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: Top Enka Singers with Great Vocals (11–20)
Shibuya-style—this is youth!Tokunaga Yuuki
Yuki Tokunaga is an enka singer from Osaka.
After winning the Grand Champion title at the NHK Nodo Jiman Champion Tournament 2012, he earned his ticket to debut and made his debut in 2013 with “Sayonara wa Namida ni.” He’s also a railway enthusiast known for his impressions of train conductors and his hobby of railway photography.
His 2019 release “Shibuya-bushi da yo Seishun wa!,” written and composed by Tsunku, incorporates many elements of his special skills and love for trains, featuring a trance-like melody with little of the traditional enka flavor.
Tearful LoveYashiro Aki
Aki Yashiro is an enka singer from Yatsushiro City in Kumamoto Prefecture.
It seems her stage name comes from her hometown.
She debuted in 1971 with “Ai wa Shindemo,” and is known for a distinctive vocal style influenced by rokyoku and jazz.
Her 1973 song “Namida Koi” sold 1.2 million copies, and she won the Japan Record Award in 1979 for “Funauta.” She served as the final performer for two consecutive years on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Her husky voice, emotionally rich and sensual presence, and friendly personality on TV programs are truly wonderful.
She has also taken on appealing challenges beyond the enka genre, releasing a jazz album in 2012 and a blues album in 2015.
Highly recommended not only for enka fans but for music lovers of all genres!
Sake InnKouzai Kaori
Kaori Kozai made her debut in 1988 with “Ame Sakaba.” She launched her career as an enka singer and has received numerous awards, including newcomer prizes.
She has appeared many times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and has established a strong presence in the Japanese music scene.
Her hallmark is a musical range that spans from traditional enka to pop.
She has also drawn attention for activities that transcend the boundaries of enka, such as collaborations with jazz guitarist Kazumi Watanabe and members of Naniwa Express.
With songs like “Rurengusa” and “Mugonzaka,” Kozai has brought a fresh breeze to enka.
Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy familiar, classic enka.
Snow TrainMaekawa Kiyoshi
Kiyoshi Maekawa, a singer, TV personality, and actor from Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture.
He debuted in 1969 as the lead vocalist of Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five, drawing attention with the song “Nagasaki wa Kyou mo Ame Datta” (Nagasaki Was Rainy Again Today).
He went on to produce solo hits such as “Uwasa no Onna” (The Woman of Rumor) and “Soshite, Kobe” (And Then, Kobe), and has appeared on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen an impressive 29 times.
Beyond enka and kayōkyoku, he has also ventured into pop and rock, collaborating with artists like Ryuichi Sakamoto and Daisuke Inoue.
He has showcased his talents on variety shows as well, maintaining a wide-ranging presence.
With a genre-defying musical style and an approachable personality, he is a beloved singer across generations.
White StraitŌtsuki Miyako
Miyako Otsuki, an enka singer from Yao City in Osaka Prefecture, has been active for many years.
She debuted in 1964 with “Mother-Loving Shamisen.” Although she faced years of hardship after her debut, her 1983 hit “A Woman’s Harbor” earned her first appearance on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Known for songs that express women’s emotions, she has won numerous awards, including the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance for “A Woman’s Station.” Having studied children’s songs from a young age and attended a vocals school, Otsuki began her career opening for Michiya Mihashi and Hachiro Kasuga.
Those experiences likely contributed to her emotionally rich vocal style.
Her music, rooted in the traditional Japanese kayōkyoku style, resonates deeply with many people.
The End of Love in SangenjayaIwa Misaki
Misaki Iwasa is an enka singer with the unique background of being a former member of AKB48.
She drew attention as the first enka singer to debut from the AKB group.
When she made her enka debut in 2012 with “Mujin Eki,” she was still a member of AKB, and later graduated from AKB48 in 2016.
After graduating, she continued her activities as an enka singer and has been actively holding solo concerts.
In 2019, she was also appointed PR ambassador for the “Tomo Hitokuchi Machikata-shu Support Project,” which supports community development in Tomo, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
Don't miss the Reiwa era, either: Top Enka singers with great vocals (21–30)
PhoenixHarada Namito
Singer Namito Harada, who hails from Wakayama City and is attracting keen attention as the “standard-bearer of the enka Generation Z” born in Wakayama, grew up familiar with singing under the influence of his grandfather.
In October 2016, he triumphed as the champion on NHK Nodo Jiman.
He made his major debut in January 2022 with the single “Eien no Ichibyo ~Stretched love~.” While rooted in enka and kayōkyoku, his music also skillfully incorporates pop sensibilities, as heard in “Junjō Hototogisu,” produced by Tsunku♂.
His solid talent—evident in “Hi no Tori,” which reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Enka/Kayō Singles Ranking—and his endearing personality, known by the nickname “Popo,” are among his chief attractions.