![[2026] Idol-Worthy! A Roundup of Handsome Male Enka Singers](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/9mHDzG_moxM/maxresdefault.webp)
[2026] Idol-Worthy! A Roundup of Handsome Male Enka Singers
When people think of enka, many might still picture a cool, stoic man in a kimono or a suit—even in the Reiwa era.
In the 2000s, figures like Kiyoshi Hikawa, who stood out at the time with dyed brown hair and earrings, come to mind.
But in today’s enka and kayōkyoku scene, a wave of young male enka singers with looks rivaling those of idols have been debuting one after another, stirring up excitement among younger audiences as well.
This article rounds up various young enka singers who have earned a reputation as heartthrobs in the enka and kayōkyoku world.
Once you discover their charm, you might just find yourself hooked on enka, too.
Don’t miss it!
[2026] Idol-Worthy! A Roundup of Handsome Male Enka Singers (1–10)
Alley LightsKitayama Takeshi
Takeshi Kitayama is an enka singer from Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
After spending eight years training as an apprentice under Saburo Kitajima, a giant in the enka world, he made his debut in 2004 with the single “One-Way Ticket.” At the end of that year, he garnered considerable attention by winning numerous newcomer awards, including the New Artist Award at the 46th Japan Record Awards.
His 2005 single “Otoko no Defune” was also a major hit, and he solidified his status by appearing on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen for five consecutive years.
His appeal lies in his dynamic vocal prowess that carries the spirit of his mentor.
He also performs as part of the duo “Kitajima Brothers” with Hiroshi Oe, drawing continued attention, including winning a Planning Award in 2018.
He is an artist I can confidently recommend to anyone who wants to enjoy the true essence of authentic enka.
potato flowersKoyama Yudai
Enka singer Yudai Koyama—nicknamed “the nation’s grandson” and soaring in popularity for his fresh, idol-worthy looks—is bringing a new breeze to the Reiwa-era enka scene, armed with the skills he honed since childhood in folk songs and shamisen.
After debuting in 2024 with the single “Donan Koishiya,” he quickly drew attention, winning the New Artist Award at the 66th Japan Record Awards.
His “magic voice,” refined under his mentor Tetsuya Gen, and the prowess that earned him the Grand Champion title at the 2016 NHK Nodo Jiman Champions Tournament are must-hear.
He also has a side where he performs magic tricks, making him someone even newcomers to enka should definitely check out.
Nambu Semi-shigureFukuda Kouhei
Kohei Fukuda is an enka singer from Iwate Prefecture who boasts overwhelming vocal power honed through folk songs.
His proven talent—evidenced by repeated victories in numerous folk song competitions—is unmistakable, and his powerful, soaring voice leaves an unforgettable impact once you hear it.
He debuted in 2012 with the single “Nambu Semi Shigure,” won the New Artist Award at the 55th Japan Record Awards in 2013, and made his first appearance on NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen the same year.
His brilliant high notes and kobushi techniques, cultivated through folk music, are nothing short of breathtaking, and his abilities have continued to be highly acclaimed, including winning the Excellence Award for Singing at the Japan Record Awards in 2020.
With a down-to-earth personality—his special skill is foraging for wild mountain vegetables—Fukuda’s soul-stirring world of song is one you should definitely experience.
tear-drunkKenjiro
An enka singer from Osaka Prefecture who combines model-like proportions at 177 cm tall with sweet looks.
He made his debut in March 2009 with the single “Fuyukoi Kanashi,” and achieved his major-label debut in November 2012 with the single “Kuchiyakusoku.” In junior high, he won the Excellence in Vocal Performance Award at the “Star wa Kimi da Young Kayō Awards,” and was crowned champion for five consecutive weeks on a Sun Television program—proof that his vocal ability was highly regarded even before his debut.
He continues to work energetically, releasing the single “Rakkasei ~Rakkasei~” in August 2025.
His approachable voice that transcends the bounds of traditional enka makes him an ideal introduction for those new to enka and kayōkyoku.
An artist who captivates many fans with solid talent and refined good looks.
Sand CastleKawashima Kenji
Kenji Kawashima is a singer from Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture.
He sings enka and kayōkyoku, and he also wears the hat of a singer-songwriter who writes lyrics and composes music.
Influenced by his father from a young age, he became familiar with Hiroshi Itsuki’s songs, and, under the production of Junpei Oda, he made his debut in 2014 with the single “Yuki no Koto” (Snowy Ancient Capital).
Since then, in addition to singles such as “Toiki” (Sigh), he has showcased his voice on releases including a best-of album issued in October 2021.
His vocal ability is well recognized—he won the Fighting Spirit Award at the National Popular Music Competition in 2017.
His greatest charm is, above all, his deeply resonant low voice that touches the heart.
As an artist who can express the world of kayō through his own sensibility, he’s especially recommended for listeners who like to fully immerse themselves in the lyrics.
autumn rainDanseki Noritaka
Yoshitaka Oishi, an enka singer from Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, also has the unexpected side of holding a cook’s license.
His musical style, described as “dramatic kayō,” is characterized by an oriental worldview that incorporates instruments such as the erhu.
Since his major debut in September 2016 with the single “Osaka Nakase Ame,” he has captivated fans with masterpieces like “Neyo no Tsukikage,” “Take no Hana,” and “Nachi no Koidaki,” included on the album “THE BEST.” In addition to his solid vocal ability—proven by winning the Grand Prix at the 1st King Records Kayō Contest—he is a multi-talented artist who also writes and composes his own songs.
He’s an artist you should definitely check out if you want to immerse yourself in a world of wistful vocals and story-like songs.
YaukoIwaide Kazuya
Kazuya Iwade, a native of Kishiwada City in Osaka Prefecture, is known for his attractive, slender 175 cm frame and handsome looks.
He began seriously pursuing a singing career around the age of 20 and made his major debut in 1997.
In his debut year, he swept the newcomer awards, including the Japan Record Awards, and has continued to build a lasting track record, winning honors such as the Wired Music Award for songs like “Kaze no Machi” and “Tokyo Minato.” His greatest appeal lies in his expressive power that goes beyond the bounds of enka into kayō pop.
He excels not only in classic, emotionally rich enka, but also in delivering approachable melodies with a sweet voice—his talent is undeniable.
If you want to sing with plenty of mood at karaoke, you should definitely check out his songs.