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
- [For Women] Masterpiece Enka Songs with a High Degree of Difficulty
- A classic enka song with a festival theme. A lively and bustling tune.
Classic Enka Songs That Get the Crowd Going: A Karaoke-Proof Enka Selection Catalog (11–20)
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.
Naniwa SpiritSakamoto Fuyumi
It’s a powerful song that makes you want to call it the spirit of Osaka.
It’s Fuyumi Sakamoto’s first cheer song themed around Osaka, released in March 2025.
Selected as a recommended track by TBS Radio, the piece also drew attention for reuniting her with composer Chiaki Oka after roughly nine years.
The lyrics’ worldview—emphasizing the importance of moving forward without succumbing to adversity and portraying people who grow through perseverance—really hits home.
Sing it at karaoke, and you’re sure to lift your listeners’ spirits.
Like myself…Toukyou Rikisha
How about a powerful, heart-stirring enka ballad? It’s a song by Tokyo Rikisha, a group of active rickshaw pullers from Asakusa, set to be released as a single in February 2025.
It’s also been a hot topic because Joji Yamamoto, a legend in the enka world, wrote the lyrics based on his own experiences.
While looking back on the past, the song portrays a burning resolve to live true to oneself, and just listening to it makes your heart swell.
Belt it out at karaoke and it might even deepen the bonds with your friends.
festivalKitajima Saburō
Saburo Kitajima has produced numerous classic songs.
When it comes to his signature tunes, isn’t “Matsuri” the one that comes to mind? Its poppiness and lively energy—unusual for enka—are irresistibly catchy.
Incidentally, the “festival” sung about in this song is a bountiful-catch festival.
These days, though, it’s become common—and beloved—to tweak the lyrics to suit the occasion, turning it into things like a “Kouhaku Festival” or a “Heisei Festival.” Because it’s so easy to customize, it can fit all sorts of situations, from birthdays to welcome parties.
Late-Blooming HEROyuasa michiru
Among Yuasa Michiru’s songs, this is one of the most striking—a single released in May 2024.
It’s defined by an exotic atmosphere and avant-garde vocals, resonating with many as an anthem for those who keep chasing their dreams.
It portrays people who, even while drenched in the rain, refuse to give up and keep working hard, offering the courage to face difficulties.
It’s perfect for anyone looking to take on a challenge or holding a strong, unyielding will.
Classic enka songs that fire up the crowd. A catalog of enka picks you won’t fail with at karaoke (21–30)
I’m going to Tokyo.Yoshi Ikuzo
Enka singer Ichi Ikuzō, known for his wide-ranging musicality from comic songs to songs in a female voice and heart-wrenching ballads.
Unusual for an enka singer, he also has the side of a singer-songwriter, and his original songs, for which he writes both lyrics and music, are full of creativity and have remained beloved across generations.
Speaking of Ikuzō Yoshii’s masterpieces, it has to be “Ora Tokyo sa Iguda,” doesn’t it? While it has elements typical of enka, it features many spoken-style parts, so the overall difficulty is on the lower side.
As a comic song, it really gets the crowd going, so be sure to add it to your repertoire.
