lyrical ballad about the love felt in a lifetime |
| 18 | drinking aloneGodai Natsuko |  play_arrow | An enka masterpiece that expresses Natsuko Godai’s strength and loneliness |
| 19 | O-Shichi and the Night Cherry BlossomsSakamoto Fuyumi |  play_arrow | Fuyumi Sakamoto’s signature works: Koigokoro and Sakurafubuki |
| 20 | bad personMori Shinichi |  play_arrow | A Showa-era enka love song composed by Shinichi Mori |
| 21 | Four o’clock flowerMizumori Kaori |  play_arrow | The appeal of Kaori Mizumori’s debut song |
| 22 | Love Song of SadoHosokawa Takashi |  play_arrow | Takashi Hosokawa’s love-themed folk song set on Sado Island |
| 23 | Purple Rain SentimentFuji Ayako |  play_arrow | Fujii Ayako’s signature song, a poignant love song |
| 24 | Love BoatKouzai Kaori |  play_arrow | A forgotten lipstick rekindles the memory of a romance. |
| 25 | Silent SlopeKouzai Kaori |  play_arrow | Kaori Kozai’s Japan Record Award-winning song |
| 26 | selfish; self-centered; willfulMochizuki Ruka |  play_arrow | Written and composed by Tetsuya Komuro. A new breeze in enka. Love and waves. |
| 27 | Ura-Namba BluesMizuki Kei |  play_arrow | Kei Mizuki’s blues enka: a poignant tale of a one-night love |
| 28 | Winter Love FlowerHanasaki Yukimi |  play_arrow | The fourth single by Yukimi Hanasaki, richly singing of winter romance. |
| 29 | The Northernmost RouteKouzai Kaori |  play_arrow | Vowing to make a comeback on a northbound sea voyage after overcoming heartbreak |
| 30 | Two FlowersFuji Ayako |  play_arrow | A classic enka song portraying a woman who supports the one she loves |
| 31 | an empty shelltakumi ryō |  play_arrow | A song that passionately sings about the heartbreak of lost love |
| 32 | A Woman’s Love LanternNemoto Noriko |  play_arrow | A bittersweet love song that keeps waiting in a rain of tears |
| 33 | I don’t need to see you.Date Yuta |  play_arrow | Yuta Date’s poignant enka ballad |
| 34 | A bit good at lyingTanaka Akira |  play_arrow | A poignant song that sings of emotional turmoil and hope |
| 35 | Wet with the foghornChō Hoyūki |  play_arrow | A heartbreaking enka about lost love set in a port town |
| 36 | Memory of a moonlit nightKoga Masami |  play_arrow | A love story with Latin rhythms heals the heart |
| 37 | At the whim of ManiMatsuzaka Yuuki |  play_arrow | Yuki Matsuzaka: A Diverse Repertoire of Songs for His 10th Anniversary |
| 38 | A sneaky personKibana Amano |  play_arrow | A heartwarming kayōkyoku song that depicts mature love |
| 39 | fishing lightsTachibana Mika |  play_arrow | A classic song depicting an age-gap romance in a port town at night |
| 40 | The End of LoveAikawa Masaki |  play_arrow | A singer from Kumamoto sings about the end of love. |
| 41 | Mi Amore of the Gazekoyuri |  play_arrow | A masterpiece that passionately sings of mature love |
| 42 | Karakuri Kabuki KaleidoscopeNakanishi Rie |  play_arrow | A groundbreaking love story single that transcends time |
| 43 | hidden innSUGITA Atsushi |  play_arrow | A poignant, heart-touching song that depicts the love of adults tinged with bittersweetness. |
| 44 | Yokohama Bay AreaIwaide Kazuya |  play_arrow | A bittersweet song of adult love and the Yokohama night view |
| 45 | Rhapsody at MidnightMatsushima Mami |  play_arrow | Asami Matsushima’s New Song: Night’s Madness and Love |
