Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
Enka, the genre of music that helped energize Japan up through around the 1980s.
Countless masterpieces were born in this field of enka.
This time, we’re featuring the crème de la crème—timeless enka hits that defined their eras and are perfect for singing at karaoke.
From well-known classics to hidden gems known only to aficionados, we’ve selected songs across a wide range of years and styles, so be sure to find the one that suits you.
We’re introducing quite a number of tracks, making this a great pick for anyone who wants to reminisce alongside enka.
- Great enka masterpieces and hit songs of the 1970s
- Cool masterpieces of enka, the heart of Japan
- Enka Karaoke Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Great enka masterpieces and hit songs of the 1980s
- [For Women] A roundup of enka songs that can score high in karaoke
- Enka songs that are easy for men to sing: a roundup of tracks to try at karaoke
- Easy-to-sing enka: A roundup of recommended enka songs for karaoke
- [Showa Era] A Collection of Enka Hits: Timeless Classics Loved Across Generations
- [2026] Representative Famous Enka Songs: A Compilation of Classic Favorites [Beginner-Friendly]
- [Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke.
- [Enka] Songs That Are Easy to Sing Even for the Tone-Deaf [Male Singer Edition]
- [Japan’s Best Vocalist] Fukuda Kohei’s Easy-to-Sing Karaoke Songs
- A roundup of hit enka songs from the Heisei era
Enka Masterpieces You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke: Recommended Popular Songs (61–70)
A Man’s Love StorySakamoto Fuyumi
It was released in 1989 as Fuyumi Sakamoto’s fourth single.
This song became her first to enter the weekly top ten on the Oricon charts and won the 15th Japan Enka Grand Prize.
A version with spoken lines was released as her fifth single, and that version also became a hit.
Such is a woman’s soliloquyMasuiyama Tashirō
A masterpiece by Taishiro Masuiyama that skillfully expresses feelings from the depths of the heart.
The lyrics vividly portray a woman’s heartrending emotions and leave a strong impression.
Released in September 1977, it reached No.
13 on the Oricon chart.
It continued to stay on the charts for an extended period, achieving an astonishing total sales figure of 1.39 million copies.
Highly recommended for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the subtleties between men and women, as well as for younger listeners who admire mature romance.
Sing it at karaoke and you’re sure to capture the audience’s hearts.
Captain SlowpokeŌe Yutaka
It was released in 2009 as Hiroshi Oe’s debut single.
The song depicts a man who is always laughed at for being clumsy and slow, yet resolves to one day become a big success and rises to his feet.
It’s an upbeat track that suits Hiroshi Oe’s image well.
The composition was written by Saburo Kitajima—whom Oe had long hoped to apprentice under and regards as his mentor—using his pen name, Joji Hara.
grandchildŌizumi Itsurō
A signature song by Itsuro Oizumi that sings of deep love for a grandchild.
Released in 1999, it brought a fresh breeze to the enka world.
Told from a grandfather’s perspective, it warmly portrays watching a grandchild grow, conveying family love that transcends generations.
There are versions for a boy and for a girl, each with lyrics tailored to their respective stages of growth, which adds to its charm.
The song won the Excellent Work Award at the 42nd Japan Record Awards.
It’s recommended not only for enka fans but for anyone who cherishes family.
Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to warm your heart.
thorn treeKobayashi Sachiko
This is a song released by Sachiko Kobayashi in 2012, created at her request with lyrics and music by Masashi Sada as her 50th debut anniversary song in 2013.
Thanks to the song’s success, it marked her first single in 7 years and 8 months to reach the top three in the enka/kayōkyoku category, becoming a long-awaited hit for Kobayashi.
Koitou (Koitome) Coastyamaguchi hiromi
This song, which gives voice to a bittersweet love, is set on Hokkaido’s Koitoi Coast and unfolds like a story that weaves together the pain of heartbreak and hope for the future.
The beautiful scenery of the Pacific Ocean blends perfectly with Hiromi Yamaguchi’s richly expressive vocals.
Released in July 2024, the track was created by the songwriting team behind the successful “Mitsui no Banshō,” bringing out Yamaguchi’s charm to the fullest.
It’s also great for karaoke, and perfect for times when you want to reflect on love and life.
A Flower of This WorldShimakura Chiyoko
Released in 1955 as Chiyoko Shimakura’s debut single, this work became a massive hit, selling two million copies within six months of its release.
The lyrics, themed around youth and first love, poignantly portray the hearts of young maidens, likened to a variety of flowers.
The melody and lyrics blend beautifully, creating a masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.
A film of the same title was produced in 1977, and the song has continued to be cherished by many over the years.
It’s a perfect choice not only for those who want to sing enka at karaoke, but also for anyone seeking a song that speaks to the heart.
Why not revisit your youthful memories through Chiyoko Shimakura’s voice?