A roundup of leading female enka singers representing the Showa era

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.

While the origins of enka are said to date back to the Meiji era, the form of “enka” most people imagine is believed to have been established around the late 1960s.

Today, many singers who are categorized as enka performers incorporate a variety of genres and are active across the music scene—some even enjoy idol-level popularity.

This article compiles the representative female enka singers who colored the Showa era—artists indispensable to any discussion of the enduringly popular genre of enka.

From those who have already passed on to those still performing actively in the Reiwa era, take this opportunity to learn about the histories of these great songstresses.

By the way, we’ve rounded up male singers in another article, so be sure to check that out as well!

Compilation of representative female enka singers of the Showa era (11–20)

Migratory Bird Bearing TearsSuizenji Kiyoko

Kiyoko Suizenji “A Migratory Bird Holding Tears” (Official Audio)

Migratory Bird Bearing TearsSuizenji Kiyoko

Kiyoko Suizenji burst into stardom with her debut single in 1965, which was an instant hit, and her innovative vocal style overturned the conventional image of enka.

Her talent is beyond doubt—she performed in the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen for 22 consecutive years and even served as host four times.

Her appeal lies in a wide-ranging musicality that incorporates not only enka but also elements of pop and Latin music, and she has many songs cherished as messages of encouragement.

She celebrated her 55th anniversary in 2020 and continues to be highly active today.

She’s a recommended songstress not only for enka fans but also for anyone interested in Showa-era kayōkyoku.

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From the northern innMiyako Harumi

Harumi Miyako / From the Northern Inn [Lyric Video]

From the northern innMiyako Harumi

Harumi Miyako captivated countless hearts as a quintessential enka singer of the Showa era.

She made her debut in 1964 with “Komaru no Koto yo,” catapulting to stardom.

She scored a million-seller with “Anko Tsubaki wa Koi no Hana,” and went on to release a string of hits including “Namida no Renrakusen” and “Suki ni Natta Hito.” In 1976 she won the Japan Record Award, and in 1980 achieved a triple crown at the same awards—proof of her widely recognized talent.

Known for her distinctive vocal style, the “Harumi-bushi,” Miyako’s singing exudes a compelling blend of strength and wistful melancholy.

She’s an artist not only beloved by enka fans, but also one whom anyone interested in the history of Japanese music should hear.

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In Search of Love and DeathAoyama Kazuko

In Search of Love and Death

In Search of Love and DeathAoyama Kazuko

Kazuko Aoyama, known as one of the emblematic enka singers of the Showa era, made her debut in 1960 with “Samishii Hana,” and skyrocketed to stardom in 1964 with “Ai to Shi o Mitsumete.” The song earned her the 6th Japan Record Award and her first appearance on NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Aoyama’s appeal lay in lyrics that portray the tragic love of young couples and in her emotionally rich expressiveness.

With “Yume o Kudasai” in 1967, she established a new image and was featured as the theme for a TV drama, gaining support from a wide audience.

Her music is recommended for those who seek moving songs that evoke the atmosphere of the Showa period.

In February 2009, she married Takashi Kobe, formerly of Toshi Ito and Happy & Blue, drawing attention to her private life as well.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced the great divas of the enka world who colored the Showa era, and as you can see, they’re all stellar figures with nationwide popularity.

Most of them have signature songs that transcend the enka genre and that almost everyone has heard at least once.

Of course, beyond the singers we featured this time, there are many other female enka artists who blazed through the Showa period, as well as those who debuted toward the end of Showa and went on to lead the Heisei era—so be sure to dig deeper!