Did you know there are many enka songs that sing about the four seasons?
Among them, there are especially many songs about winter, and even people who don’t usually listen to enka often know quite a few of them.
On the other hand, when it comes to enka that sing about summer, many people might find it hard to think of examples.
In this article, I’ll introduce songs that feature summer traditions and symbols like festivals, fireworks, fireflies, and cicadas!
I’ve selected a wide range, from famous hits to hidden gems, so please take this opportunity to give them a listen.
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Classic enka songs to listen to in summer: tracks about festivals and fireworks (1–10)
fireworksYamauchi Keisuke
Keisuke Yamauchi’s “Hanabi” is a song that vividly paints the scenery of summer.
Hailing from Fukuoka Prefecture, Yamauchi is an enka star with numerous hit songs and awards to his name.
Released in July 2022, the track weaves together the summer hallmark of fireworks with memories of past love and lingering feelings.
The lyrics, which capture the fragility of romance, paired with his emotionally rich vocals, are truly captivating.
In particular, the imagery that links fireworks lighting up a summer night with love is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
Give this song a listen and it will almost certainly bring back memories of past romances.
The Life of Matsu the UntamedMurata Hideo
In the postwar enka world, Hideo Murata produced numerous hit songs with his bold yet deeply emotive singing.
His signature piece, “Muhomatsu no Issho,” was Murata’s debut work.
The song’s appeal lies in its lyrics, which depict a man’s way of life, and in Murata’s powerful voice tinged with melancholy.
Please listen while reading the lyrics, and take your time to savor the stories woven into them.
Cape of Late SummerTakigawa Maiko
Maiko Takigawa is known as an enka singer who skillfully conveys deep emotion.
Cape in Late Summer was released on May 18, 2022, as part of Takigawa’s 35th-anniversary project.
The song portrays the end of a romance alongside the close of summer, delicately expressing both yearning and passion.
Its moving melody and lyrics make it especially recommended for those who have experienced heartbreak or who feel the changing seasons deeply.
It’s a song that truly resonates, where the sorrow of a breakup overlaps with the wistfulness of summer’s end.
Summer camelliaShimazu Aya
Aya Shimazu is an enka singer known for her overwhelming vocal prowess and diverse musicality.
Her song “Natsu Tsubaki” was released on July 21, 2021.
The piece overlays a poignant love story with the image of the Japanese stewartia (natsu tsubaki).
True to its name, the natsu tsubaki blooms in early summer, and each blossom, which opens in the morning, falls by evening—a flower that lasts only a day.
This song parallels the fleeting beauty and sadness of the natsu tsubaki with an unfulfilled love.
Shimazu’s emotionally rich vocals and the lyrics’ profound love and sorrow deeply resonate with listeners.
It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking a summer-themed heartbreak song.
A Midsummer Night’s DreamIshikawa Sayuri
Sayuri Ishikawa is a grand dame of the enka world who debuted in 1973 and is known for numerous hit songs, including “Tsugaru Straits—Winter Scene.” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” released on September 28, 2000, portrays the passion and transience of a woman who lives for love.
With a melody that paints vivid summer scenes and Ishikawa’s rich, resonant vocals, the song delicately expresses the emotions of a woman in love.
In particular, the lyrics—depicting the joy of a summer spent with a beloved and the loneliness when it ends—are sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a track that evokes a certain nostalgia while also giving listeners the courage to welcome a new season with optimism.
Standing Neputa (Giant Neputa Float)Yoshi Ikuzo
Ikuzo Yoshi is a singer-songwriter from Aomori Prefecture, born in 1952.
One of his well-known songs, “Tachineputa,” released in 2001, is a grand piece themed around the traditional Tachineputa festival in his hometown of Goshogawara.
The song incorporates the festival chant “Yattemare” into its lyrics and portrays the lively atmosphere of the celebration.
Through many of his songs, Yoshi continues to share his love for and the culture of his hometown.
“Tachineputa” can be considered one of his signature works that encapsulates these feelings.
In an age when we have fewer opportunities to experience summer festivities, I hope this song lets you feel a brave and passionate side of summer.
Elegy of FirefliesIsogawa Yuki
Yuki Isokawa’s song “Hotarubi Banka” is her debut single, released in 2008.
Its memorable melody and the poignant portrayal of a devoted woman waiting for the man she loves are deeply moving.
The heartfelt line, “If I could become a firefly, I would fly to where you are,” struck a chord with many listeners.
This touching track overlays the bittersweet feeling of love onto the summery motif of fireflies.
It’s highly recommended for those who enjoy emotionally rich enka and traditional Japanese flavors.