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 (71–80)
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.
Wharf of TransienceYamauchi Keisuke
This is a single released by Keisuke Yamauchi in 2016, which debuted at No.
5 on the Oricon chart—his first-ever top-five entry since his debut.
Following his previous release, Spotlight, it became another hit for him.
Known for his handsome features and especially popular among women, he is regarded as one of the promising young enka singers to watch.
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?
Aizen Katsura Once MoreShimazu Aya
Aya Shimazu is one of Japan’s leading enka singers.
While she is known for her wide-ranging musicality, she also boasts overwhelming vocal prowess in the enka genre.
Speaking of her signature songs, this is the one.
This piece, which passionately expresses deep gratitude to a father and memories of youth, was released in October 2012.
Set against the nightscape of Tokyo, its lyrics portraying life’s challenges and hopes strike a chord.
It’s recommended not only for enka fans but also for anyone who wants to feel the love of family and the truths of life.
Aya Shimazu’s emotionally rich voice will gently warm your heart.
Two-person sakekawanaka miyuki
It is a single released by Miyuki Kawanaka in 1980, said to have become a hit thanks to the popularity of the late-night Cultural Broadcasting program “Hashire! Kayōkyoku,” on which Kawanaka served as the host at the time.
Selling over one million copies, it became one of Kawanaka’s signature songs and was performed three times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
My shopShin Gorō
A triple-meter kayōkyoku by Shingorō Shin, inspired by a real bar in Saitama Prefecture.
The lyrics, told from a regular’s perspective, feature three archetypes: the guy living alone, the married guy, and the first-timer.
Shin’s warm voice gently sings of the bonds among the people who gather at the bar.
Released in January 2024, the song drew attention as his first single after moving to Nippon Crown.
It’s a track you’ll want to savor slowly with your favorite drink in hand—perfect not only for enka fans, but also for anyone longing for the cozy glow of a neighborhood pub.