![[2026] Enka and Kayōkyoku Singers from Overseas](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/k6a-tAcv8g8/maxresdefault.webp)
[2026] Enka and Kayōkyoku Singers from Overseas
The genres of enka and kayōkyoku have a distinctly Japanese ring to them, and there are many masterpieces that sing of quintessential Japanese sentiment, romantic twists and turns, and vivid scene-setting.
That’s why it feels so fresh when singers from overseas perform enka or kayōkyoku in Japanese.
Many people probably remember the shock when Jero, who debuted in the 2000s with a B-boy style look, delivered flawless enka vocals.
But in fact, Japanese enka and kayōkyoku sung by foreigners have existed since the Showa era.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of foreign singers who perform enka and kayōkyoku in Japanese.
If you’re a younger listener interested in Showa-era pop, be sure to check it out!
[2026] Foreign Enka and Kayōkyoku Singers (1–10)
Once more, even if only in a dreamedoarudo
Edoardo is an enka singer born in São Paulo, Brazil.
Captivated by Hibari Misora’s songs at the age of five, he moved to Japan at 26 and made his debut in 2015 with “Haha Kizuna” (Mother, Bonds).
As the first Brazilian enka singer, he drew significant attention and won the Newcomer Award at the Japan Cable Radio Awards the following year.
His hallmarks are an emotionally rich voice and a deep knowledge of Japanese culture.
In June 2023, he released “Yume de Mou Ichido” (Once More, Even If Only in a Dream).
Blending the traditional framework of enka with a uniquely Brazilian sensibility, his fresh style is recommended not only for fans of Showa-era popular songs but also for younger listeners seeking new sounds.
marine snowjero
Jero, an enka singer from the United States, brought a fresh breeze to Japan’s music scene.
Influenced by his grandmother, he grew up familiar with enka and made his debut in 2008 with the single “Umiyuki.” His debut track entered the Oricon Singles Chart at No.
4.
That same year, he won Best New Artist at the Best Hits Kayōsai, the Japan Cable Awards, and the Japan Record Awards, and he also made his first appearance at the 59th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
He drew attention for his authentic vocals featuring traditional enka kobushi techniques and his unique style that incorporated hip-hop fashion.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to discover a new side of enka.
poppy flowerAgunesu Chan
Agnes Chan is a multi-talented artist from Hong Kong.
She made her Japan debut in 1972 with “Hinageshi no Hana,” and quickly became a top idol thanks to her clear, pure voice and wholesome image.
She produced numerous hits, including “Sogen no Kagayaki” and “Chiisana Koi no Monogatari,” and won the Best New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards in 1973.
Beyond her singing career, she is known for her intellect—she holds a doctorate in education—and for her active social contributions, having visited more than 20 countries as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
In 2022, she celebrated the 50th anniversary of her Japanese debut with a commemorative album and concert tour.
She is a recommended artist not only for lovers of Japanese kayōkyoku but also for those who want to enjoy music from an international perspective.
The Woman of His MemoryChada
Mr.
Chada, originally from India, is an unconventional enka singer who debuted in 1975 with “Omokage no Onna” (Woman of Reminiscence).
His performances wearing a turban, symbolic of the Sikh faith, drew widespread attention, and he quickly established himself as a popular singer.
His debut single became a major hit, selling over 180,000 copies, and he was nominated for newcomer awards at events such as the Japan Record Awards and the Japan Kayō Awards.
In 2008, he made a comeback with “Odoru Maha Chada,” garnering attention as a new form of enka that blends Indian and Japanese cultures.
As a bridge between Japan and India, Mr.
Chada is also actively involved in cultural exchange and social contribution activities.
He is a recommended artist not only for enka fans but also for those interested in cross-cultural exchange.
Tokyo TwilightCheuni
Cheuni, a singer from South Korea, brought a fresh breeze to the Japanese music scene with her crystal-clear voice and rich expressiveness.
She made her Japan debut in 1999 and won the New Artist Award at the 42nd Japan Record Awards that same year.
Her signature song, a Western-style number that sings of Japan’s nightscapes, has been loved for many years.
Cheuni’s vocal style is characterized by a soft, pure voice that resonates deeply with listeners.
Centered on kayōkyoku that blends elements of enka and pop, she has established a unique style that fuses Japanese and Korean musical cultures.
Known for her warm personality, she is also actively involved in charitable activities.
She is highly recommended for those interested in Japanese kayōkyoku or enka, and for anyone seeking a voice that truly moves the heart.
Queen of ShebaGurashiera Susāna
Graciela Susana is a tango singer from Argentina.
She began her career in Japan in 1971, and went on to sing not only tango but also Japanese pop and ballads.
Her 1973 album Adoro, La reine de Saba was a massive hit, achieving the remarkable feat of staying on the Oricon Top 100 for more than 220 weeks.
As her Japanese-language album sold over one million copies, she was awarded a Gold Disc by Toshiba EMI in 1972.
Graciela’s singing is characterized by a striking contrast between deep low notes and clear high notes, and her rich vocal range and passionate delivery have captivated many fans.
Highly recommended for those interested in the fusion of Argentine tango and Japanese kayōkyoku.
airportTeresa Ten
Teresa Teng, a Taiwanese singer known as the Diva of Asia, made her Japanese debut in 1974 and scored her first major hit with “Airport.” Her clear, beautiful voice and emotive singing captivated audiences, earning her the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.
Embracing a diverse style that incorporated Taiwanese pop, Hong Kong canzone, and elements of Japanese kayōkyoku and enka, she enjoyed immense popularity across Asia.
From the 1970s through the 1990s, she produced numerous hit songs and had a profound influence as a trailblazer in the Asian music scene.
Highly recommended for those interested in Shōwa-era pop or anyone who wants to be enchanted by a beautiful singing voice.