![[2026] Idol-Worthy! A Roundup of Handsome Male Enka Singers](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/9mHDzG_moxM/maxresdefault.webp)
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.
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[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.
EbisuSanada Naoki
Naoki Sanada, born in 1989, debuted as an enka singer in 2016.
His single “Ebisu” entered the Oricon Weekly Enka/Kayō Singles Ranking at number one, and in 2020 he won the Best New Artist Award at the 62nd Japan Record Awards.
With his distinctive husky voice and emotionally rich singing, he brings a fresh breeze to traditional enka.
Having debuted as a disciple of Ikuzo Yoshi, Sanada often performs songs specially written by his mentor.
He’s also multi-talented, appearing on programs related to his hobbies of baseball and horse racing, and he threw the ceremonial first pitch at Jingu Stadium in 2022.
In addition to his vocals, his idol-level good looks draw attention.
He’s a singer highly recommended for those just beginning to take an interest in enka.
It can’t be helped.Aoyama Shin
Aoyama Arata made his debut in February 2020 as a rising young star in the enka world.
With his refreshing looks and clear voice, he has captured the hearts of a wide range of generations.
From his debut single “Shikata Nainosa,” his transparent, radiant vocal ability drew attention.
In 2024, he was nominated for the 57th Japan Lyricist Awards with “Onna ga Tsurai,” steadily honing his craft.
On May 8, 2022, he held his first solo concert, deepening his bond with fans.
He also made his first appearance on “The 57th Year-End Nippon no Uta” on December 31, 2024, showcasing his presence nationwide.
While inheriting the traditions of enka, Aoyama brings a fresh breeze to the genre, making his music recommended even for those who haven’t been interested in enka before.
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.
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.