[Japan’s Best Vocalist] Fukuda Kohei’s Easy-to-Sing Karaoke Songs
Kohei Fukuda is an enka singer who boasts top-tier vocal ability in today’s enka scene.
He has won numerous major enka and folk song competitions, including the 25th Japan Folk Song Festival, and is highly acclaimed by composers and fellow singers as someone who should carry the future of Japanese enka.
Many of his songs are high in difficulty to showcase that level of skill, but this time we’ve picked out some of Kohei Fukuda’s tracks that are relatively easy to sing!
That said, since these are songs by Kohei Fukuda—often cited as one of the top three in Japan—you’ll still need at least intermediate-level ability.
Be sure to find the songs that fit you best!
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- From Comic Songs to Enka: Easy-to-Sing Songs by Ikuzo Yoshi [2026]
- [Queen of Enka] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Sayuri Ishikawa [2026]
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[Japan’s Best Vocalist] Kohei Fukuda’s Easy-to-Sing Karaoke Songs (11–20)
Mother-longing SakeFukuda Kouhei
This song, included as a coupling track on the special edition of the 2018 hit classic “Tenryū Nagashi,” drew attention for being newly written by Ikuzo Yoshi.
Titled “Hahakoi-zake,” it’s a masterpiece that showcases Kohei Fukuda’s outstanding vocal ability as he brilliantly delivers a melody steeped in Yoshi’s signature style.
That said, the melodic development—sustained long tones that shift from the mid range to the high range—is honestly challenging.
On the flip side, if you’re accustomed to singing melodies composed by Ikuzo Yoshi, you shouldn’t find it confusing, and since the song’s tempo is on the slower side, there are reasonably good moments to take proper breaths.
Savor your feelings for your mother and sing it with all your heart.
Northern SpringFukuda Kouhei
A masterpiece with memorable lyrics about a man who moved to Tokyo and longs for his hometown, “Hokuguni no Haru.” It’s the famous classic by Masao Sen, as everyone knows.
In Kohei Fukuda’s cover, the sustained notes are emphasized more than in the original.
The powerful delivery—especially the long tones in the high register—evokes Takashi Hosokawa and leaves a strong impression.
Since the original song itself is relatively simple, even though it’s performed by Kohei Fukuda, who has the best vocal ability in Japan, there are many sections that are easy to sing.
It’s a good idea to get familiar with the original before giving this version a try.
Song of the First TunaFukuda Kouhei
Among Kohei Fukuda’s masculine songs, “Ichiban Maguro no Uta” stands out for its particular vigor.
While the piece is built around a powerful vocal line, it makes minimal use of shouting or growling techniques.
Instead, its strength is conveyed through expansive, ringing vocals and a wide range, making the ability to sing high notes essential.
By focusing on Japan’s distinctive, back-resonant vocal production rather than Western-style projection, you can maintain stability even in the higher passages—keep this in mind as you sing.
Dream-Chasing SakeFukuda Kouhei
Kohei Fukuda’s masterpiece “Yumeoi-zake” is striking for its orthodox melody.
Unlike many of his works that incorporate folk-song flavors, this piece is crafted as a classic enka number, with fewer instances of difficult kobushi ornamentation compared to his usual songs.
As long as you have a solid grasp of enka fundamentals, it’s a song you can fully deliver, so if you’re at an intermediate level or above, consider adding it to your repertoire.
Once you can sing this piece cleanly and confidently, you should have the skills worthy of being called an advanced singer.
Oh, sake!Fukuda Kouhei
Ikuzo Yoshi’s masterpiece “Sake yo.” It’s a celebrated classic in the enka world that became a nationwide hit, so I think everyone knows it.
In Kohei Fukuda’s cover, the song reveals a new side, characterized by clearer enunciation compared to the original.
For those who find Yoshi’s Tohoku-accented singing style challenging, this version might actually be easier to sing.
As for the kobushi (ornamental bends), the pitch changes are more distinct than in the original, so if that part feels difficult, it’s perfectly fine to model just the kobushi after the original.