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[For Women] Masterpiece Enka Songs with a High Degree of Difficulty
When you see someone at karaoke masterfully singing enka with powerful vibrato, even an untrained ear thinks, “Wow, this person is a great singer.”
The enka genre fundamentally demands high vocal skill and expressive ability, so it’s difficult to pull off unless you’re at least somewhat confident in your singing.
In this article, we’ve researched challenging, higher-difficulty enka songs that we hope those already somewhat familiar with the genre will try, compiling classic tracks by female vocalists.
We’re featuring not only universally known hits but also excellent songs released in recent years, so be sure to check them out!
By the way, we’ve also published a separate article for songs by male singers, so don’t miss that one either.
[For Women] Masterpieces of Enka with High Difficulty (1–10)
Boat SongYashiro Aki
A classic enka masterpiece by Aki Yashiro that portrays the bittersweet feelings of a seafaring man.
Released in May 1979, this work was Yashiro’s 28th single and became widely known when she closed out that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
In 1991, it was also used in a commercial song for Sankyo’s digestive medicine, making it beloved across generations.
It’s a recommended number for strong vocalists, but recreating Yashiro’s wistful tone is extremely challenging.
The song demands a wide vocal range from low to high notes and calls for delicate emotional expression, making it a highly difficult piece.
Melancholy WharfMisora Hibari
Rapidly shifting pitches, a deeply emotional vocal delivery, and exquisitely controlled kobushi ornamentation—this song truly embodies the essence of enka.
Released in July 1960 as the B-side to the single “Aishu Hatoba” (“Melancholy Wharf”), it drew attention as a piece that fully showcases Hibari Misora’s vocal prowess.
Its difficulty is well-known, but that’s exactly what makes it worth the challenge.
Sing it at karaoke and you’re sure to earn instant respect.
And when performed by someone rich in life experience, it’s guaranteed to be all the more moving.
Rhododendron PassAsahna Miho
The song released by Miho Asaka in April 2022 is a masterpiece that captures the hearts of enka fans.
Its melody brims with deep melancholy, and the lyrics poignantly depict a tragic love story between a man and a woman who stake their lives on romance.
With lyrics by Shohei Mozu and composition by Kenji Miyashita, this work was released as Asaka’s fifth single.
Her lustrous voice combined with the expressive power characteristic of enka makes it a track that truly moves listeners.
Vocally, it’s a challenging piece that demands expressive singing filled with emotion and a melody line that spans a wide range from high to low notes.
It’s not a song one can master overnight.
Memories SakeKobayashi Sachiko
A masterpiece whose wistful melody and heartrending lyrics resonate deeply.
The lyrics portray a woman recalling a past love as she drinks, a theme that has struck a chord with many and kept the song beloved for years.
Released in January 1979, it was originally a B-side, but its popularity on cable radio led to it becoming the A-side.
It ranked No.
1 on that year’s “The Best Ten” annual chart and also won the 21st Japan Record Awards’ Best Vocal Performance.
The song is extremely demanding to sing, requiring rich expressiveness and a wide vocal range.
It’s a perfect piece for testing one’s enka singing ability.
White Thread Love StoryKudō Ayano
A full-fledged enka piece by Ayano Kudo, inspired by Kyoka Izumi’s tragic love stories.
Set in Kanazawa, it richly conveys the tale of a woman who stakes her life for the one she loves.
Released in January 2022, the song became Kudo’s seventh single.
While honoring the traditional enka style, it also reflects a new challenge for Kudo.
The repeated phrase near the end is technically demanding and requires singing with deep emotion.
Cape TachimachiMori Masako
It’s a classic song set on the Sea of Japan that poignantly portrays a woman who continues to wait for her beloved.
Masako Mori’s clear, deeply expressive singing resonates profoundly with listeners.
Released in August 1982 as Mori’s 39th single, the song won the Grand Prize at the Masao Koga Memorial Music Awards.
It was also performed at the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen at the end of the same year, earning widespread affection.
While upholding the traditions of enka, the song features a melodious quality reminiscent of kayōkyoku, highlighted by Mori’s transparent, luminous voice.
It’s a demanding piece that calls for a wide vocal range and delicate expressiveness, but by all means, give it a try.
Tear SongOka Midori
Midori Oka once performed in an idol group, but she chose the path of an enka singer and is now highly acclaimed as a regular on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
This work is a song that portrays the feelings of a lonely woman set against the backdrop of a winter city.
Its fragile, melancholic lyrics pair perfectly with Oka’s voice, which blends strength and delicacy.
You’ll be moved by the heartrending yet richly emotive melody that stands in stark contrast to the coldness of urban life.
Demanding a wide vocal range and nuanced expression, this piece showcases Oka’s skills to the fullest.
It’s packed with the charm she has cultivated through a steadily built enka career, and it’s also a great choice for those who want to try it at karaoke.