[2026] Amazing if you can sing them! Enka Masterpieces [Women Singers Edition]

Hazy MoonMochizuki Ruka

Ruka Mochizuki “Oborozuki (Hazy Moon)” MV

A masterpiece of enka by Ruka Mochizuki that portrays a fleeting, heartrending romance between adults.

Released in June 2024, this song exquisitely matches emotionally rich lyrics by Koyomi Asa with a melody by Ryuzo Kimura that evokes the beauty of traditional Japan.

Mochizuki’s lyrical vocals vividly express the complex emotions of a woman who has resolved to part ways yet cannot fully let go, striking a deep chord with listeners.

The music video was filmed at the “Maboroshi Museum” in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, creating a fantastical worldview.

It’s a must-listen not only for enka fans but also for anyone who can relate to mature love.

Vocally, it’s a challenging piece that demands a wide range and delicate expressiveness, but it’s well worth attempting.

Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri

Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene

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

Yoko Nagayama “Jonkara Onna-bushi” Music Video

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.

Michinoku Homesick SongKadamatsu Miyuki

Miyuki Kado Matsu / Michinoku Nostalgia Song (Another Ver.)

Michinoku Bōkyōka is a masterpiece of enka that sings of longing for one’s hometown.

While painting the scenery of Michinoku, its lyrics beautifully express both city life and nostalgia for home, touching the heart.

Miyuki Kadomatsu’s powerful vocals seem to speak for those who have left their hometowns.

Released in February 2019 as Kadomatsu’s debut single, this work showcased her exceptional singing ability to the world.

It’s a must-listen not only for enka fans but also for anyone living away from home.

If you sing it at karaoke, the key is to deliver the call-and-response “Ā hō yare hō” with plenty of emotion.

The camellia princess has bloomed.Oka Midori

Midori Oka — “Tsubakihime Saita” (Camellia Princess Bloomed) Official Music Video — Full Version

This song, showcasing the luminous voice of Midori Oka, a rising star in the enka world, opens up a new frontier.

Its lyrical world, inspired by the opera La Traviata, harmonizes beautifully with a sound that fuses tradition and innovation.

Released in February 2023, the piece is a demanding work that fully brings out Oka’s exceptional vocal prowess.

With evocative lyrics that symbolically portray an oiran and sing of the tragic fates of love, it deeply moves listeners.

It’s a must-listen not only for enka fans but also for anyone seeking fresh musical experiences.

Savor Oka’s nuanced, emotionally rich performance—and by all means, give it a try yourself.

Nostalgic O-kesaMori Konomi

[Music Video] Konomi Mori / Nostalgic Odesa

Released in 2020, this song sings of longing for one’s hometown and the shifts of life.

The lyrics weave in the scenery and traditional culture of Sado, layered with Konomi Mori’s powerful yet delicate vocals that fully draw out the appeal of enka.

Many people may sing it at karaoke, but in fact, when you actually try it, the pitch is hard to grasp and the wide vocal range makes it a high-difficulty song.

It demands singing that makes full use of a broad range from low to high notes, and it’s also challenging to express the nostalgia embedded in the lyrics.

For a start, don’t overthink it—try singing while picturing the scenes described in the lyrics and paying attention to how much force you use.

Tango Namida StationShiina Sachiko

Tango Namida Station

It’s a bittersweet pure-love enka, woven through the refined luster and power of Sachiko Shiina’s voice.

As the third installment in a tragic-romance series set along the Sea of Japan coast, it poignantly expresses the sorrow of parting and lingering attachment against the snowy backdrop of Miyazu Station.

While the song demands a high level of vocal skill to add to one’s repertoire, its emotionally rich lyrics and beautiful melody are sure to resonate with many.

Released in January 2020, this work is a masterpiece that fully showcases Shiina’s enka talent.

Pay attention to the nuanced phrasing, the expressive “cry” characteristic of enka, and other advanced techniques; if you sing it with heartfelt emotion, it’s certain to move listeners.