[Sub-chan] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Saburo Kitajima [2026]

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Saburo Kitajima is a priceless treasure whose name is etched in the history of Japanese popular music, transcending the boundaries of enka.

He has sung numerous famous songs that almost every Japanese person has heard, and he remains a rare figure who continues to showcase his multifaceted talents—not only as a singer, but also as an actor and as a lyricist-composer under the name Gen Hyoji.

As an enka singer, he has a voice you can recognize the instant you hear it.

His rich vocal power and soaring high notes are so remarkable that even an untrained ear can appreciate them.

While it may be difficult to sing like Kitajima, in this article we’ve researched and compiled a selection of his many classics that are comparatively easy to sing.

[Sub-chan] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Saburo Kitajima [2026] (11–20)

YumetoKitajima Saburō

Yumeto

YumetoKitajima Saburō

Among Saburo Kitajima’s works, this one stands out for its distinctive, unconventional melody.

While it retains some enka elements, the melody is entirely pop, incorporating shades of Chinese pop and neo-soul.

The vocal line is very simple in a pop-like way, without the dramatic pitch leaps typical of enka, making it undeniably easy to sing.

However, the overall range is wider than in his usual songs, so be sure to prepare your voice properly before starting to sing.

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I go my own wayKitajima Saburō

I go my own way

I go my own wayKitajima Saburō

A song packed with the weight of a life, powerfully affirming the path one has walked.

Released as a single in November 2025, it drew attention for extending an unprecedented streak of 64 consecutive yearly releases since his debut.

An album of the same name was released alongside it, distilling Saburo Kitajima’s unwavering conviction as he remains active even at age 88.

It portrays a man’s resolve to face hardships—rain and storms—head-on.

The arrangement moves from a steady, resonant low-mid register to a soaring chorus, lighting a passionate fire in the listener’s heart.

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In conclusion

As mentioned at the beginning, even after concluding his final concert in 2022, Kitajima has made it clear that he is not “retiring” and will continue singing and performing on stage at his own pace—truly a model of a lifelong active singer. I encourage you, especially those new to enka, to try singing the wonderful classic songs he has left behind while using this article as a guide!