Reiwa era mustn't be missed: an enka singer with excellent vocals.
When you hear the term “enka singer,” what kind of performer comes to mind?
You might instantly picture a long-standing veteran who’s been singing for decades, but in recent years, thanks to karaoke TV shows and the like, more young singers have emerged, bringing a fresh sense of fun!
As for musical style, there’s been an increase in easy-to-listen-to songs that lean more toward pop these days.
Of course, there are the accomplished veterans, but with the influence of those programs as well, we’ll introduce talented enka singers who are approachable for all generations.
Give them a listen—you’ll likely feel enka become more familiar and appealing!
Reiwa is unmissable too: The best enka singers with great vocals (1–10)
Northern Women’s TownMiyama Hiroshi
Hiroshi Miyama is an enka singer from Nankoku City, Kochi Prefecture, who also drew attention for attempting a kendama Guinness World Record on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Even before his 2009 debut with “Hitokoi Sakaba,” he had won championships and other awards in various contests, including NHK Nodo Jiman.
Since his debut, he has fully demonstrated his talent and gained popularity among people of all ages, from children to the elderly.
He has been appointed a Yosakoi Goodwill Ambassador by his home prefecture of Kochi and is actively involved in promoting his hometown.
In addition, leveraging his specialty in kendama, he became a member of the Japan Kendama Association and was named a Kendama Ambassador, making him active in pursuits beyond his singing career.
Scarlet LipsYamauchi Keisuke
Keisuke Yamauchi, affectionately known as “Kei-chan” and popular among madams, hails from Itoshima District in Fukuoka Prefecture.
While in high school, he was scouted after catching the eye of lyricist Hideo Mizumori at a local karaoke contest.
Mizumori went on to compose Yamauchi’s 2001 debut single, “Kiri-jō.” In addition to serving as an Itoshima Hometown Ambassador, Yamauchi has been appointed Nemuro City Taste and Tourism Ambassador and Kushiro Airport PR Ambassador in Hokkaido, owing to the many Hokkaido-themed songs he performs.
Memories SakeKobayashi Sachiko
Sachiko Kobayashi, a leading figure in the enka world, made her debut at the age of nine after winning the Grand Champion title on a music-variety show.
She debuted with “Usotsuki Kamome,” composed by Masao Koga, the composer involved in the award that led to her debut.
Although she has had a long career, she remains popular among younger generations—especially online—as the “Last Boss.” She has also sung the theme song for a Pokémon movie and performed “Senbonzakura,” which helped bring attention to Vocaloid, making her appeal cross both genres and generations.
Person Sought in the NorthNakazawa Takuya
Takuya Nakazawa is an enka singer from Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture.
He made his debut in 2017 with “Aoi Diamond.” His appearance on NHK Nodo Jiman, held in his hometown, where he won the championship, led to his debut.
Even before debuting, he gained popularity mainly among female fans, and by the end of 2017, the year of his debut, he had won numerous awards, including the Encouragement Award at the Japan Cable Awards and the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.
He is an enka singer known for his sweet looks and clear, soaring vocals!
You don’t have to go back.Shimazu Aya
Aya Shimazu, a native of Kumamoto Prefecture, is an enka singer who debuted in 1986 with “Hakama o Haita Wataridori” (A Drifter in Hakama).
From a young age, she won numerous grand prizes and was praised by local TV professionals as a “prodigy” for her vocal prowess.
While rooted in enka, she covers a wide range of genres from pop to J-pop, captivating listeners with her overwhelming expressive power.
At the 2018 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, she performed a song by Miyuki Nakajima, garnering major attention.
Her album “SINGER 7” includes tracks by King Gnu and Official HIGE DANDism, and she even takes on rap, showcasing the breadth of her musicality.
She’s recommended not only for enka fans but also for anyone who wants to enjoy a variety of musical genres.
Your path of gloryTendō Yoshimi
As expected, this kind of cheer song feels like the best fit for Yoshimi Tendo.
It goes without saying at this point that she can sing anything well, but this song really gets people fired up.
In her childhood, when she was called a “Nodojiman storm” for her innate vocal talent, it’s said that Emiko Uenuma—the Kansai empress and a wonderful singer herself—often had to settle for second place before her.
Lost in TokyoFujii Kaori
Enka singer Kaai Fujii, who debuted with “Tokyo Rouge” in 2018.
Her name, read as Kaai, is actually her real name! In high school, she worked as a model for the fashion magazine egg and also served as the lead vocalist of DAD’S, a supporter unit for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, among other varied experiences.
However, the road to her debut didn’t open easily.
In 2017, just before turning 30, she won the grand prize at an audition and secured her long-awaited ticket to debut!