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!
- Popular Enka Singers Ranking [2026]
- A Japanese female singer with excellent singing ability; an outstanding vocalist.
- A male singer with exceptional vocal skills: a powerhouse performer who captivates with volume, technique, and expressiveness.
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- Enka Singer Popularity Ranking in Karaoke [2026]
- [Overwhelming Vocal Ability] A Compilation of Popular Female Singers
- Popular Enka. Latest Rankings [2026]
- Male singers with great voices: a collection of cool, seductive vocals
- Songs We Want to Listen to and Sing! Masterpieces and Popular Hits of Reiwa-era Enka
- [2026] Representative Famous Enka Songs: A Compilation of Classic Favorites [Beginner-Friendly]
- A lineup of classic hits! Karaoke songs recommended for the yutori generation
- Also great for karaoke with friends! Youthful songs that hype up the Reiwa era
Unmissable in the Reiwa era too: Enka singers with great vocals (ages 41–50)
A Man’s Fishing GroundIchijō Kanta
Kanta Ichijo is an enka singer from Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture.
While enka singers typically conjure an image of glittering suits, he sticks to a rock ’n’ roll style with a leather jacket and jeans.
His look may be unconventional, but he’s far from a novelty act—he has earned strong results in competitions like the National Karaoke Box Grand Prix and the All-Japan Singing Championship, Utaou.
His real charm lies in his rugged voice.
His timbre and singing style have a depth you wouldn’t expect from someone in their twenties—simply overwhelming.
Wandering Bird of TearsMita Kyoka
Enka singer Kyoka Mita, from Kita District in Ehime Prefecture.
She became interested in enka when, as a second-grader in elementary school, she saw Yoko Nagayama on TV.
After that, she began performing at karaoke recitals and senior appreciation events.
While continuing her student life, she appeared on NHK Nodo Jiman during her first year of high school and passed, launching her path as an enka singer.
Her charm lies in her soothing vocal quality.
While not the powerful type, her soft, distinctly feminine voice is a must-hear.
Green Que Sera SeraOka Midori
Midori Oka is an enka singer from Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture.
She began singing folk songs at the age of five and was selected as the youngest-ever Hyogo Prefecture master in the Hyogo Prefectural Japan Folk Song Festival Master Competition.
She later shone as a member of HoriPro’s idol group HOP CLUB, and after graduating, launched her career as an enka singer.
Her greatest allure is, above all, her catchy yet sultry voice.
With solid vocal technique and a commanding presence, her singing captivates many listeners.
Be sure to check her out.
Innocent CuckooHarada Namito
Nami Harada is an enka singer from Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture.
Influenced by his grandfather, he was exposed to enka from a young age, and by the sixth grade of elementary school he had even self-produced a CD of original songs, already active as an artist.
He later gained recognition on programs like NHK Nodo Jiman, and debuted as an enka singer in 2019.
His biggest appeal is, above all, his musicality.
He wields a style not found in typical enka, and some of his tracks even have a reggaeton-like vibe.
Truly, he’s neo-enka.
It’s a clumsy way of living, but…Kikawa Naoki
Naoki Kigawa is an enka singer from Namegata City, Ibaraki Prefecture, known for his strikingly straightforward vocal style that evokes the late Kyu Sakamoto.
Influenced by his father and grandparents, he developed an interest in enka, and as a child he often sang enka while balancing it with baseball.
He later achieved strong results at the 7th Omigata Presents! Star★Impersonation Kayō Show and the 10th Omigata Presents! Star★Impersonation Kayō Show – Final – and made his debut as an enka singer.
His greatest appeal is, above all, the way he sings that resonates with the heart.
Gifted in expressive delivery, he’s highly recommended for those who enjoy moving, emotionally stirring songs.
Rain falls on Hollander SlopeYūji Matsuo
Yushi Matsuo is an enka singer from Isahaya City, Nagasaki Prefecture, known for his distinctive phrasing that weaves in trilled “r” sounds.
He made his major debut in 2012 with Kuchinashi Bojo as a newcomer commemorating Nippon Crown’s 50th anniversary.
Since then, he has achieved significant success among male enka singers in their 30s, including debuting at No.
1 on the Oricon enka/kayō rankings.
His appeal lies in his powerful vocals that incorporate the aforementioned trills, along with a high level of expressiveness that exudes a depth of pathos hard to believe from someone in his 30s.
Rainy airportMoriyama Aiko
Aiko Moriyama is an enka singer from Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, who has also been active as a TV reporter and actress.
She debuted as an enka singer in 2004, and from May 7, 2005 to March 31, 2012, she served as a 23rd-term “Brunch Reporter” on TBS’s popular program “King’s Brunch.” Currently, while continuing her activities as an enka singer, she is also active as a stage actress.
Her greatest charm lies in her high expressive ability.
In addition to her solid skills as an enka singer, she excels at singing with deep emotion.