[Female Singers Edition] The face of New Year’s Eve! Enka singers who appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen

Kōhaku Uta Gassen, NHK’s year-end national music program, has been beloved for many years since it began in 1951.

In recent years, the lineup of performers has grown increasingly diverse, reflecting the times.

Still, across the Shōwa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras, many people would say that the singers they simply can’t see out the year without—the true “faces of New Year’s Eve”—are the enka performers.

In this article, we’ve selected female enka singers who have appeared on Kōhaku.

Please enjoy them along with their signature songs!

Playlist

[Female Singers Edition] The face of New Year’s Eve! Enka singers who appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	You don’t have to go back.Shimazu Aya		Aya Shimazu, a skilled enka singer from Kumamoto
2	Jonkara Onna-bushiNagayama Yōko		From idols to enka, the shamisen is captivating as well.
3	River of TimeGodai Natsuko		The singer’s life of the beautiful enka songstress, Natsuko Godai
4	Noto PeninsulaIshikawa Sayuri		The legendary figure of the enka world, Sayuri Ishikawa’s famed songs and singing voice
5	Hearts overlappingIchikawa Yukino		The moving singing voice of enka singer Yukino Ichikawa
6	Tottori Sand DunesMizumori Kaori		Enka singer Kaori Mizumori is popular for her travel-themed, nostalgic singing.
7	Your path of gloryTendō Yoshimi		Enka legend Yoshimi Tendo: a half-century journey
8	Memories SakeKobayashi Sachiko		The charm of the Kouhaku Queen, Sachiko Kobayashi
9	Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko		The music life of Chiyoko Shimakura, the queen of enka
10	Ah, if (you’re) a man, if (you’re) a manSuizenji Kiyoko		The singing voice of the enka queen, Kiyoko Suizenji
11	Sad SakeMisora Hibari		The Queen of the Kayō Music World: The Legend of Hibari Misora
12	Would you like some Noto?Sakamoto Fuyumi		Enka singer Fuyumi Sakamoto engages in diverse musical activities.
13	Husband-and-Wife SlopeMiyako Harumi		Harumi Miyako: An enka diva representing the genre, transcending eras
14	wintering swallowMori Masako		The charm of Masako Mori, who graced the enka scene of the Showa era
15	Fleeting LoveKouzai Kaori		Kaori Kozai, a highly accomplished enka singer from Osaka
16	Evening Horn of SadoOka Midori		Oka Midori, a talented singer active in the enka music scene.
17	Boat SongYashiro Aki		The Enka Queen: Aki Yashiro’s Musical Life
18	Two-person sakekawanaka miyuki		The Enka Queen: Miyuki Kawanaka—Her Allure and History
19	lingering-regret sakeIshihara Junko		Enka singer Junko Ishihara shines on New Year’s Eve.
20	Heart SakeFuji Ayako		Ayako Fuji, an enka singer from Akita
21	Kawachi Otoko-bushiNakamura Mitsuko		Mitsuko Nakamura, a popular Osaka enka singer
22	Nyōnin KōyaTagawa Toshi-mi		Toshimi Tagawa, an enka singer from Wakayama
23	As I am in love…Akimoto Junko		The appeal of Junko Akimoto, who sings in a wide variety of genres.
24	Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko		Keiko Fuji dominates the enka world with her husky voice
25	Because it’s someone I haven’t seen in three years.Harada Yuuri		Yuri Harada, an enka singer from Kumamoto
26	companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)Makimura Mieko		Meiko Makimura, an enka singer from Hokkaido
27	A Woman’s HarborŌtsuki Miyako		Miyako Otsuki, a singer from Osaka, appeared on Kōhaku 10 times.
28	freezing rainHino Mika		Mika Hino becomes a popular singer with her hit song.
29	Spring-anticipating drizzleMatsubara Nobue		Nobue Matsubara is popular for her straightforward singing voice.
30	Nagasaki nights are purple.Segawa Eiko		The Enka Diva: Eiko Segawa’s Achievements and Signature Songs
31	The night is crying.Jinno Mika		Harumi Miyako makes her debut as a singer with outstanding vocal ability
32	Hokkokukaidō (Hokkoku Highway/Road)Chō Hoyūki		Naga Hoiuki, a woman from Osaka who is active as an enka singer
33	In Search of Love and DeathAoyama Kazuko		Kazuko Aoyama, debut of the enka songstress