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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- 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)
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.
Reiwa is not to be missed either: Skilled enka singers (51–60)
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.
Please don’t look for me…Minase Dan
Dan Minase is a young enka singer from Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture.
He studied jazz, pop, and vocal music at a music school in Tokyo, but his love for Showa-era kayōkyoku led him to switch to enka.
After debuting in 2009 with “Inoritai no Kami-sama ni / Midasarete,” he moved to Nippon Crown.
On August 2, 2023, he released “Saganaidene…” as his first single since the move.
With his youthful, charming voice and good looks, there’s no doubt he’ll help energize the enka world from here on out!
Sekihoku PassShimizu Hiromasa
Hiromasa Shimizu is an enka singer from Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture.
Born completely blind due to retinopathy of prematurity, he became familiar with enka under the influence of his grandparents and has lived brightly and resiliently while singing enka.
Later, after achieving strong results on NHK Nodo Jiman, he debuted as an enka singer in 2008.
His greatest appeal is, above all, his vocal ability.
He didn’t gain popularity because he is blind; rather, he is a genuine enka singer who earned acclaim purely for his top-tier vocal prowess.
Jonkara AffectionShirayuki Miya
Miya Tooi is an enka singer from Yūki City in Ibaraki Prefecture.
She began singing folk songs at the age of four, and in her senior year of high school she won the national youth folk song competition with Isobushi.
Since then, under the tutelage of composer Kaoruto Sakaki, she has steadily built her career as an enka singer.
Her biggest charm is, above all, her sweet, cute vocal timbre.
As her background suggests, she has excellent vocal technique, and she also shines with expressive power that brings smiles to listeners’ faces.
She’s a must-listen for anyone who loves uplifting, feel-good enka.
The Bells of Santa MariaTakeshima Hiroshi
Hiroshi Takeshima is a singer from Fukui City in Fukui Prefecture.
While he sings enka, he is also known for mood kayō (romantic popular songs), and together with his sweet looks, he enjoys overwhelming support from older women.
He seems to have admired enka since childhood, and after graduating from university he was scouted by lyricist Kyosuke Kuni.
Following an apprenticeship doing tasks like answering phones as a part-time worker, he made his debut in 2002.
His greatest charm is, above all, his sweet singing voice.
It’s not a style that shows off vocal tricks, but its appeal lies in that sweet tone and his high expressive power.
Be sure to check him out.