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)
companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)Makimura Mieko
If you have someone you want to marry, the best song to sing in place of a proposal is “Michizure.” As the title suggests, its lyrics express the wish to walk through life together.
The actor Tetsuya Watari originally sang it, but when Mieko Makimura asked him for permission to sing the song, it was released as her record.
Overflowing with chivalry, Watari decided it wouldn’t be good for Makimura if there were two versions of the same song, so he took his own “Michizure” out of print.
Blue Night in SapporoHakozaki Shinichiro
Shinichiro Hakozaki, who sings Blue Night in Sapporo, is an enka singer who debuted in 1969.
He is a master of using falsetto in the middle of songs, and with his sweet voice he was an exceptional talent at expressing the bittersweet feelings of a woman’s heart.
This song is a hidden enka masterpiece, and if you sing it at karaoke, it will surely leave a deep impression of you on any woman present.
Life is like a Naniwa-bushi (a melodramatic ballad).Hosokawa Takashi
My recommendation for an enka song to sing when you want to blow off stress is “Naniwabushi da yo Jinsei wa.” Its relentlessly cheerful melody makes you feel refreshed as you sing.
In today’s society, where stress tends to build up, belting out songs at karaoke to loosen up your mood is important.
Pour your heart into a bright enka tune and recharge your energy for tomorrow.
Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks (81–90)
The person I fell in love withMiyako Harumi
Harumi Miyako’s “Suki ni Natta Hito” was released in September 1968, so it’s quite an old song, but I remember being impressed when I saw the TV personality Risa Yoshiki sing it on a TV show once.
When a young woman sings this song, the unexpected contrast makes it interesting, and it can leave those around her with a fresh impression of a new, appealing personality.
Still in YokohamaKadamatsu Miyuki
Set against the port city of Yokohama, Miyuki Kadomatsu’s new song portrays a bittersweet love.
Known for her expansive, powerful vocals, this time she delivers a lingering-love ballad with a gentle melody that harmonizes with Yokohama’s cityscape.
Released in July 2024, it is her sixth single.
A release concert was held the same day, providing a chance to deepen connections with fans.
Why not let the scenery and atmosphere of Yokohama wash over you as you reflect on a bittersweet love that everyone has felt at least once? It’s sure to be a song that resonates deeply in your heart.
Otaru no hito yoTsuruoka Masayoshi to Tokyo Romanchika
A heart-touching classic set in Otaru, Hokkaido.
It beautifully depicts snow-swirling scenery and the poignancy of heartbreak.
Released in September 1967 as the debut single of Masayoshi Tsuruoka and Tokyo Romantica, it became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the weekly Oricon chart.
In 1969, it was also selected as the theme song for Toei’s TV drama “Kiri no Roman: Otaru no Onna,” further boosting its popularity.
If you’re singing it at karaoke, winter is the ideal season.
With its mellow mood, it’s perfect for moments when you want to reminisce about love.
It’s a must-listen not only for fans of enka but also for younger listeners who want to savor the atmosphere of the Showa era.
freezing rainKayama Akio
“Hisame” is an enka mood song with a romantic atmosphere that begins with a bittersweet melody.
The song became a major hit in the early 1980s, with both Akio Kayama and Mika Hino releasing their own records of it.
It was also enka singer Akio Kayama’s debut single (1977) and won the Long-Seller Award at the 25th Japan Record Awards.