[For Women] Masterpiece Enka Songs with a High Degree of Difficulty

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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] Masterpiece Enka Songs with High Difficulty (11–20)

Silent SlopeKouzai Kaori

Kaori Kozai – "Silent Slope"

Silent SlopeKouzai Kaori

This song can be considered one of Kaori Kozai’s signature works, known for her overwhelming vocal prowess and profound expressiveness.

Its lyrics, which portray an inexpressible, heartrending longing, blend beautifully with the emotional, dramatic melody.

Released in March 1993, it also drew attention as the theme song for a television drama of the same name.

Winning numerous music awards, including the 35th Japan Record Award, the work marked a turning point that solidified Kozai’s status as a singer.

Though it is a difficult piece requiring a wide vocal range and delicate nuance, anyone who has experienced the complexities of love will surely find it resonant.

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In conclusion

Anyone who has actually tried singing the songs introduced this time has surely realized they’re not the kind you can breeze through. Even if you can more or less stay on pitch, bringing out that distinctive enka flavor is hard—even in relatively simple songs. That’s exactly why, if you can nail these numbers at karaoke or events, you’re bound to be the star of the day!