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 unmissable too: The best enka singers with great vocals (1–10)
Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri
Sayuri Ishikawa, a singer from Kumamoto Prefecture, made her debut in 1973 with “Kakurenbo.” She initially performed as an idol singer, but in 1977 “Tsugaru Strait–Winter Scene” became a massive hit, earning her numerous music awards, including the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance.
She has continued to produce hits such as “Noto Peninsula,” “Amagi-goe,” and “Meoto Zenzai.” Having received honors including the Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival Award and the Medal with Purple Ribbon, she is a leading figure in Japan’s popular music scene both in name and in substance.
Her wide-ranging activities have also drawn attention, such as her acting in the 2020 NHK historical drama “Kirin ga Kuru” and her record 44th appearance for the Red Team at the 72nd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
We hope to continue cherishing Sayuri Ishikawa’s songs for years to come.
Song of the Northern Sea GullsToba Ichirō
It’s a song just as cool as “Kyōdai-bune.” In any case, you can fully savor the appeal of Toba Ichirō, a man of the sea.
Many of Toba Ichirō’s songs are difficult to sing.
And even if you can sing them, the unique flavor he brings isn’t something you can achieve through effort alone.
He truly is an enka singer with an exceptionally distinctive talent.
Pardon me.Ōe Yutaka
Enka singer Hiroshi Oe, who drew attention as an elementary or high school student when he appeared in a segment of Sanma no SUPER Karakuri TV in 2007.
After his TV appearance, he made his debut in 2009 from the Kitajima Music Office with Noroma Taisho, composed by his idol Saburo Kitajima.
From his television days, his catchphrase “Osoreirimasu” and his humble, polite manner of speaking endeared him to viewers at home.
Since 2018, he has formed the duo Kitajima Kyodai with fellow enka singer Takeshi Kitayama from the same agency, performing together as an enka duo.
Reiwa is not to be missed either: Top Enka Singers with Great Vocals (11–20)
From the Kamome Bridgesakuramaya
Maya Sakura is an enka singer from Obihiro, Hokkaido, who debuted in 2008 at the age of 10.
With her debut single “Tairyo Matsuri,” she drew attention by showcasing a powerful, vibrato-rich voice that could rival adults.
She steadily built her career by appearing in TV dramas such as Mito Komon as a child actor and also on variety shows.
Even after becoming an adult, she has continued her activities, captivating listeners with a voice that retains the strength of her debut years while adding the nuance and charm of a grown woman.
O-Shichi and the Night Cherry BlossomsSakamoto Fuyumi
Born in 1967, Fuyumi Sakamoto is a singer who excels across a wide range of genres, including enka, kayōkyoku, and J-pop.
She debuted in 1987 with Abare Daiko, which sold over 800,000 copies.
The following year, Iwaizake became a major hit and led to her first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
She went on to release signature songs such as Hi no Kuni no Onna, Yozakura Oshichi, and Mata Kimi ni Koishiteru.
Her cross-genre musicality—such as her work with HIS, a unit formed with Haruomi Hosono and Kiyoshiro Imawano—is also a key attraction.
In 2020, she scored another hit with a song written and composed by Keisuke Kuwata.
While centered on enka, her diverse musical style incorporating pop and kayōkyoku has made her beloved by listeners across generations.
Ooi Stalker OntaroHikawa Kiyoshi
Kiyoshi Hikawa, known as the prince of the enka world, debuted in 2000 and immediately won the Japan Record Award’s New Artist Award for “Hakone Hachiri no Hanjirō.” He went on to produce numerous hits such as “Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi” and “Ikken.” In 2006, he achieved a triple crown at the Japan Record Awards, and he has the distinction of appearing in the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen for 22 consecutive years.
Though rooted in enka, his music is marked by accessible melodies and irresistibly catchy rhythms.
In 2020, he also released a pop album, showcasing a broad musical range.
With looks reminiscent of a visual-kei idol and powerful, skilled vocals, he is supported not only by enka fans but by a wide range of listeners.
Above all, Hikawa’s upbeat, smile-inducing voice brightens the atmosphere wherever it’s heard.
Nambu Cicada ChorusFukuda Kouhei
Kohei Fukuda, a native of Iwate Prefecture, is an enka singer known for a vocal style that fuses the traditions of Japanese folk music with a contemporary sensibility.
He made his major-label debut in 2012 and drew attention with his debut single, “Nambu Semi Shigure.” In 2013, he won the Japan Record Award for Best New Artist, and from the following year he began appearing on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Songs such as “Michi Hitosuji” and “Tenryu Nagashi” have ranked high on the Oricon charts, earning him popularity as a new face of the enka world.
Many of his songs celebrate hometown pride and the beauty of nature, and his heartfelt singing resonates deeply with listeners.
He is recommended for those who want to feel close to enka or are seeking new music that blends tradition and modernity.