[Enka Hattori-kun] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Hiroko Hattori [2026]

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Hiroko Hattori celebrates the 35th anniversary of her debut in 2024 and continues to sharpen her prowess as an active, top-tier enka singer.

Beyond her outstanding vocal ability, her songs—delivered with a delicate voice that seems to melt gently into the listener’s heart—are widely known as favorites for karaoke among many enka fans.

They also include plenty of pieces that serve as excellent study material for beginners to enka.

From among the enka numbers Hattori has performed so far, we’ve picked out and compiled those that are relatively easy to sing.

Enka newcomers, be sure to check them out!

[Enka Hattori-kun] A collection of Hiroko Hattori’s easy-to-sing songs [2026] (11–20)

Kagerō HillHattori Hiroko

[MV] Hiroko Hattori / Kagerōzaka (Heat-Haze Hill)

Kagerō HillHattori Hiroko

Enka is a traditional genre, but it has shown some changes over its long history.

One of these is a reduced emphasis on phrasing.

In the past, there was a strong awareness of distinct phrases, but nowadays, perhaps under the influence of pop music, many enka songs tend to prioritize smooth flow.

Hiroko Hattori’s classic Kagerō-zaka stands out with an old-fashioned structure that differs from such modern enka.

Kobushi (ornamental vocal turns) appear throughout the piece, but because the song is firmly structured around clear phrases, you can insert rests between one kobushi and the next.

Mixing rests into the kobushi not only adds flavor to the song but also lowers the vocal difficulty, making it a particularly recommended piece for those who want to build foundational enka skills.

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In conclusion

As mentioned at the beginning, Hiroko Hattori’s songs are extremely popular for karaoke, and many of them are masterpieces packed with the charm of enka.

If you’ve only recently discovered the appeal of enka, I hope you’ll try singing Hattori’s songs and dive deep into the world of enka.

Of course, they’re not easy to master, but please use this article as a guide to find the songs you feel are easier to sing!