[2026] Compilation of Enka Singers from Hokkaido
In the world of enka and kayōkyoku, there’s long been a strong impression that many classic songs feature the northern land—Hokkaido—as their theme.
Plenty of so-called “local songs” have been released, and Hokkaido has produced many famous enka singers, from veterans like Saburō Kitajima and Takashi Hosokawa to younger artists such as Hiroshi Miyama in recent years.
Focusing on Hokkaido, this article introduces enka singers from Hokkaido, from the legends to the up-and-coming.
You might even discover that a certain singer you know is actually from Hokkaido!
- [2026] Summary of Enka Singers from Aomori
- [2026] Active in the enka and kayō world! A roundup of beautiful enka singers
- [Male Singers Edition] The face of New Year’s Eve! Enka singers who appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen
- [2026] Enka Singer from Tohoku
- [2026] All-Time Enka Sales Ranking
- [2026] Compilation of Enka Singers from Kumamoto
- [Original Endoru] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Junko Ishihara [2026]
- [Female Singers Edition] The face of New Year’s Eve! Enka singers who appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen
- [2026] Enka’s Seventh Generation! A roundup of young enka singers
- [2026] A roundup of female enka singers in their 60s: Artists who support Japanese enka
- [Sub-chan] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Saburo Kitajima [2026]
- A roundup of male enka singers who represent the Showa era
- [Mitsuko Day] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Mitsuko Nakamura [2026]
[2026] Summary of Enka Singers from Hokkaido (1–10)
Nostalgic JonkaraHosokawa Takashi
Takashi Hosokawa, born in Makkari Village, Hokkaido, studied traditional folk songs (minyo).
He made his debut in 1975 with “Kokoro no Kori,” which instantly drew widespread attention.
He went on to release numerous hits and won the Japan Record Award two years in a row, in 1982 and 1983.
With his powerful voice and richly expressive delivery, he has remained at the top of the enka world.
His unique singing style, rooted in his background in folk music, is one of his great appeals.
While enjoying hobbies like golf and skiing, Hosokawa also takes care of his health.
He reportedly maintains opera-singer-level vocal power by drinking 500 milliliters of water every morning.
He’s a recommended artist not only for enka fans but also for anyone who wants to be moved by a strong, stirring voice.
I long for Southern HokkaidoKoyama Yudai
Yudai Koyama is an enka singer born in 2003 in Sapporo, Hokkaido.
In April 2024, he made his official debut on the enka scene with the release of his debut single from King Records.
From a young age, he studied folk songs and the shamisen, demonstrating his talent early by winning numerous contests.
In 2015, he was crowned Grand Champion at the NHK Nodo Jiman Champion Tournament.
His debut song paints scenes of his Hokkaido hometown, and his clear, powerful voice has captivated many listeners.
In the same year, he won the New Artist Award at the 66th Japan Record Awards, drawing attention as a rising star in the enka world.
He is also skilled at magic, entertaining audiences with both singing and magic.
As a new talent from Hokkaido, his future success is highly anticipated.
Because it’s pouring rainDate Yuta
Yuta Date, from Date City in Hokkaido, is an enka singer known for his husky voice and big smile.
He debuted in 2012 with “Bokyo Akatonbo,” then changed his stage name and made a re-debut in 2017.
His August 2023 release, “Doshaburi no Ame Dakara,” reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Enka/Kayokyoku Singles chart.
With his strong focus on costumes and cover art, he’s also gaining attention as a “fashion leader of the kayokyoku world.” A beloved member of Teichiku Samurai Hour, a young enka singers group under Teichiku, Date channels Hokkaido’s rich nature and warmhearted spirit into his music.
He’s highly recommended for those who long for their hometown or seek songs that resonate deeply with the heart.
[2026] Compilation of Enka Singers from Hokkaido (11–20)
freezing rainKayama Akio
Akio Kayama is an enka singer from Hakodate, Hokkaido, who continues to captivate many fans with his wistful voice and richly expressive delivery.
He debuted in 1977 with the single “Hisame” (Freezing Rain), which later became a major hit and is now widely recognized as his signature song.
In 1983, he won awards including the Asahikawa Cable Music Award and the Grand Prix at the All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards, and he received the Long Seller Award at the 25th Japan Record Awards.
Raised in a fishing town in Hakodate, Kayama loved singing from a young age, and after winning a singing contest while in high school, he set his sights on becoming a professional singer.
His songs are celebrated as classic Showa-era masterpieces, and they’re recommended not only for enka fans but also for anyone moved by a voice steeped in melancholy.
I’ve been waiting impatiently.Ōishi Madoka
A native of Hakodate, Hokkaido, she possesses a voice that resonates with the heart.
Madoka Oishi made her debut in February 1992 with “Koi no Shinobi Ame,” quickly attracting widespread attention.
While rooted in enka, her broad musicality incorporates elements of kayōkyoku and pop, captivating many fans.
The year after her debut, she won the Newcomer Award at the Japan Cable Radio Awards.
In 2000, she received the Excellent Work Award at the Japan Lyrics Awards for “Haru Tōkaraji,” showcasing her talent as a lyricist.
Further recognition came in 2020 with a Special Encouragement Award at the Japan Composers’ Association Music Festival, underscoring her widely acknowledged ability.
Alongside her singing career, she frequently appears on radio and television.
Warm and approachable, she also serves as a tourism ambassador for her hometown of Hakodate.
Her soul-stirring voice and emotionally rich singing, evoking the spirit of Japan’s northern lands, are a must-listen not only for enka fans.
Come back.Matsumura Kazuko
Kazuko Matsumura, an enka star born on the northern land of Hokkaido.
Debuting at 18 in 1980, her talent quickly drew attention with the unique style of singing while playing the Tsugaru shamisen.
Her debut song, themed around apple orchards in Aomori, became a major hit, reaching No.
5 on the Oricon singles chart and selling 683,000 copies.
She won numerous awards, including Best New Artist at the Japan Cable Radio Awards that year and the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards the following year.
Beyond enka, she has continued to captivate many fans with a distinctive worldview that incorporates elements of pop and folk music.
Infused with the spirit of Hokkaido, Matsumura’s voice is highly recommended for those who want to fully savor the nostalgic allure of enka.
fast track to successHatakeyama Midori
Midori Hatakeyama, who made her debut in 1962, was truly one of the key figures who led the enka boom of the Showa era.
Hailing from Hakodate, her singing preserved the traditions of enka while also capturing the spirit of the times, carrying a sense of fresh breeze.
She released major hits such as “Koi wa Kamiyo no Mukashi kara” and “Shusse Kaidō,” and appeared multiple times on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Hatakeyama’s appeal lies above all in her emotionally rich, dramatic vocal delivery.
In particular, “Shusse Kaidō,” with lyrics portraying the lives of salarymen and shopkeepers, resonated with many and became a massive hit, selling 2.5 million copies.
For everyone who loves music, I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing Midori Hatakeyama’s voice at least once.