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 Era Must-See: Skilled Enka Singers (71–80)
curiousHama Hiroya
Hiroya Hama is a singer-songwriter from Yamagata Prefecture.
He debuted in 1982 as the third lead vocalist of Tsuruoka Masayoshi & Tokyo Romanesque, captivating kayōkyoku fans with his clear, high notes and sophisticated, urban flair.
He began his solo career in 1994 and scored a hit in 2000 with “Omae ga Subete sa” (“You Are My Everything”).
In 2009, he also drew attention by performing incognito as the masked singer “The Mike Hanasanz.” Since 2019, he has released a trilogy themed around the stories of married couples, topping the cable request charts consecutively.
His vocals—delivered from a tall 180 cm frame—overflow with an appeal that transcends the boundaries between enka and pop.
Highly recommended for those who want to feel at home with enka!
Happy CoupleHiroyuki Nishikata
Hiroyuki Nishikata, a native of Karatsu City in Saga Prefecture, is an enka singer who debuted in 1987 with “Hokkai Suikoden.” With a career spanning over 35 years, he has produced hits such as “Omae Hitorisa.” His music is characterized by a unique style influenced by enka and folk songs, and he also has an interest in jazz and instrumental music.
In fact, he reportedly enjoys recording folk songs at home, which has influenced his vocal technique.
It might come as a surprise, but he has a habit of always drinking cola before he sings.
By adding new elements to traditional enka, Nishikata’s voice is recommended not only for enka fans but also for music lovers seeking something fresh.
I love you, Kobe.Gojō Tetsuya
Born in 1970, Tetsuya Gojō is an enka singer from Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.
He began singing enka at the age of two and made his major debut in 2007 with “Sasurai Ohara-bushi.” His appeal lies in his wild, husky voice, with nostalgic melodies reminiscent of Showa-era kayōkyoku and lyrics imbued with masculine melancholy.
In 2015, he released his first album, “The Best: The World of Tetsuya Gojō.” He also values communication with fans, appearing on radio programs such as “Tetsuya Gojō’s Hot Time” and “Dōmo Dōmo—Tetsuya Gojō Desu.” Among young enka singers, he has a particularly strong presence and plays an important role in bringing the charm of good old-fashioned enka to today’s audience.
Oh, sake!Yoshi Ikuzo
Singer-songwriter Ikuzo Yoshi from Aomori Prefecture.
He debuted as an idol singer, but after changing his stage name in 1977, he made a major breakthrough.
He has worked across a wide range of genres, including folk, enka, and comic songs.
His signature track “Ora Tokyo sa Iguda” is an innovative song that incorporates rap in the Tsugaru dialect.
Around 2008, it became a hot topic on the internet, sparking the “IKZO boom.” The song, released in 1986, reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts, cementing his status as a full-fledged enka singer.
He has also created numerous commercial jingles and TV drama theme songs, earning affection from listeners of all ages.
Be sure to give Ikuzo Yoshi’s music a listen, where the charm of classic enka meets fresh musical sensibilities.
A solitary journey to MichinokuYamamoto Jōji
Joji Yamamoto is an enka singer from Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
He debuted in 1974 under the stage name Haruki Date, but struggled to find success and worked as an attendant to Saburo Kitajima.
He made his second debut under his real name in 1976 and had a major breakthrough with ‘Michinoku Hitori Tabi’ in 1980.
He has appeared many times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
His appeal lies in a vocal style that expresses both masculine strength and tenderness, and in a 2015 release he powerfully conveyed the depth and ruggedness of a man’s life.
In songs composed by Keisuke Hama, Yamamoto’s distinctive voice and profound emotional expression shine.
He has also acted in the drama ‘Abarenbō Shōgun.’ Highly recommended for those who want to savor the traditions of enka and the subtleties of life.
Scorpio womanMikawa Ken’ichi
Kenichi Mikawa is known as an enka singer from Nagano Prefecture.
He debuted in 1965 with “Dakedo Dakedo Dakedo,” and achieved a major breakthrough the following year with “Yanagase Blues.” Selling 1.2 million copies, the song became a pivotal turning point in his career.
He went on to score more hits such as “Kushiro no Yoru,” establishing himself as a leading figure in the enka world.
Even at 75, he continues to work with an insatiable curiosity.
Since 2019, he has been active on Instagram, drawing attention from younger generations with his fashionable posts.
He has also appeared in numerous TV shows and commercials, thriving not only as a singer but as a television personality.
Be sure to listen to Mikawa’s uniquely captivating voice at least once.
Tsugaru PlainSen Masao
No matter how many times I listen, this song as sung by Mr.
Sen is truly wonderful.
The lyrics in dialect and the nostalgia-evoking melody make me genuinely grateful to have been born Japanese and able to appreciate the beauty of this piece.
It also makes perfect sense that it was written and composed by Mr.
Yoshi Ikuzo, a disciple of Mr.
Sen.