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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- Also great for karaoke with friends! Youthful songs that hype up the Reiwa era
Don't miss the Reiwa era, either: Top Enka singers with great vocals (21–30)
At the end of the journeykanmuri jiro
This is a song with lyrics by Hiroyuki Itsuki.
The world of a lonely man that Mr.
Kanmuri sings about is robust and exudes an indescribable sense of solitude.
His voice itself isn’t what you’d call beautiful, but it’s a man’s voice with remarkable character.
Among Mr.
Kanmuri’s songs, “Honō” (Flame) is well-known, but the quiet, diametrically opposite world it contrasts with is also wonderful.
Sinful LoveFutami Souichi
Souichi Futami is a powerhouse enka singer who has earned top results at folk song competitions.
Born in Kunitomi Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, he was exposed to enka and folk music from an early age.
In his first year of junior high, he won the national junior high division of the Minyo Minbu Youth National Competition, and in his second year of high school, he took first place in the men’s division of the Seicho Kariboshikiri-uta National Competition.
His greatest appeal is, without question, his vocal ability.
As his track record shows, he possesses an exceptionally high level of singing skill, and his kobushi (ornamental vibrato technique) ranks among the best of his generation.
Be sure to check him out.
Reiwa is not to be missed either: Enka singers with great vocals (31–40)
Throw it away.Amano Ryo
Ryo Amano is a singer from Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture.
After completing graduate school, he pursued a career as an enka singer while working for a foreign-owned company.
In 2010, he was crowned the 54th Grand Champion of Chiba TV Karaoke Taisho 21, which led him to study under composer Akito Shikata.
He later debuted in 2014.
His greatest appeal lies in his remarkably steady vocal technique.
Although he has a high voice, he can not only deliver refined kobushi (ornamental turns) but also powerful shouts, offering a wide-ranging vocal expression.
Kinokawa RiverYamanishi Akari
Akari Yamanishi is an enka singer from Arida City in Wakayama Prefecture.
She previously served as the lead vocalist of the girls’ chorus group MIZMO, and she’s now gaining popularity on competitive karaoke battle shows.
Her greatest charm, above all, is her exceptional vocal ability.
Although her career path hasn’t been the brightest for an enka singer, her singing skills are among the best for her generation.
Her powerful vocals, born from a rich, full-bodied voice, are truly overwhelming!
Ashikaze PassMori Konomi
Konomi Mori is an enka singer from Sapporo, Hokkaido, and she’s also well-known as the wife of sumo wrestler Akira Takayasu.
She began singing Hokkaido folk songs such as Esashi Oiwake at the age of four, later becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Junior Division at the National Esashi Oiwake Competition when she was in sixth grade.
She made her debut in 2013 with Shamisen Wataridori.
Her greatest appeal is, above all, her expressiveness.
In addition to her steady vocals, the high level of expression that accompanies them is truly captivating.
Be sure to check her out.
EbisuSanada Naoki
Naoki Sanada is an enka singer from Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture.
He devoted himself to baseball during his school days, but it seems he gave up pursuing sports after an injury.
Later, during the Great East Japan Earthquake, he heard Misaki Usuzawa’s singing on TV before her debut, which inspired him to aim to become an enka singer, and he debuted in 2016.
His biggest appeal, above all, is his raspy voice, isn’t it? With a powerful, blues-like vocal style that excels in impact, he’s well worth checking out.
Winter JourneyMori Shinichi
Shinichi Mori, a native of Yamanashi Prefecture, is a popular singer known for his distinctive husky voice.
He debuted in 1966 with “Onna no Tameiki” and won the inaugural All Japan Wired Broadcasting Grand Prize with “Sakaba Blues.” He went on to produce numerous hit songs and achieved the remarkable feat of appearing in NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen for 48 consecutive years.
Unbound by the confines of enka, he has actively collaborated with artists from other genres, including Takashi Matsumoto and Tetsuya Komuro.
With his broad musicality, he continues to captivate many fans.
More recently, he released a song commemorating the 55th anniversary of his singing career.
Spanning the Shōwa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras, Shinichi Mori’s voice evokes both nostalgia and freshness.