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!
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Reiwa is not to be missed either: Enka singers with great vocals (61–70)
Woman of TakayamaŌe Yutaka
Hiroshi Oe is bringing a fresh breeze to the enka world.
Born in 1989 in Kishiwada, Osaka Prefecture, he debuted in 2010 with “Noroma Taisho.” Influenced by Saburo Kitajima, he continues to take on new challenges while preserving the traditions of enka.
In 2018, he formed the unit Kitajima Kyodai with Takeshi Kitayama, expanding his activities through a national tour and performances in Taiwan.
His appeal lies in his deeply emotive singing, and his catchphrase “Osoreirimasu” reflects the sincerity that also contributes to his popularity.
He’s also a hard worker—training in taiko drumming helped him lose weight from 100 kg.
He’s a singer you should definitely listen to if you want to feel a close connection to enka.
Aizu Sosookuyama eiji
Enka singer Eiji Okuyama, originally from Yamagata Prefecture, made his record debut in 1994 with “Furusato Hana Mikoshi.” He made his major-label debut in 2008 and has released songs such as “Osake ga Shimiru” and “Kaoru Ame.” Many of his works portray men’s emotions, and some even liken romantic feelings to a journey by train.
Inspired by winning the Grand Champion title at the 1986 Yamagata Prefecture Song Championship, he set out on a musical path.
He went on to prove his talent by winning the 1989 Enka Juku National Competition and the 1990 NHK Nodo Jiman Obanazawa Contest.
He is especially popular in the Tohoku region, including his home of Yamagata, and many of his songs reflect the local scenery and sentiments.
You’re sure to be captivated by a voice that conveys the depth and emotion of enka while also carrying a fresh new vitality!
Izakaya “Ten no Ji”Yamazaki Teiji
Teiji Yamazaki, who has the unique background of being a former professional boxer, made his major debut in 2001 with “Sakuragawa Bojō.” After giving up boxing due to a leg injury, he chose the path of a singer and worked tirelessly to build his fan base, even hand-selling around 20,000 CDs.
Valuing the “divine connection” between Mie Prefecture and his hometown of Shimane, Yamazaki has continued his energetic activities, releasing new songs every year with Columbia.
He also cherishes interaction with fans through live concerts and dinner shows, delivering his vocals in an intimate atmosphere.
He is a singer that those seeking freshness in enka should definitely listen to.
America BridgeYamakawa Yutaka
Yutaka Yamakawa has established a firm position in the world of enka.
Born in 1958 in Mie Prefecture, he made his debut in 1981 with “Hakodate Main Line.” In 1986, he made his first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen with “Tokimeki Waltz,” and in 1998, “America-bashi” became a major hit.
He has continued to draw attention with his “America Trilogy.” He has received numerous awards, including the Masao Koga Memorial Music Award and the Japan Kayō Grand Prize Broadcast Music Award.
Yamakawa’s appeal lies in his powerful yet warm voice.
Perhaps influenced by his hobbies of guitar and dance, his singing is also marked by a strong sense of rhythm.
He’s recommended not only for enka fans but also for anyone interested in exploring a new side of enka.
Two-person sakekawanaka miyuki
Miyuki Kawanaka is known as a leading singer in Japan’s enka scene.
She debuted in 1977 with “Anata ni Inochigake,” and achieved a major breakthrough with a song released in 1980.
Centered on the theme of marital love, the piece became a huge hit, selling over a million copies, peaking at No.
9 on the Oricon chart, and winning numerous awards, including the Japan Record Award Gold Prize and the Grand Prize at the Japan Lyricist Awards.
She has appeared multiple times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, performing this song again in 2006 and 2009, and it has been cherished for many years.
While Kawanaka focuses on enka, she is active in a wide range of endeavors, including concerts and stage productions.
She also contributes to regional communities, serving as a tourism ambassador for Ishikawa Prefecture.
Please take a listen to Kawanaka’s songs, which continue to move many people with her warm, heartfelt voice.
Checkmate!Saisei
Ayasei, a native of Iwamizawa, Hokkaido, is an enka and folk singer who has demonstrated remarkable talent from a young age.
He made his debut in June 2019 with “Ginjiro Tabigarasu” and has attracted attention as a disciple of Takashi Hosokawa.
From childhood he studied folk songs, Tsugaru shamisen, and shakuhachi, earning the nickname “the triple-blade singer” for his mastery.
In 2019, he won the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards, shining as a rising star in the enka world.
Ayasei’s vocals have a unique appeal that blends youthful freshness with the robust power cultivated through folk music.
Even those unfamiliar with enka are sure to feel a fresh sense of surprise and emotion when they listen to his songs.
Will you marry me?Niinuma Kenji
Kenji Niinuma, a singer devoted to enka, hails from Ofunato City in Iwate Prefecture and debuted in 1976 with “Omoide Misaki.” His second single, “Yome ni Konaika,” was a major hit, earning him a newcomer award and his first appearance on NHK’s Red and White Year-End Song Festival.
Known by the catchphrase “a man who is pleasantly sad,” he produced numerous hits such as “Seishun Sōfu” and “Headlight.” He also found success as a film actor and drew attention for his marriage to Hiroe Yuki, who won the All England Open Badminton Championships four times in a row.
In 2012, he took part in a charity song for the Great East Japan Earthquake.
With his warm, resonant voice, he is a recommended artist not only for enka fans but for listeners of all ages.