[Enka] Songs that are easy to sing even for those who are tone-deaf [Female singers edition]
As you’d expect, enka requires strong vocal ability and expressive power no matter the song, so people who consider themselves tone-deaf may give up before even trying, thinking, “It’s impossible for me…” That said, there are quite a few enka songs that are relatively easy to sing, or that you can power through on vibe even if you can’t sing them perfectly.
So this time, we’re introducing songs that are easy for tone-deaf singers to tackle—or that you can still enjoy and use to liven up a karaoke session even if you don’t nail them.
In addition to ease of singing, we’ve picked tracks with a strong kayōkyoku flavor that, as mentioned, you can carry with your energy.
For example, try singing just the famous chorus, or have fun by getting creative—like doing a duet with a friend!
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Classics for Karaoke — Women Singers Edition
- [Enka] Songs That Are Easy to Sing Even for the Tone-Deaf [Male Singer Edition]
- [2026] Easy Enka Songs for Karaoke: Recommended Picks — Women Singers Edition
- [2026] Amazing if you can sing them! Enka Masterpieces [Women Singers Edition]
- [2026] Easy-to-Sing Enka: From Classic Masterpieces to Recent Hits [Female Singers Edition]
- A roundup of leading female enka singers representing the Showa era
- [For Women] A roundup of enka songs that can score high in karaoke
- [Asian Songstress] A Collection of Teresa Teng’s Easy-to-Sing Songs
- [For Women] Masterpiece Enka Songs with a High Degree of Difficulty
- Queen of Enka: A roundup of Aki Yashiro’s easy-to-sing songs
- [2026] Recommended for those who find high notes difficult! Enka by male singers that you can sing in a low register
- [Queen of Enka] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Sayuri Ishikawa [2026]
- [Enka First Year] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Yoko Nagayama [2026]
[Enka] Songs That Are Easy to Sing Even for the Tone-Deaf [Female Singers Edition] (1–10)
Dotonbori SentimentTendō Yoshimi
This song, which depicts the streets and heartfelt warmth of Osaka, captured the hearts of many through Yoshimi Tendo’s powerful vocals.
Released in December 1985, it gained popularity via cable radio thanks to Tendo’s steady grassroots promotion.
It ultimately became a major hit, selling 800,000 copies and elevating her recognition nationwide.
The song was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and continues to be loved as a standard number in the enka genre.
When singing it at karaoke, you should pay attention to the distinctive expressions and dialect of Osaka-ben, but the melody is approachable and has a compelling power that leaves a deep impression on listeners.
It’s highly recommended for those who want to share the charm of Osaka with audiences across Japan.
MaybeKobayashi Sachiko
A signature classic released in 1984 by Sachiko Kobayashi, the diva who represents the world of enka.
It’s a gem of a pop ballad that captures the full appeal of Kobayashi—renowned for her exceptional vocal prowess—portraying the ache of a bittersweet love.
The sound sits between kayōkyoku and enka, giving it a sense of urban sophistication, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in Japanese music of the 1980s.
The melody is catchy and relatively simple, but the chorus phrasing and the need to infuse emotion into each lyric make it challenging to sing.
Start by practicing the more straightforward parts and gradually get used to it as you go.
Hydrangea BridgeJōnouchi Sanae
Speaking of classic enka songs that poignantly sing of the rainy season, this is the piece that catapulted Sanae Jōnouchi to stardom.
Released in June 1986, it features memorable, heartrending lyrics that overlay hydrangeas blooming on a bridge with memories of a lost love.
The lyrics depicting the scenes of the rainy season and the gentle yet sorrowful melody deeply resonate.
As her debut single, frequently featured on television and radio, this work became the foundation of Jōnouchi’s career.
It’s not exactly easy to sing despite appearances, but because the melodic range is relatively narrow and parts of the tune lean toward pop, it’s a great challenge for beginners to enka as well.
[Enka] Easy-to-sing songs even for the tone-deaf [Female singers edition] (11–20)
abandonedNagayama Yōko
A medium-tempo ballad with a kayōkyoku flavor, characterized by its grand sound and poignant lyrics.
The lyrics delicately portray the complex emotions of a woman, resonating with many listeners.
Released in March 1995, it peaked at No.
32 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It was also used as an insert song for the NHK program “Comedy: Oedo de Gozaru,” gaining popularity across a wide audience.
The distinctive pose that matches the notable lyrics leaves a strong impression, making it a great pick for those who want to liven up a karaoke session.
While it calls for the expressive power typical of enka, the relatively easy-to-sing melody line means even beginners to enka can enjoy singing it.
I’m drunk.Utsumi Miyuki
Released in 1982, this smash hit is an enka song with a kayōkyoku flavor that portrays a woman’s aching feelings through the metaphor of alcohol.
It sold over 300,000 copies and remains a karaoke favorite.
The lyrics, which depict a woman pretending to be drunk to mask her bravado and inner sorrow, resonated with many.
With a simple melody and repeated phrases, it’s a tune you can carry off by feel even if you miss a note.
Recommended for those who’ve experienced heartbreak or parting; you can enjoy it by duetting with friends or just singing the chorus.
It’s a perfect number to liven up a drinking get-together or to close out the night.
Kawachi Otoko-bushiNakamura Mitsuko
It’s a big hit by Mitsuko Nakamura, infused with fiery spirit and passion.
This song, which powerfully portrays the way of life of the men of Kawachi, was released in June 1989 and gradually gained popularity.
With its regionally rich lyrics and powerful vocals, it became a major hit, selling 80,000 copies in the Kansai area alone over six months.
It’s also a staple at summer festivals and Bon Odori in the Kansai region, beloved by people of all ages.
Even those who aren’t great singers can enjoy it by, for example, just singing the chorus with friends.
Why not try it when you want to liven up a karaoke session or when you need a boost of energy?
Osaka LonelinessTanaka Aimi
Set in Osaka, this song portrays a forward-looking resilience alongside the ache of heartbreak.
Its lyrics, sprinkled with Kansai dialect, and its bright melody leave a strong impression, contrasting the city’s dazzling streets with the protagonist’s sense of loneliness.
The repeated phrase “suki yanen” (“I love you”) resonates deeply, and the singer’s soulful vocals move listeners.
Released in August 2022, the track was also used as an ending theme for variety shows in the Kansai region.
Even those worried about being off-key can enjoy it by, for example, singing just the “suki yanen” hook.
It’s recommended for livening up karaoke or for helping you get through the pain of a breakup.