| 46 | Crimson TearsTsubuki Miyu |  play_arrow | A heart-touching song by Miyu Tsubuki that sings of the pain of heartbreak |
| 47 | I’ve been waiting impatiently.Ōishi Madoka |  play_arrow | Madoka Oishi, a classic single of heartrending love |
| 48 | Tsugaru Love WomanNiinuma Kenji |  play_arrow | Singing of a bittersweet love amid the harsh winter of Tsugaru |
| 49 | Alone on the shoreChiba Kazuo |  play_arrow | Kazuo Chiba's heartrending love song echoing on the beach |
| 50 | Secret Flowerumetani kokona |  play_arrow | Kokoa Umetani’s gem of a single that sings of youthful love |
| 51 | Because I love youSasaki Mai |  play_arrow | Mai Sasaki’s bittersweet love song resonates with the heart. |
| 52 | Homesick Love Songfujimachiko |  play_arrow | An enka song of poignant feelings after losing love |
| 53 | PhoenixHarada Namito |  play_arrow | Portraying love in a Showa-style romance song |
| 54 | Flames of LovePaku Junyon |  play_arrow | An adult love song about reclaiming a lost romance |
| 55 | Kamuro-zaka in the chill of cherry-blossom seasonNahomi |  play_arrow | An enka piece that weaves a wistful love on a cherry-blossom-dancing slope |
| 56 | Turn me onayano Aya |  play_arrow | A poignant song that portrays the loneliness and lingering attachment after a breakup |
| 57 | hourglassmatsuzaki kōsuke |  play_arrow | An enka song that pierces the heart, depicting the pain of heartbreak. |
| 58 | night-flowering jasmineOka Midori |  play_arrow | A classic song that gently sings of a bittersweet love |
| 59 | I am most delighted.Kitazawa Mai |  play_arrow | A pure love song expressed in archaic language, singing of eternal love. |
| 60 | The Northern CliffsYamauchi Keisuke |  play_arrow | A song of a woman’s wistful heart carried on the sea breeze |
| 61 | Tears of Dead LeavesMatsubara Miho |  play_arrow | An emotional ballad depicting the sorrow of a broken heart |
| 62 | Flowers of MichinokuMizuta Ryūko |  play_arrow | Mizuta Ryoko’s new song expressing Tohoku’s scenery and the feelings of love |
| 63 | Nagoya YearningMatsubara Miho |  play_arrow | A pure love story set in Nagoya, a famed piece featuring a brother-sister co-starring performance |
| 64 | A Letter from a Cold CountryTokodai Fumiya |  play_arrow | A poignant song that weaves thoughts for someone dear |
| 65 | YukoYūji Matsuo |  play_arrow | Yushi Matsuo’s heartwarming enka of love |
| 66 | Hirosaki StoryFujiwara Dai |  play_arrow | A 10th anniversary debut single weaving deep love through the scenery of Hirosaki |
| 67 | HeadlightHashiri Yusuke |  play_arrow | A moving cover song sung by Yusuke Hashiri |
| 68 | Back Alley Fireflieskoori kenta |  play_arrow | A song of a bittersweet love, layered with the light of fireflies |
| 69 | Tipsy Love Tavernmichigoe yuu |  play_arrow | Yuu Michigoe’s heartrending love song echoes in the heart. |
| 70 | Hyenayuasa michiru |  play_arrow | Michiru Yuasa’s new song depicting a mature romance |
| 71 | Love… (Passion) [Guitar ver.].Miyama Hiroshi | ![Love... (Passion) [Guitar ver.].Miyama Hiroshi](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ivC9NEX3rZo/default.jpg) play_arrow | Hiroshi Miyama’s moving new song that sings of love |
| 72 | Serenade to YouKano Hiroshi |  play_arrow | A bittersweet love, a beautiful melody of reunion |
| 73 | Saranghae, my dear.Handa Koji |  play_arrow | A heartfelt love song from Koji Handa |
