【2026】Difficult Enka Songs to Sing — Women Singers Edition

Speaking of enka, it’s a genre that demands above-average skill to sing—think distinctive phrasing with strong kobushi (ornamental turns), heavy use of vibrato, and overall exceptional vocal technique, especially for karaoke.

Of course, there are easier songs to sing, but this article compiles classic enka tracks that are particularly challenging to perform.

In addition to the characteristic enka vocal style mentioned at the start, these songs line up as high-difficulty pieces that require strong expressive ability, considering factors like wide vocal range.

This piece introduces masterpieces by female enka singers, but we also feature difficult-to-sing classics by male singers in another article, so be sure to check that out as well.

Playlist

【2026】Difficult Enka Songs to Sing — Women Singers Edition
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri		Amagi-goe, a masterpiece of enka, challenging vocal techniques
2	Lake of GrebesOka Midori		An enka song by Midori Oka that uses Lake Biwa’s alias as its title
3	Jongara Onna-bushiNagayama Yōko		A famous song by Yoko Nagayama featuring the distinctive Tsugaru shamisen
4	wintering swallowMori Masako		Ettō Tsubame is a masterpiece with difficult high notes.
5	Woman Harbor TownYashiro Aki		How to sing Aki Yashiro’s classic song “Onna Minato-machi”
6	Silent SlopeKouzai Kaori		Kaori Kozai's 'Mugonzaka' is a masterpiece of enka.
7	Tangled HairMisora Hibari		The difficulty of singing Hibari Misora’s classic song “Midaregami” at karaoke
8	Karatachi DiaryShimakura Chiyoko		The Masterpiece That Broke Chiyoko Shimakura’s Jinx
9	Woman of the Land of FireSakamoto Fuyumi		Fuyumi Sakamoto’s signature song “Hi no Kuni no Onna” is very difficult.
10	A woman aloneFuji Ayako		Ayako Fuji covers one of Saburo Kitajima’s classic songs
11	Naruto StraitGodai Natsuko		Naruto Strait is Natsuko Godai’s 10th anniversary debut commemorative song.
12	Flowers bloom in the winds of hardship.Mori Konomi		Introduction to Support Songs by Konomi Mori
13	Woman of ShinjukuFuji Keiko		The Appeal and Vocal Techniques of Keiko Fuji’s Debut Song
14	Inn of the White HeronJōnouchi Sanae		Sanae Jounochi’s Reiwa-era Enka Masterpieces
15	Snow Love BlossomIchikawa Yukino		Introduce Yukino Ichikawa’s famous song “Yukikoi-bana.”
16	Yosare Onna-bushiShiina Sachiko		A moving enka that portrays the climate of Tsugaru and the theme of love.