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 classics you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular songs (21–30)
full moonGodai Natsuko
It was released in 2000 as Natsuko Godai’s 15th single.
The song was unveiled as an original track for the NHK TV program “Comedy: Oedo de Gozaru,” in which Godai was a regular cast member.
Featuring an intro that begins with the sound of an electric guitar, it differs significantly from her previous songs and was crafted as a grand, expansive piece that opened up new ground for her.
She performed it at the 51st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Longing for RainYashiro Aki
Aki Yashiro has a slightly husky, high-toned, lustrous voice that is wonderful, and just listening to her songs draws you into the world of Aki Yashiro.
“Ame no Bojo” is a song I want to sing when I feel like laying bare the feelings of a woman that I hold inside.
Released in 1980, the song swept numerous awards, including the 22nd Japan Record Award.
Enka Classics You’ll Want to Sing at Karaoke: Recommended Popular Songs (31–40)
The Camellia Sasanqua InnŌkawa Eisaku
Known as one of Eisaku Okawa’s signature songs, this work is a classic enka piece that portrays a heartrending love.
Its lyrics, centered on an illicit affair, are striking, and the bittersweet feelings of the man and woman—likened to the scarlet blossoms of the sasanqua—resonate deeply.
Released in 1982, the song sold over 1.8 million copies and drew great attention, including a debut in the Oricon Top 10 in 1983.
Sung at karaoke, its emotionally rich melody and lyrics are sure to move listeners.
It’s a recommended choice for those who want to express the sorrow and complex emotions of love.
A Doll’s HouseHirota Mieko
A timeless classic representing the Showa era and one of Mieko Hirota’s signature songs.
Its poignant lyrics and beautiful melody strike a deep chord.
The lyrics, which depict the sorrow of a woman who lived for love by likening her to a doll covered in dust, are particularly memorable.
Released in October 1969, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts and was also included on an album of the same name.
It has been covered by many artists and even featured in popular anime such as Sazae-san.
Perfect for times when you want to soothe the pain of heartbreak or savor the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa period.
Why not immerse yourself in the heartfelt lyrics along with Hirota’s vocals?
Come back.Matsumura Kazuko
Kazuko Matsumura’s “Kaette Koi yo,” brightly and energetically sung with a shamisen on her shoulder, is a karaoke cheer-up song perfect for farewell parties when a coworker has been demoted and transferred to a regional post, helping lift their spirits.
“Kaette Koi yo” was released in April 1980 and was Kazuko Matsumura’s debut single.
Rainbow BayonHikawa Kiyoshi
It was released in 2010 as Kiyoshi Hikawa’s 21st single.
The song has a Showa-era kayōkyoku style, and he performed it at the 61st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2010.
It reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, and the chorus is crafted to make it easy to add call-and-response chants, resulting in a track that’s quintessentially Kiyoshi Hikawa.
Love SongMaekawa Kiyoshi
The resonance of the saxophone in the intro sharply enhances the song’s appeal, and the melody flows with a gentle tone.
Try singing this as a love song in front of the woman you like.
It will surely create the perfect moment to capture her heart.
“Koiuta” was released by Teichiku Records in July 2007.