Women’s Enka: A collection of classic enka songs expressing women’s emotions
Lyrics that bare the heart just as it is are one of enka’s greatest appeals, aren’t they?
We’ve been moved by many such lyrics, touched to the core, and found support through the empathy they offer.
In this article, we’ll introduce famous enka songs that particularly express women’s emotions.
Whether they sing of love or portray women’s ways of life, you’re sure to find songs that resonate with your heart.
Be sure to read the lyrics as you listen to each track.
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Women's enka: A collection of classic enka songs that sing of women's feelings (91–100)
Tear SongOka Midori
A song that gently portrays a woman’s loneliness, paired with Midori Oka’s translucent vocals, becomes a track that truly touches the heart.
The lyrics delicately express the inner life of a woman living in a corner of the big city, embracing a universal theme that anyone can relate to.
Released in February 2024, this piece has been loved by many as one of Midori Oka’s signature works.
It’s especially recommended for those moments on the subway ride home from work, when you suddenly feel like reflecting on your life.
This song will stay close to your heart and give you hope for tomorrow.
snowflowerGodai Natsuko
It’s a song that portrays “mother = woman.” There are countless songs in which men sing about their love for their mothers, but perhaps there aren’t actually that many where a daughter sings about her mother and expresses her respect for her.
From what we can imagine, it seems to depict a remarkable mother who raised her child on her own.
It paints the image of an earlier generation of women—extremely diligent and hardworking, with no time to enjoy leisure—and likens the daughter’s love for her mother to a beautiful flower.
atonementTeresa Ten
Teresa Teng is a female singer who enjoys legendary popularity in Taiwan.
She became famous for her heartrending songs, and among them, “Tsunugai” (Atonement) is especially known for its melancholic tone.
This piece leans more toward kayōkyoku (Japanese pop ballad) than enka, and it doesn’t feature kobushi, the vocal ornament that often poses a challenge in enka.
The melody’s pitch movement is also gentle, making the vocal line less prone to intonation slips.
From every perspective, it’s a song that’s easy to sing.
Consider adding it to your repertoire.
Longing for RainYashiro Aki
It’s no exaggeration to call this one of the defining songs of the 1980s.
Though it takes rain as its theme, it’s a classic filled with a bright, positive message.
That’s a feature that sets it apart from traditional enka and captured the hearts of many.
Released in April 1980, the song won the 22nd Japan Record Award.
It also closed out that year’s Kohaku Uta Gassen, making it a milestone in Aki Yashiro’s career.
With its rhythmic melody and easy-to-remember lyrics, it’s great for karaoke beginners.
The choreography—turning your palms up toward the sky during the chorus—is also distinctive and makes it fun to sing along.
Be sure to pay attention to the lyrics, which express the feelings of a woman after a breakup.
Memories SakeKobayashi Sachiko
A masterpiece whose wistful melody and heartrending lyrics resonate deeply.
The lyrics portray a woman recalling a past love as she drinks, a theme that has struck a chord with many and kept the song beloved for years.
Released in January 1979, it was originally a B-side, but its popularity on cable radio led to it becoming the A-side.
It ranked No.
1 on that year’s “The Best Ten” annual chart and also won the 21st Japan Record Awards’ Best Vocal Performance.
The song is extremely demanding to sing, requiring rich expressiveness and a wide vocal range.
It’s a perfect piece for testing one’s enka singing ability.
Karatachi DiaryShimakura Chiyoko
A gem of a classic by Chiyoko Shimakura, delivered with heartfelt emotion.
Released in 1958, this song is characterized by lyrics that vividly depict the pain of heartbreak and loneliness, paired with a melody that stirs poignant feelings.
With lyrics by Sawayaka Nishizawa and music by Shinichi Yoneda, the piece showcases Shimakura’s full vocal and expressive prowess.
The spoken interludes woven into the lyrics and the mid-song shift to a minor key are among the elements that resonate deeply with listeners.
Cherished for decades as a Showa-era masterpiece and featured in television dramas, this work may be a bit challenging—but do give it a try.
Cape TachimachiMori Masako
It’s a classic song set on the Sea of Japan that poignantly portrays a woman who continues to wait for her beloved.
Masako Mori’s clear, deeply expressive singing resonates profoundly with listeners.
Released in August 1982 as Mori’s 39th single, the song won the Grand Prize at the Masao Koga Memorial Music Awards.
It was also performed at the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen at the end of the same year, earning widespread affection.
While upholding the traditions of enka, the song features a melodious quality reminiscent of kayōkyoku, highlighted by Mori’s transparent, luminous voice.
It’s a demanding piece that calls for a wide vocal range and delicate expressiveness, but by all means, give it a try.
Heart SakeFuji Ayako
This piece seems to ask whether, at heart, men naturally want to be a little needy around the ones they love, and women naturally find such men endearing.
No matter how times change, perhaps the dynamic between men and women won’t really change all that much.
The song portrays an ideal woman, and it naturally comes across that such a woman also knows how to drink well.
The person I fell in love withMiyako Harumi
As a classic of the Showa-era kayōkyoku, this song has been loved for many years, and Harumi Miyako’s characteristically powerful vocals leave a strong impression.
Released in September 1968, it became a major hit, selling over one million copies.
Incidentally, it was also used in a commercial for Nagatanien’s Umeboshi Chazuke.
The lyrics depict a farewell to a lover, portraying the resolve to accept the separation with a forward-looking attitude while holding back sorrow.
The melody is easy to remember, and the chorus builds wonderfully, making it a song that’s easy to sing at karaoke.
Even those without confidence in their singing can enjoy it as long as they put emotion into it.
abandonedNagayama Yōko
This song’s melody and lyrics, which portray a heartrending love, resonate deeply in the heart.
Known as a masterpiece of enka, it delicately expresses the sorrow and complex emotions of a woman after a breakup.
Released in March 1995, it peaked at No.
32 on the Oricon chart and achieved an astonishing long run, staying in the top 100 for 48 weeks.
It was also used as an insert song on NHK’s program “Comedy: Oedo de Gozaru,” making it beloved by a wide audience.
Even for newcomers to enka, anyone with experience in love can relate to the lyrics.
When singing it at karaoke, if you spread your arms and wave during the “demo ne” part of the chorus like Ms.
Nagayama, it’s sure to liven things up!