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)
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.
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.