Roundup of male enka singers in their 50s: masters who are active at the heart of the enka world
Enka, which sings about Japan’s beautiful landscapes and the heartfelt emotions of everyday life, gains depth as a singer’s life experience grows.
This time, we’ll spotlight male singers in their 50s among those who perform enka.
In the enka world, being in your 50s still gives the impression of being relatively young, so you could say they are the ones who will lead the genre from here on out.
As they continue to accumulate life experience and still have plenty of room to thrive, why not turn your attention to these enka singers and take an interest in the world of enka?
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Roundup of male enka singers in their 50s: Masters active at the heart of the enka world (1–10)
Ah, the volunteer fire brigadeKurita Kenji
Kenji Kurita, a multitalented artist from Kagawa Prefecture, shines as a rising star in the enka world in his 50s.
Born in 1972, he has a distinctive background with specialties such as karate and qigong and a wide range of hobbies.
After working as a manager, he made his debut in 2009, and in 2013 his song “Egao no Furusato o Kizuku Tame” reached No.
1 on RecoChoku, drawing attention for a voice that moves the hearts of enka fans.
Rooted in the traditions of kayōkyoku while delivering songs that resonate with people, Kenji Kurita is an artist whose future endeavors you won’t want to miss.
sea dragonTayama Hiroshi
Hiroshi Tayama is a talented enka singer who drew attention with his 2003 debut single “Otoko no Haru.” A native of Hiroshima Prefecture, his journey as a singer began after passing NHK Nodo Jiman.
In particular, “Ore ni Kiku na yo” and “Tsumi no Umi” are popular among fans, and his moving voice captivates many listeners.
His activities have expanded through online distribution as well, making him a fresh breeze in the enka world.
We can look forward to him continuing to deliver wonderful songs that express the depths of life.
Why not experience his stirring voice for yourself at least once?
Married Couple FlowersAkioka Hideharu
Hideharu Akioka, who richly sings the deeply flavored stories of life, made his debut in 1991 with “Otoko no Sake” and has continued to produce numerous hits ever since.
In particular, songs like “Masurao” and “Namida-zake” are beloved by fans and help convey the appeal of enka.
Hailing from Osaka, his storytelling—imbued with the local warmth and human touch—and his expressive warmth firmly capture listeners’ hearts.
When he performs, pay attention to his diverse expressive range and his ability to master a wide spectrum of genres.
In Akioka’s singing, you can feel the assured skill and easy confidence that come from a wealth of life experience, and even those who aren’t enka fans are likely to be drawn into his world.
A roundup of male enka singers in their 50s: Masters active at the center of the enka world (11–20)
A Woman’s LifeKoda Shin
Koda Susumu, who sang about a way of life, shone in the soul-stirring world of enka.
His 1989 debut song “Otoko Doshi” remains etched in many people’s memories as his signature hit.
Pouring unforgettable passion into his music, he delivered a powerful performance of “Yume Ichido” at the 45th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 1994, captivating all who watched.
Yet life is full of unforeseen changes.
In 2012, he retired from show business due to a vocal disorder and chose a new path.
After working as a chef, he took his next step in 2018 as a Buddhist monk under the name Tesshin Koun, and he continues to share his rich singing voice to this day.
Even amid the whirl of life’s changes, his soul-filled songs will continue to resonate in our hearts.
A Man’s Dreamkuroki jun
The career of Jun Kuroki, a male enka singer in his fifties who could be called a rising force in the genre, is simply unmissable.
Born in 1966, he possesses a silky voice that evokes the emotions of the city.
A man with a wide-ranging love of music, Kuroki also enjoys a variety of hobbies beyond his art.
His signature song, “Yasegaman,” has been captivating listeners with its richly emotional delivery since his 1991 debut.
His ability is evident from his accolades, including the Japan Record Awards’ Best New Artist and a total of 13 newcomer prizes.
Continuing to evolve even now, Kuroki’s singing conveys a joy and melancholy of the heart that only his voice can express, and it continues to enchant all who listen.
Person of the BonfireHashiri Yusuke
Yusuke Hashiri is a highly skilled enka singer from Abashiri City, Hokkaido.
Born as the eldest son of a farming family, he began pursuing music in junior high school.
After winning a karaoke contest in 1997 and gaining recognition for his talent, he became a disciple of Toru Funamura in 1999.
He made his debut in 2009 with “Ryu-hyo no Eki” (Drift Ice Station) and has since produced numerous hits, including “Kitaguni Kaido Nihonkai” (North Country Highway, Sea of Japan).
His singing is imbued with rich experience and deep emotion, resonating powerfully in the hearts of listeners.
As a leading figure in the enka world, he is sure to continue being loved by many fans.
Hashiri’s songs have a warmth that gently nestles close to the listener’s heart.
Amakusa Pure HeartAmakusa Jirō
Jiro Amakusa delivers the spirit of enka across Japan with his richly emotive voice.
His signature song, “Amakusa Katagi,” released at his 2005 debut, is a warm piece that makes listeners feel a love for their hometowns.
He also has songs tinged with melancholy, such as “Yoikore Kazoewuta,” showcasing the wide-ranging appeal of enka.
In addition to his expressive power as a singer, Amakusa holds qualifications in karate and maritime vessels, and is active in many fields.
He’s certainly someone to keep watching.
We look forward to seeing him shine even more on stage!