RAG MusicJapanese Enka
Lovely enka

[Original Endoru] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Junko Ishihara [2026]

When she debuted at 20, she was given the catchphrase “idol of enka,” and Junko Ishihara—often called the original “endol” (enka idol)—not only has solid credentials as an enka singer but also writes and composes her own music and is active as a reciter of traditional chant, showcasing her multifaceted talent.

Her repertoire spans not only classic, orthodox enka but also pop and folk-style songs, offering many tracks that are relatively approachable even for those not yet accustomed to enka.

Here, we’ve researched and compiled songs by Ishihara, from enka to pop, that are easy to try at karaoke and the like.

Playlist

[Original Endoru] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Junko Ishihara [2026]
show_chartTitlePlaylistReview
1eastKazahana CapeIshihara Junko
Kazahana CapeIshihara Junkoplay_arrow
I recommend Junko Ishihara’s somber song “Fubuki Misaki.”
2eastRed MoonIshihara Junko
Red MoonIshihara Junkoplay_arrow
Vocal Technique Analysis of Junko Ishihara’s Masterpiece “Akai Tsuki” (Red Moon)
3eastLive with youIshihara Junko
Live with youIshihara Junkoplay_arrow
A vocal piece by Junko Ishihara. It uses relatively little kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) and is low in difficulty.
4eastJust stay by my sideIshihara Junko
Just stay by my sideIshihara Junkoplay_arrow
As my career progressed, songs other than enka…
5eastI’ve fallen for you.Ishihara Junko
I’ve fallen for you.Ishihara Junkoplay_arrow
Ishihara Junko’s debut song “Horemashita”
6eastTsubaki GotoIshihara Junko
Tsubaki GotoIshihara Junkoplay_arrow
An enka song depicting a man and woman’s romance themed around the Goto camellia
7eastEvening Mist StraitIshihara Junko
Evening Mist StraitIshihara Junkoplay_arrow
Among Junko Ishihara’s songs, especially the enka numbers...
8eastpassing showerIshihara Junko
passing showerIshihara Junkoplay_arrow
Junko Ishihara’s, with its heartrending melody, is particularly memorable…
9eastI want to see you—I wish I could be with you right now.Ishihara Junko
I want to see you—I wish I could be with you right now.Ishihara Junkoplay_arrow
Vocal tips for easy-to-sing hit songs by Junko Ishihara
10eastlingering-regret sakeIshihara Junko
lingering-regret sakeIshihara Junkoplay_arrow
An orthodox, warm melody...
11eastFlower of HappinessIshihara Junko
Flower of HappinessIshihara Junkoplay_arrow
Junko Ishihara’s “Shiawase no Hana” has few kobushi ornaments and is easy to sing.
12easttaking shelter from the rainIshihara Junko
taking shelter from the rainIshihara Junkoplay_arrow
Vocal techniques in Junko Ishihara’s “Amayadori”
13eastRain of MemoriesIshihara Junko
Rain of MemoriesIshihara Junkoplay_arrow
Classic enka songs for beginners
14eastI want to get drunk aloneIshihara Junko
I want to get drunk aloneIshihara Junkoplay_arrow
A heartbreak song with a wistful melody and simple vocals
15eastYorisoi grassIshihara Junko
Yorisoi grassIshihara Junkoplay_arrow
Explain Yorisoigusa, a famous song by Junko Ishihara