[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】Difficult Enka Songs to Sing — Women Singers Edition
- [2026] Easy Enka Songs for Karaoke: Recommended Picks — Women Singers Edition
- [2026] Easy-to-Sing Enka: From Classic Masterpieces to Recent Hits [Female Singers Edition]
- [2026] Amazing If You Can Sing It! Classic Enka Masterpieces [Male Singers Edition]
- [Enka] Songs that are easy to sing even for those who are tone-deaf [Female singers edition]
- [For Women] Masterpiece Enka Songs with a High Degree of Difficulty
- [2026] Active in the enka and kayō world! A roundup of beautiful enka singers
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Classics for Karaoke — Women Singers Edition
- A roundup of leading female enka singers representing the Showa era
- [2026] Enka Songs That Are Hard to Sing – Male Singers Edition
- [People・Songs・Heart] A Collection of Miyuki Kawanaka’s Easy-to-Sing Songs [2026]
- [Female Singers Edition] The face of New Year’s Eve! Enka singers who appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen
- 【2026】A Collection of Masterpieces: Enka and Kayōkyoku Duets by Two Women
[2026] Amazing if you can sing them! Enka Masterpieces [Female Singers Edition] (11–20)
The camellia princess has bloomed.Oka Midori
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.
Fated ShipKumi Iwamoto
The debut 30th-anniversary single, released in August 2025, is a dramatic number that portrays a farewell to a loved one.
The inescapable fate and sense of loss—having no choice but to watch the departing ship—overlap with scenes of a raging sea and snowy landscapes, pressing on the heart.
It’s a song to hear when you want to experience the essence of enka.
They’ve said, “We’d love for you to try it at karaoke,” so everyone, please give it a sing!
Shanshan PeonyGodai Natsuko
This is a song that, beneath its dignified beauty, conveys a strong will not to be merely something on display.
Sung by Natsuko Godai, it will be released in July 2025.
It’s a modern Japanese kayō tune where the crisp sounds of koto and tsuzumi resonate pleasantly, beautifully matching a traditional worldview with a rhythmic style.
The protagonist’s spirit seems to come through in every word, and as you listen, you can’t help but straighten your back.
It’s the kind of music that gives you a push when you want to stay true to yourself.
Woman… Prelude DanceMisato Satomi
This is a profoundly moving piece that shakes the heart with its portrayal of a woman who, after overcoming sorrow, faces forward with poise.
Performed by Satomi Misato, whose powerful voice was honed through folk singing, the song was released in June 2025.
Inspired by literary works, its lyrics explore themes of life’s turning points and new beginnings.
Misato herself reportedly immersed deeply in the song’s world as she sang, imbuing each word with care and delivering a performance whose expressive power feels resolute.
If you’re in the mood to “take a new step,” this is a must-listen.
Yosare Onna-bushiShiina Sachiko
Set against the climate and festivals of the Tsugaru region, a new enka song beautifully portrays the feelings of a woman who keeps waiting for her beloved in her hometown.
Inspired by the folk song “Kuroishi Yosare,” the interwoven scenes of festive bustle and wistful melancholy are deeply moving.
Sachiko Shiina’s powerful yet delicate vocals superbly convey the protagonist’s strong will and aching heart.
Released on February 12, 2025, the song features lyrics by Kanade Hino-ura and composition by Chiaki Oka—both highly accomplished creators.
Its universal themes—such as the anguish of an unfulfilled love and a profound attachment to one’s hometown—resonate with anyone.
Highly recommended for those who find themselves recalling their nostalgic hometown on lonely nights in the city.
In conclusion
As mentioned at the beginning, enka as a genre is fundamentally centered around songs that are difficult to sing, but the pieces selected this time are likely to feel quite challenging even for those who are fairly accustomed to singing enka.
Depending on the song, the difficulty can stem from overwhelmingly high notes, rhythmic phrasing, or expressive nuance—there are many kinds of challenges.
So listen repeatedly, grasp the essence of each piece, and then give it a try!