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
Famous enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks (1–10)
North TavernHosokawa Takashi
A signature song by Takashi Hosokawa that portrays a man and woman seeking warmth on a chilly night.
Released in March 1982, it became a major hit, ranking fifth on that year’s Oricon annual charts and winning the Japan Record Award.
Its upbeat melody woven with heartrending lyrics captivates listeners and won’t let go.
Beginning with a fateful encounter in a northern tavern, the love story invites listeners to fond memories of an izakaya.
It’s a perfect track for the cold season and is sure to get the crowd going at karaoke.
Why not spend a heartwarming moment with friends and family?
cherry shellItsuki Hiroshi
This is a single released by Hiroshi Itsuki in 2014 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his entertainment career.
Although it was originally included on a 1997 album, the song was re-recorded and released as a single.
It reached No.
1 on the Oricon Enka/Kayō single chart dated March 31 and April 7, 2014, making it a fitting highlight for his 50th anniversary.
Woman’s DepartureMatsubara Nobue
A signature work by Nobue Matsubara that brought a fresh breeze to the world of enka.
The lyrics strikingly depict a woman’s delicate feelings and inner strength.
Centered on the theme of setting sail, it skillfully expresses the anticipation and anxiety of a new life, as well as the poignancy of parting.
Released in 1979, this song is also known as Matsubara’s debut single and won the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards that year.
Highly recommended not only for enka fans, but also for anyone standing at a crossroads in life.
Sing it at karaoke, and you’re sure to feel a moving resonance in your heart.
Enka masterpieces you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular songs (11–20)
Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri
If you want an enka-style love song, I recommend Sayuri Ishikawa’s “Amagi-goe.” If you sing it with heartfelt emotion—expressing the passionate feelings of a woman—right in front of the man you like and confess your love, he will surely accept your feelings.
“Amagi-goe” was released in July 1986, and MLB player Ichiro used it as his walk-up song during the 2008 season.
Boat SongYashiro Aki
One of Aki Yashiro’s signature songs, it was released in May 1979.
It has received numerous awards, including the Gold Prize at the 21st Japan Record Awards and the Broadcast Music Award at the 10th Japan Song Awards.
It’s no exaggeration to call this a treasured masterpiece of Japanese enka and kayōkyoku.
Yashiro’s vocals are truly magnificent—her powerful technique and expressive singing are something anyone can appreciate from the very first listen.
A solitary journey to MichinokuYamamoto Jōji
A signature song by Joji Yamamoto that portrays a love whose depth remains unchanged despite physical distance.
Through lyrical lyrics and melody, it expresses the feelings of a man traveling alone through the Tohoku region while harboring lingering attachment to the woman he parted from.
Released in August 1980, the piece propelled Yamamoto’s career to new heights.
It entered the Oricon Top 10 in the fall of 1981 and stayed within the top 10 for 22 consecutive weeks.
In the end, it became a massive hit, selling over 900,000 copies.
A moving track that resonates with those who, while burdened by the sorrow of farewell, strive to face forward and live on.
Heart SakeFuji Ayako
It was released in 1992 as Aya Fukuda’s third single.
It debuted at No.
6 on the Oricon chart and became her biggest hit.
The song sold over one million copies in total, earned Aya Fukuda the 25th Japan Cable Awards, and led to her first appearance at the 43rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It is cherished as one of her signature songs.