| 74 | Dream DoorSakamoto Sachiko |  play_arrow | Sachiko Sakamoto’s luscious love song, emotions that stir the heart |
| 75 | Koitou (Koitome) Coastyamaguchi hiromi |  play_arrow | Hiromi Yamaguchi’s heartbreaking break-up song |
| 76 | Ruby TimeYamamoto Kazue |  play_arrow | A classic that sings of love with a wistful melody |
| 77 | Samidare HoneysuckleKoikawa Iroha |  play_arrow | Iroha Koikawa, a classic song that sings of a heartrending love |
| 78 | Hazy MoonMochizuki Ruka |  play_arrow | A song of a hazy moon that evokes Japanese beauty, on a quiet night |
| 79 | Yugiri PortMori Konomi |  play_arrow | A bittersweet love song set in a foggy port town |
| 80 | Love is a mirageIzumi Gorō |  play_arrow | A love ballad for departing Paris, a heart-touching classic |
| 81 | processionAsada Atsuko |  play_arrow | Atsuko Asada’s new single portrays the love and bonds of Osaka. |
| 82 | autumn rainDanseki Noritaka |  play_arrow | An emotional song themed around the poignant rains of autumn |
| 83 | Drunken SeagullMizuki Yuu |  play_arrow | Yuu Mizuki brings a fresh breeze to enka with a new song portraying romance |
| 84 | Love-Crying SparrowKadokawa Hiroshi |  play_arrow | A heart-touching song that portrays the bittersweet feelings of love. |
| 85 | drizzling rainKouzai Kaori |  play_arrow | Portraying the bittersweet love of adults through a song of rain |
| 86 | Nagasaki SentimentGodai Shou |  play_arrow | A heartrending love song set in Nagasaki, a moving work by Mr. Godai. |
| 87 | Terminal Station of LoveYashiro Aki |  play_arrow | Aki Yashiro’s heartrending love song, a timeless masterpiece that resonates with the heart |
| 88 | I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi |  play_arrow | Fuyumi Sakamoto’s classic love song, singing of deep affection |
| 89 | The Camellia Sasanqua InnŌkawa Eisaku |  play_arrow | Eisaku Okawa’s classic song “Sazanka no Yado” resonates in the heart. |
| 90 | perchKobayashi Sachiko |  play_arrow | Sachiko Kobayashi’s classic song “Tomarigi” is a bittersweet love story. |
| 91 | I’m appearing under my former name.Kobayashi Akira |  play_arrow | A timeless classic that sings of the depth and poignancy of love |
| 92 | A street corner in loveYamauchi Keisuke |  play_arrow | A song of love and cityscapes sung by Keisuke Yamauchi |
| 93 | Love Letter BookmarkYamaguchi Noriko |  play_arrow | A song of Noriko Yamaguchi’s aching love |
| 94 | Crimson PrideOkada Shinobu |  play_arrow | A poignant, emotionally rich song of melancholy about a woman troubled by love |
| 95 | Love Song of the WaterfallKumi Iwamoto |  play_arrow | A heart-stirring enka of majestic nature and a bittersweet love |
| 96 | Sad LipstickShinkawa Megumi |  play_arrow | A melancholic breakup song infused with red lipstick |
| 97 | Strait Shooting StarMiki Junko |  play_arrow | Junko Miki’s heartrending love song, feelings that cross the strait |
| 98 | Rainy Harbor StationHanasaki Yukimi |  play_arrow | A new song portraying the poignant scenery of a port town—an enka that accompanies the rainy season. |
| 99 | I’m pretty, right?Wakayama Kazusa |  play_arrow | Kazusa Wakayama’s new song depicting budding romance: An Inn in Kamogawa |
| 100 | Birds of a featherNishikawa Hitomi |  play_arrow | Songs about adult love and overcoming heartbreak |