![[2026] Amazing if you can sing them! Enka Masterpieces [Women Singers Edition]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/yGI0QZ4Gk34/hqdefault.jpg)
[2026] Amazing if you can sing them! Enka Masterpieces [Women Singers Edition]
Enka, which is hugely popular at karaoke, includes many classic songs loved across generations, and plenty of people likely keep an enka number as their go-to “showstopper” in their repertoire.
For those already somewhat used to singing enka, we’ve compiled a selection of notoriously difficult songs that are guaranteed to earn you rave reviews if you can pull them off.
The enka genre itself demands advanced vocal technique, but the tracks we’ve chosen here are especially challenging and well worth the effort.
If you’re thinking, “I’m up for it,” we strongly encourage you to give them a try.
This article features songs by female singers, but we also have a separate article covering songs by male singers, so be sure to check that out as well.
[2026] Amazing if You Can Sing Them! Enka Masterpieces [Female Vocalists Edition] (1–10)
Boat SongYashiro Aki
Known as one of Aki Yashiro’s signature songs, this piece is memorable for its poignant portrayal of a male sailor’s unrequited love.
Released in May 1979, it has remained a beloved classic ever since.
The scene-setting that begins with the opening lyrics resonates deeply with listeners, and Yashiro’s wistful vocals further highlight the protagonist’s complex emotions—one of the song’s key charms.
In 1991, it was also used in a commercial for Sankyo Co., Ltd., bringing it to an even wider audience.
It’s an indispensable number for anyone singing enka, though it’s renowned for its difficulty.
Why not use Yashiro’s expressive singing as a reference and try performing it while imagining a quiet night in a harbor town?
Silent SlopeKouzai Kaori
This is one of Kaori Kozai’s signature songs, beautifully depicting Japanese scenery and a heartrending love against a gently flowing melody.
With memorable lyrics and a dramatic progression, it became a major hit immediately upon its release in March 1993.
It was also used as the theme song for a TV drama of the same name and swept numerous awards, including the 35th Japan Record Award—a true gem of a track.
The song deftly conveys unspoken feelings and complex emotions of love, and Kozai’s rich, resonant vocals strike a deep chord with listeners.
While it requires considerable technique to sing well at karaoke, it’s a rewarding challenge to take on.
Melancholy WharfMisora Hibari
When it comes to challenging songs by female singers, Hibari Misora’s “Aishū Hatoba” (Port of Sorrow) is indispensable.
Released in 1960, this masterpiece features lyrics by Miyuki Ishimoto and composition by Tōru Funamura.
Set against the backdrop of a harbor, it powerfully and poignantly expresses a bittersweet love.
Hibari’s voice, both strong and delicate, resonates deeply with listeners.
With its wide melodic range and difficult kobushi ornamentation, it’s quite demanding to sing.
But if you can pull it off at karaoke, you’re sure to impress everyone around you.
A highly recommended track for fans of Shōwa-era kayōkyoku.
wintering swallowMori Masako
Released in 1983, this is one of the greatest masterpieces of enka by Masako Mori! This classic, which depicts a woman’s heartrending love, has continued to be cherished not only by fans but by many artists as well.
The melody, full of emotion and expressing a woman consumed by love, is striking—but to fully convey its world, exceptional vocal skill is essential.
It’s quite difficult to master the enka-typical transition from restrained low notes to beautifully soaring highs.
Pay attention to open, resonant high notes, clear diction, and the use of vibrato, and practice carefully to capture that bittersweet feeling.
This work is also famous for Mori’s tearful performance at the 1984 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
If you sing it as if you were on a grand stage, it’s sure to move your audience.
Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri
A towering classic of enka, released in 1977, beloved for its profound emotion and heartrending lyrics.
From the perspective of a woman who steps off the night train from Ueno at Aomori Station, it vividly depicts a farewell scene on the windswept Tsugaru Strait.
The protagonist’s loneliness aboard the Seikan ferry and the way she is moved by the wintry landscape of Cape Tappi are deeply affecting.
Sayuri Ishikawa’s richly expressive vocals bring the song’s world to life and captivated countless listeners.
After its release, it garnered numerous honors, including the Japan Record Awards and her first appearance on Kōhaku Uta Gassen, becoming a signature work that cemented her status as the queen of enka.
It’s so famous that nearly everyone has heard it at least once and many can hum along, but singing it well is another matter—it demands a high level of technique.
It’s important to avoid a flat delivery by using clear contrasts, and to pour emotion into the climactic moments.
Jonkara Onna-bushiNagayama Yōko
This 2003 release is a fresh, classic enka song that weaves in vivid scenes of Tsugaru, enriched by the sound of the Tsugaru shamisen.
Yoko Nagayama’s performance—singing while playing the shamisen herself—left a strong impression on many fans, and the track is considered one of her signature songs.
Though it’s enka, it also carries a kayōkyoku-style flavor.
The unique melody, which harmonizes beautifully with lyrics that include the Tsugaru dialect and the tone of the shamisen, is surprisingly difficult to sing once you try it.
Successfully marrying enka with shamisen, the piece drew attention with a performance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and it’s a song I highly recommend to anyone interested in shamisen playing.
Happiness is just around the corner…Tendō Yoshimi
Let me introduce one of Yoshimi Tendo’s signature songs, known for its moving vocals and touching lyrics.
Released in February 2008, this track was chosen as the ending theme for the TBS music program “Kaiun Ongakudo,” winning the hearts of many listeners.
The lyrics deliver a warm message: happiness isn’t far away—it’s actually right by your side.
The song showcases Tendo’s powerful yet delicate vocal prowess, with her soaring high notes being especially breathtaking.
If you’re confident in your high range, why not give it a try?