[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!
- [Karaoke] A roundup of songs that are easy for women to sing!
- Songs that make it easy to practice vibrato / Recommended songs for those who want to practice
- Even karaoke beginners can relax! Easy-to-sing songs for men
- [Men] Enka Songs That Can Score High in Karaoke
- Easy-to-sing enka: A roundup of recommended enka songs for karaoke
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Masterpieces for Karaoke — Male Singers Edition
- [For Women] A roundup of enka songs that can score high in karaoke
- [2026] Easy Enka Songs for Karaoke: Recommended Picks — Women Singers Edition
- A must-see for low-voiced women! Popular songs that are easy to sing at karaoke
- [Karaoke] Songs That Make It Easy to Score High | From Classics to the Newest Hits
- Queen of Enka: A roundup of Aki Yashiro’s easy-to-sing songs
- Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
- Enka songs that are easy for men to sing: a roundup of tracks to try at karaoke
[Enka/Kayōkyoku] Challenge! A collection of songs that make it easy to use kobushi (vocal ornamentation) (1–10)
Brother ShipsToba Ichirō
A great song for practicing how to alternate between strong kobushi and gentle kobushi is Ichiro Toba’s “Kyodai-bune” (Brother Ship).
One of the most important elements for singing enka well is applying good yoku-yo.
When yoku-yo is in place, you can sing with rich emotion, making it indispensable for enka.
Yoku-yo also relates to how you add kobushi.
For example, if you’re singing gently but tense up at the kobushi part and sing that spot strongly, it will sound unnatural.
Once you can control yoku-yo, including in your kobushi, you’ll be able to perform enka more authentically.
Oh, sake!Yoshi Ikuzo
Isn’t this exactly what you’d call a voice that pierces the heart? It’s a piece by Ikuzo Yoshi, a singer from Aomori Prefecture also known for “Oretara Tokyo Sa Iguda,” released as a single in 1988.
The melody lets the words spill out one by one, and it really makes you feel reflective, too.
Since it’s a song with a relaxed tempo and pauses, you should have room to add vocal ornaments to each phrase.
I think it’d be nice to try arranging it in your own style as well.
Nambu Cicada ChorusFukuda Kouhei
Kohei Fukuda, who has the unusual background of being a former office worker, is a unique figure in the enka world.
His debut song, “Nambu Semi Shigure,” is recommended for those who have just started practicing enka.
The song is characterized by having few notes in its melody and frequent use of long tones—sustaining the voice for a fixed length.
The kobushi technique involves moving the pitch up and down using vowels, so it’s easier to practice when there’s more space between notes than in songs packed with lyrics and melody.
For that reason, songs with many long tones are well-suited to practicing kobushi.
[Enka/Kayōkyoku] Challenge! A collection of songs that make it easy to use kobushi (vocal ornamentation) (11–20)
Zundoko-bushiHikawa Kiyoshi
Famous for its call-and-response interjections, “Kiyoshi no Zundoko Bushi” is a song released in 2002 by enka singer Kiyoshi Hikawa and is often cited as one of his signature tracks.
There are two types of kobushi (ornamental vocal turns): one that shifts the pitch up and down, and another that briefly mixes in falsetto.
In this song, especially in the A-melody, both types of kobushi are used frequently.
It becomes clear when you listen to his own performance.
If you’ve only just started practicing kobushi, trying to sing exactly like him may feel difficult.
So first, aim to add a kobushi once per phrase.
That way, you can practice at your own pace and steadily improve your kobushi.
Once you’re comfortable, try switching between the two types!
Dotonbori SentimentTendō Yoshimi
This is one of Yoshimi Tendo’s signature songs and a classic that is often cited as emblematic of Osaka.
It expresses deep affection for the city where she was born and raised, as well as pride in being a person of Osaka.
The song unfolds with a powerful yet gentle atmosphere, evoking a warm feeling like reminiscing about one’s hometown.
Through the use of kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), it conveys the stirring of a discouraged heart and a strong resolve being forged.
With its relaxed tempo, it’s a piece well-suited for steadily mastering each kobushi, one by one.
North TavernHosokawa Takashi
Let’s learn the kobushi technique using one of the greatest hits by enka legend Takashi Hosokawa, “Kita Sakaba”! Kobushi is a technique where you raise and lower the pitch in an instant.
Surprisingly, having a sense of speed can be important.
To grasp that feeling of “in an instant,” it’s also a good idea to choose a fast-tempo song.
This is a must-try song for those who have learned to apply a deep kobushi in slower songs and want to level up.
Once you can incorporate kobushi into any song, you’ll be able to sing with greater confidence.
snow camelliaKobayashi Sachiko
Sing an authentic-style song and let the kobushi vocal nuance soak into your body! This is a popular track by veteran singer Sachiko Kobayashi, who is supported by younger generations as well.
It was released in 1987 as her 43rd single.
The song was created based on Kobayashi’s hometown and memories, and it evokes a deep sense of nostalgia when you listen to it.
You might even find images of your own parents coming to mind.
That reaction surely comes from her relaxed, resonant singing that moves the heart.
Practice thoroughly so you can make that expression your own!