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

Boat SongYashiro Aki

Aki Yashiro / Funauta (Boat Song)

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?

Melancholy WharfMisora Hibari

Melancholy Wharf

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

wintering swallow

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.

Silent SlopeKouzai Kaori

Kaori Kozai – "Silent Slope"

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.

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.

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.

Karatachi DiaryShimakura Chiyoko

Karatachi Diary

A song that is still spoken of as a Showa-era classic, it captivates listeners with Chiyoko Shimakura’s clear, crystalline voice and deeply expressive singing.

Released in 1958, this piece tells a heartrending story of heartbreak and the lonely days that follow, resonating deeply with all who hear it.

Tracing the flow of time from the night when the trifoliate orange blossoms fall to the ripening of its fruit, the unwavering feelings voiced in the song are truly overwhelming.

Its dramatic development and the insertion of spoken passages further heighten the emotional expression, making it distinctive.

In the 1970s, a drama based on this song was produced, and it has continued to be beloved by many.

Because it is so well known, many people attempt it at karaoke; however, its subtly woven mixed meters and other rhythmic nuances make it quite difficult to keep time with, requiring considerable vocal skill to sing well.

If you’re confident, by all means give it a try!