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