[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)
atonementTeresa Ten
When it comes to Teresa Teng, famed as the diva of Asia, many people first think of her beautiful ballads portraying the sorrow of parting in love.
Released in 1984, this song is a masterpiece with lyrics by Toyohisa Araki and music by Takashi Miki, and it was also used as the CM song for YKK AP’s “MADO Shop.” The lyrics center on the end of a forbidden love, depicting the sadness of farewell and the atonement of love.
Teresa’s clear, translucent voice heightens the poignancy.
Even those who are tone-deaf might enjoy humming just the chorus.
It’s a song we’d love those troubled by love or those who have experienced parting with someone dear to listen to.
Tsuntsun TsugaruHayashi Asami
A heartwarming classic that evokes the scenery of Tsugaru.
Asami Hayashi’s rich, resonant voice beautifully expresses feelings for one’s hometown and the stirrings of love.
Set against the landscapes and culture of Tsugaru, the evocative imagery—seagulls, apple blossoms, and more—leaves a lasting impression.
Released in March 1996, this song has remained beloved by many as one of Hayashi’s signature works.
It’s a showcase of the formidable duo of composer Takashi Miki and lyricist Toyohisa Araki at their best.
With lyrics in the Tsugaru dialect and a folk-inspired melody that makes pitch and rhythm easy to grasp, even those who aren’t confident singers can enjoy giving it a try.
Just humming along to the hometown-proud lyrics is sure to liven up any karaoke gathering.
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.
[Enka] Easy-to-sing songs even for the tone-deaf [Female singers edition] (11–20)
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.
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.
Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi
When it comes to songs that made a dazzling debut in 1968, this work by Ayumi Ishida stands out.
Its romantic lyrics evoke the nightscape of Yokohama, and its sophisticated melody reflects the influence of chanson.
For composer Kyohei Tsutsumi, it was a memorable piece that earned his first No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart, and it also won the Composer’s Award at the Japan Record Awards.
It became a phenomenal hit, surpassing one million copies in just ten days, and went on to have a major impact on Japanese popular music.
With a relatively narrow melodic range, it’s fairly easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident in their pitch.