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[Enka] A special feature on male singers in their 40s: enka artists you can’t afford to miss right now
Enka, a genre that lets you feel the heart and soul of Japan.
Some of you may have encountered it through the grand stage of the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen or via your grandparents.
In this article, we’ll spotlight the appeal of male enka singers in their 40s!
Even if you don’t usually listen to enka, you’ve probably heard the names of singers who have been especially prominent in recent years.
From the legendary Kiyoshi Hikawa to artists taking on bold, genre-defying challenges.
Beyond enka’s classic charms, there are many points that might spark your interest—so we hope you’ll discover those attractions as you read!
[Enka] Special Feature on Male Singers in Their 40s: Enka Singers You Can’t Miss Right Now (1–10)
Strait RomanceYamauchi Keisuke
Keisuke Yamauchi, known as the Prince of Enka, is from Fukuoka Prefecture and debuted as an enka singer in 2001 at the age of 17.
His debut catchphrase was reportedly “I’m an enka high schooler.” With his tall stature and fresh, handsome features, he truly lives up to the title of “prince,” and he enjoys passionate support not only from older women but also from younger female fans.
Despite his good looks, it’s his intensely passionate singing, bright and easy-to-listen-to tone, and a voice that conveys the lyrics clearly that make Yamauchi so compelling.
Koshu RoadHikawa Kiyoshi
He made his debut as a singer in 2000.
Although it’s said that Takeshi Kitano named him, in reality it was the president of his agency, who reportedly thought of presenting Kitano as his “namesake parent” to generate buzz.
He drew attention as an enka singer with an idol-like appearance, and thanks to his overwhelming vocal ability and the publicity surrounding his name, he swept the Best New Artist awards that year with his debut single, “Hanjiro of Hakone Hachiri.” He has been on hiatus from singing since the end of 2022, but even during the break he has remained in the spotlight by releasing a cover album of carefully selected songs he had covered previously, and appearing in TV commercials where he sings in flamboyant costumes.
The Bells of Santa MariaTakeshima Hiroshi
Hiroshi Takeshima is a singer from Fukui City in Fukui Prefecture.
While he sings enka, he is also known for mood kayō (romantic popular songs), and together with his sweet looks, he enjoys overwhelming support from older women.
He seems to have admired enka since childhood, and after graduating from university he was scouted by lyricist Kyosuke Kuni.
Following an apprenticeship doing tasks like answering phones as a part-time worker, he made his debut in 2002.
His greatest charm is, above all, his sweet singing voice.
It’s not a style that shows off vocal tricks, but its appeal lies in that sweet tone and his high expressive power.
Be sure to check him out.
Hokkai Port FestivalMiyama Hiroshi
An enka singer from Kochi Prefecture, he debuted in 2009 with “Hitokoi Sakaba.” His nickname is “Kendama-san.” What began as a concert sideshow—performing kendama—has led him to attain third-dan certification from the Japan Kendama Association.
He drew attention as the “kendama enka singer” for showcasing kendama skills while singing on stage, and many of you may have seen him attempt a “Kendama Guinness World Record” on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
His singing is characterized by a wide vocal range and a pleasantly resonant tone that gives listeners comfort and energy, earning him the catchphrase “Vitamin Voice.”
Yobuko Love SongTani Ryusuke
Ryusuke Tani is an enka singer from Kamagari Town, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture.
He started playing baseball in the second grade of elementary school and was skilled enough to make it to the final selection in a tryout for his hometown team, the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
However, after an injury forced him to give up a professional career, he went through various twists and turns before making his debut in 2005 with Onna no Komoriuta under Tokuma Japan Communications.
His greatest appeal lies in his expressive power.
He is the type of singer who can perform tearful, emotional enka in the vein of Ikuzo Yoshi, and his charm especially shines in quietly reflective songs.
Throw it away.Amano Ryo
Ryo Amano is a singer from Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture.
After completing graduate school, he pursued a career as an enka singer while working for a foreign-owned company.
In 2010, he was crowned the 54th Grand Champion of Chiba TV Karaoke Taisho 21, which led him to study under composer Akito Shikata.
He later debuted in 2014.
His greatest appeal lies in his remarkably steady vocal technique.
Although he has a high voice, he can not only deliver refined kobushi (ornamental turns) but also powerful shouts, offering a wide-ranging vocal expression.
Mother-Koi NeonKurokawa Eiji
Enka singer Eiji Kurokawa, from Konan City in Kochi Prefecture.
He started playing the piano in first grade, and by his second year of junior high he had formed a rock band.
After entering the workforce, he apparently worked as a manager for an enka singer—a rather unusual career path, isn’t it? After various twists and turns, he finally made his debut in April 2003.
His greatest appeal is, above all, his rich, mature voice.
He has the deep, seasoned vocals and expressive power you’d expect from enka singers in their 50s or 60s.
Be sure to check him out.