[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!
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- [Prince of Enka] Keisuke Yamauchi’s Easy-to-Sing Songs [2026]
- [Enka 7th Generation] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Yuto Tatsumi [2026]
- [2026] Enka Songs That Are Hard to Sing – Male Singers Edition
- [2026] Easy Enka Songs Recommended for Karaoke – Male Singers Edition
- [Male Singers Edition] The face of New Year’s Eve! Enka singers who appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen
- [2026] Active in the enka and kayō world! A roundup of beautiful enka singers
- [2026] Easy-to-Sing Enka: From Timeless Classics to Recent Hits [Male Singers Edition]
- [2026] Amazing If You Can Sing It! Classic Enka Masterpieces [Male Singers Edition]
- [2026] Compilation of Enka Singers from Hokkaido
- A roundup of male enka singers who represent the Showa era
[2026] Idol-tier! Handsome Male Enka Singers Roundup (21–30)
You got swept away? / It got washed away?Kusunoki Kohei
Kohei Kusunoki, a young enka singer from Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, combines a tall 178 cm frame with a sweet, handsome face.
He made his long-awaited debut in January 2025, and by January 2026 he was already releasing his second single, steadily moving up step by step.
His singing ability is the real deal—he won the runner-up prize at Nippon Crown’s newcomer audition held in 2023—and his lustrous voice, known as a “captivating falsetto,” is sure to steal your heart.
After graduating high school, he moved to Tokyo and trained diligently for about five years under composer Tamae Arai.
From June 2025, he also joined Takashi Hosokawa’s school, reflecting his sincere dedication to enka.
With an irresistible contrast between his unpretentious Tohoku dialect and his polished vocals, he’s a rising star poised to lead the next generation of the enka world.
Noche ~ Illusory Dreamsawada masato
Masato Sawada is a singer from Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture, known by the catchphrase “NEW Kajinrui” (New Human of Song).
Familiar with the world of music since childhood, he proved his talent by winning the Grand Prix at the Tokyo Enka Festival in 2011, and made his debut in August 2012 with the single “Bara no Namida.” He is known for songs that combine the appeal of enka and kayōkyoku, such as “Honki no Koi” and “Yume o Sagashite.” Above all, his charm lies in his sweet looks and clear, high-toned voice.
His unique sensibility—calling his fans “Ichigo-san” (Mr./Ms.
Strawberry)—and the unexpected fact that he holds a Thai traditional massage license also make him stand out.
He’s an artist highly recommended for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a refreshing smile and a storytelling singing voice.
Once more, even if only in a dreamedoarudo
Edoardo is an enka singer born in São Paulo, Brazil, who carries the spirit of Japan in song across the seas.
Entrusted to his foster mother soon after birth, he has a fateful story of encountering enka at the age of five and being struck to the core.
He made his debut in October 2015 with the single “Haha Kizuna” (Mother’s Bonds), and the following year, in 2016, won the Newcomer Award at the 49th Japan Cable Radio Awards—proof of his well-recognized talent.
Edoardo’s greatest charm is, above all, his singing voice imbued with profound gratitude.
His expressive power—honed rigorously under his master and transcending language barriers—moves listeners to tears.
Deeply inspired by “Naniwabushi da yo Jinsei wa,” he weaves a world brimming with passion and warmth that enka fans who savor life’s subtleties will find irresistible.
A chic fellow from HatchoboriOka Hiroki
Hiroki Oka is an enka singer from Osaka Prefecture with a glittering background as a certified master of Kamigata dance.
Based in the Kansai region, he is known for dynamic activity and for stages that blend singing with talk segments and dance.
He showcased his talent with the 2008 single “Chishima Kaikyō,” and in 2013 released the emotive “Ideyugawa,” continuing to perform works beloved by enka fans.
True to the phrase “a young lion of enka,” his powerful vocals and dance-honed graceful movements are his greatest charms.
In 2017, reports also emerged of activities under a new name, reflecting his moving commitment to pursuing his art.
Combining the resonance of traditional enka with visually engaging performances, he is a must-check for those who want to savor enka with both eyes and ears.
A Mud-Covered MedalKikawa Naoki
Naoki Kigawa is a singer-songwriter from Namegata City, Ibaraki Prefecture, who fuses the nostalgic resonance of folk with the spirit of enka.
He made his major debut in 2019 with the single “Dorodarake no Kunshō” (A Mud-Covered Medal), and has drawn attention as a member of Teichiku Samurai, a collective of young enka singers.
While he dedicated himself to baseball from a young age, he also grew up familiar with enka under the influence of his father and grandparents, and after winning the “Omitama-Hatsu! Star★Narikiri Kayō Show,” he set out on a professional path.
His greatest appeal lies in his straightforward singing voice that reveals his unpretentious character.
He also shows his versatility by performing with guitar and piano accompaniment.
His simple yet powerful vocals gently give listeners a push forward, making him highly recommended for those seeking energy for tomorrow.
Be sure to check him out.
Twilight SilhouetteMatsuzaka Yuuki
Yuki Matsuzaka is an enka singer from Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, with a background as a conservatory graduate.
While studying in the Vocal Music Department at Musashino Academia Musicae, he trained under Naoyuki Harada, a leading figure in the world of Japanese folk music, honing his technique.
He made his debut in 2015 with the single “Furusato Kaeri” from Nippon Columbia.
He has proven his solid ability, winning the Grand Prix at the 2017 Japanese Folk Song Festival and receiving the Encouragement Award at the 2019 Japan Composers’ Association Music Festival.
His greatest appeal lies in his vocal prowess, which fuses the melismatic ornamentation of min’yō with operatic vocalization.
As his career suggests, he possesses expressive power that transcends genres, and his stunningly beautiful voice has even won championships on TV karaoke battle shows.
Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a singing voice that goes beyond the bounds of enka.
Does anyone know that guy?Kurokawa Shinichiro
Shinichiro Kurokawa is an enka singer from Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, known for his strikingly slender 178 cm frame.
While working as a hotel employee, he won the Excellence Award at the Itsuki Hiroshi Kayō Competition, which set him on the path to becoming a professional.
He made his debut in August 2003 with the single “Kazoku,” and gained support with works such as “Akane-gumo” and “Kakitagawa.” His talent is unquestioned—he won the “Best Vocal Performance Award” from the Japan Singers Association in 2015 for “Namida Ame.” He also once performed as a member of the handsome enka singer unit “Gorin no Hana.” His greatest appeal is, above all, his embracing, comforting singing voice.
With solid vocal technique inherited from his mentor Hideo Mizumori and a warm personality that shines through on stage, his performances are a must-see.
He’s a perfect fit for those seeking soothing, healing-style enka.