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[Enka/Kayōkyoku] Challenge! A collection of songs that make it easy to put in kobushi (melismatic embellishments)
The “kobushi” you often hear about in Enka singing refers to a technique where you momentarily raise and lower the pitch of the vowel in the sung melody.
The phrase “apply kobushi” means using this expressive technique to add variation to the melody and convey emotion—essentially serving as a spice for the song.
In this article, we’ll introduce recommended songs for those who are about to try “kobushi.” Since “kobushi” is a technique, proper practice is, of course, necessary to master it.
As a first step, try tackling the songs listed here!
[Enka/Kayōkyoku] Challenge! A collection of songs that make it easy to use kobushi (vocal ornamentation) (1–10)
Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari
Isn’t it a timeless classic that’s deeply rooted in everyone’s heart? The Shōwa-era songstress Hibari Misora’s smash hit “Like the Flow of the River.” Released in 1989, it has been cherished for many years since.
I bet many of you already sing it often at karaoke.
Her voice traces each word so carefully that your eyes grow moist as you listen.
Beyond vocal tricks like kobushi, the best way to practice singing is to take on songs you love! It might also help to have a skilled singer perform it so you can use them as a reference.
Blues of the DawnItsuki Hiroshi
Thanks to the percussion timbre, I think you can really get into the groove when singing it! It’s a huge hit by singer Hiroshi Itsuki, released in 2012.
The lyrics evoke the melancholy of a man set in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, and as the title suggests, the bluesy feel of the song is striking.
As you listen, it makes you want to sing it yourself! It’s rhythmic, but the melody isn’t particularly fast, so as long as you decide where to add your vocal inflections, you should be able to handle it.
And of course, you’ll want to bring out that “mature, rugged coolness.”
Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri
Why not start by getting the classics and famous songs down first? Here’s one of singer Sayuri Ishikawa’s signature tracks, “Amagi-goe.” Released as a single in 1986, it won the Gold Prize at the Japan Record Awards.
It remains popular even today, long after its release, with numerous cover versions by well-known artists and frequent performances on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Although the song is quite challenging to sing, listening to the phrase at the end of the chorus—the quintessential “kobushi”—will help you understand what kobushi is all about.
Start by imitating the singing style!
Bond ~ KizunaShimazu Etsuko
If you sing a quintessential enka number, you might naturally pick up the kobushi (ornamental vocal turns).
This song by Etsuko Shimazu, an enka singer from Kagoshima Prefecture, was released as a single in 2022.
The lyrics, which sing of the “bonds” with a loved one that blossomed precisely because of the long time spent together, are truly moving.
It follows a classic enka style, so you should be able to learn the basics of how to sing it.
If you focus only on the tempo, you’ll have less and less room to add kobushi, so try to stay calm and be mindful of your vocal production.
Loved by anyoneYamauchi Keisuke
It’s a sad love song that sings of thinking about someone no matter how you’re treated or how far apart you are.
It’s a track by enka singer Keisuke Yamauchi—also known for hits like “Furen-ko”—and it was released as a single in 2022.
The fragile melody and his steady, resonant voice blend in a way that pierces the heart.
And of course, the lyrics’ worldview is what stirs up that sentimental mood.
The message of “thinking of someone” moves people’s hearts in any era.
By all means, sing it with all your might, putting plenty of vibrato into it!
Lost in the cityIwaide Kazuya
Let’s practice polite kobushi so that it comes out naturally when you sing! This is a work by singer Kazuya Iwade from Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture, released as a single in 2022.
The wistful melody—reminiscent of a trendy drama theme song—pairs perfectly with lyrics about searching for the image of an unforgettable ex-lover, creating a heart-wrenching finish.
You can’t help but relate it to your own experiences, can you? The singing style blends kobushi and vibrato, so you should be able to practice both.
Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko
Because the melody is made up of a series of short vocal phrases, it’s relatively easy to sense where to add subtle ornamentation (kobushi).
This is a signature song by singer Chiyoko Shimakura, released as a single in 1987.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Sandoshima.” The breezy, matter-of-fact lyrics seem to capture the essence of humanity, making it a piece you’ll want to keep tucked in a corner of your heart forever.
Since it’s not a song where you dig in and use strong kobushi, it might be best to stay natural and aim for just a slight “wavering” in the melody.