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)
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.
Anemone flaccida (nirinsō; literally “two-flowered anemone”)kawanaka miyuki
A masterpiece themed around marital love is powerfully sung by Miyuki Kawanaka.
The feelings of a couple who care for each other even after quarrels are expressed through lyrics and melody that truly touch the heart.
Released in January 1998, the song is also known as the Heisei-era version of “Futari-zake” and became a major hit.
It won the Most Requested award on the cable radio rankings that year and earned multiple appearances at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s perfect not only for enka fans but also for couples and lovers who want to sing together at karaoke.
If you sing it while snuggling up to each other, it will surely become a wonderful memory.
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.
The Last DrinkKimura Tetsuji
A song by Tetsuji Kimura that brings a sweet, heartrending farewell vividly to life.
With a soda-and-barley drink before them, the lyrics capture the aching emotions of two people who have resolved to part.
Kimura’s powerful vocals convey both the sorrow and the beauty of goodbye, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in February 2024 and winner of the 65th Japan Record Awards New Artist Award, this track fully showcases Kimura’s talent.
Written by his older brother, Ryuzo Kimura, it’s a wonderful piece that also reflects the brothers’ bond.
It’s a song we especially recommend to anyone feeling the fragility of love or the pain of parting.
a pittanceKatsura Ginshuku
One of Kim Yonja’s signature songs, known for her husky, emotional vocals.
This deeply evocative enka portrays the feelings of a woman who tries to face a heartbreaking farewell with optimism.
Released in April 1987, it became a major hit, staying on the Oricon charts for 47 weeks.
She performed it at the 1988 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, leaving a lasting impression on many.
It’s also very popular in karaoke and beloved by people of all ages.
When facing a breakup or a crossroads in life, listening to this song may help soothe your heart.
Kim Yonja’s soul-stirring voice will surely be there to comfort you.
wintering swallowMori Masako
Masako Mori’s “Ettō Tsubame” is a classic enka masterpiece that poignantly sings of a woman’s bittersweet heart.
The composer of the song is Yoshihiko Shinohara.
The name might not conjure any particular image, but in fact, that is the real name of Hiroshi Madoka.
Surprisingly, this wonderful masterpiece, “Ettō Tsubame,” was written by Hiroshi Madoka.