Legendary enka songs that fire up the crowd. A song catalog of enka picks you won’t go wrong with at karaoke.
For those who think, “When I go to karaoke, I want to hype up the room with enka, but I don’t know what to sing,” and for anyone who wants to surprise their coworkers, friends, or family by singing something different than usual—this is a must-read! In this article, we’ll introduce a lineup of classic enka songs that are guaranteed to get the crowd going.
We’ve picked not only upbeat tracks and songs that are fun for call-and-response, but also well-known enka standards.
Use this as a guide when choosing your next karaoke setlist.
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- [2026] Representative Famous Enka Songs: A Compilation of Classic Favorites [Beginner-Friendly]
- Cool masterpieces of enka, the heart of Japan
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Masterpieces for Karaoke — Male Singers Edition
- [For Women] A roundup of enka songs that can score high in karaoke
- [Enka] Songs that are easy to sing even for those who are tone-deaf [Female singers edition]
- [For Seniors] Songs Everyone Can Sing Together! A Roundup of Recommended Crowd-Pleasers
- A roundup of hit enka songs from the Heisei era
- [Men] Enka Songs That Can Score High in Karaoke
- A classic enka song with a festival theme. A lively and bustling tune.
- [For Women] Masterpiece Enka Songs with a High Degree of Difficulty
Uplifting enka masterpieces: A selection catalog of enka songs you won’t fail with at karaoke (1–10)
Kiyoshi’s Zundoko SongHikawa Kiyoshi
When it comes to enka songs that fire up a crowd, you can’t leave out Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi! It’s a smash hit by Kiyoshi Hikawa, who in recent years has worked across a wide range of genres beyond enka, and it was released as a single in 2002.
The song sparked a huge craze, so chances are you’ve heard it at least once.
When you sing it at karaoke, adding call-and-response chants makes it even more exciting.
It’s a song that people of all ages can enjoy!
Osaka Love DropletMizumori Kaori
How about enjoying Kaori Mizumori’s song that marks her 30th debut anniversary? Released in March 2025, this “happy enka” is set in Osaka.
It beautifully tells the story of a woman who overcomes a painful past to find new happiness.
You may be pleasantly surprised by this new side of the queen who has traveled Japan in song across 45 prefectures.
Perform it at karaoke, and its bright melody is sure to delight everyone.
Be sure to add it to your new repertoire.
246Sanada Naoki
A high-octane power tune with a razor-edged sound that races ahead! This single by rising enka star Naoki Sanada, released in May 2024, was written and composed by his mentor, Ikuzo Yoshi.
Set on National Route 246, the song portrays an uncertain romance between a man and a woman as they take detours on a drive.
Sanada’s signature “knockout voice” resounds with force, as if blowing away all pent-up frustration.
Perfect for anyone who wants to belt it out and feel totally refreshed!
Classic Enka Songs That Get the Crowd Going: A Karaoke-Proof Enka Selection Catalog (11–20)
Crimson ButterflyYamauchi Keisuke
This is a song that portrays a fleeting yet burning love, like a butterfly dancing lightly in the air.
It is a track by enka singer Keisuke Yamauchi, known for hits such as “Furenko,” released as a single in February 2024.
The song expresses the inner conflict that comes from love and the resolve to risk everything and leap into the arms of the beloved, drawing listeners into its dramatic world.
If you fully embody the song’s protagonist as you sing, it’s sure to move those who listen!
I love Osaka.Tou Aki
This song, released in April 2025 as Aki Toa’s major debut single, is a support anthem for the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
Its lyrics convey a straightforward love for the city of Osaka, discovered through the experience of falling in love.
The emotive vocals and warm sound are perfect for brightening up the mood at karaoke! And if everyone sings together, it might create a sense of unity and make the time even more fun.
With a fiery heartKobayashi Akira
Akira Kobayashi is an actor and singer born in 1938, known for his distinctive vocal style nicknamed the “Akira-bushi.” One of his signature songs, “Atsuki Kokoro ni,” was released in 1985, with lyrics by Yū Aku and music by Eiichi Ohtaki, and it was also used in a commercial.
The song is a moving piece themed around lingering feelings for a woman after a breakup and the changing of the seasons.
Its resonant melody and warm lyrics evoke both nostalgia and freshness.
It’s especially popular among fans of Showa-era enka and kayōkyoku, so consider singing it when you go to karaoke with older folks.
Tipsy Breeze TavernNakamura Yuito
If you’re looking to liven up the mood with a sparkling, refreshing enka number, how about this one? It’s the debut single by Yuito Nakamura, who made waves as an active high school enka singer, released in June 2025.
This work is a bright, pop-influenced tune—an uplifting song for life that soothes the fatigue of the day.
The lyrics paint a heartwarming scene of a friendly, human touch-filled bar that will warm listeners’ hearts.
Sing it at karaoke with your coworkers and it’s sure to resonate.
You could even throw in some call-and-response and turn it into a big sing-along.