[Enka/Kayōkyoku] Challenge! A collection of songs that make it easy to put in kobushi (melismatic embellishments)

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

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 ornaments) (21–30)

evening drinkNakamura Mitsuko

evening drink

evening drinkNakamura Mitsuko

Mitsuko Nakamura’s poignant classic “Banshaku” (Evening Drink).

While she is renowned for her “man’s songs,” this piece is especially known as one of her most popular in that style.

True to Nakamura’s roots in the Kawachi Ondo tradition, the song primarily employs the hiccup technique, which flips the voice.

The ornamentation (kobushi) that uses this hiccup is less difficult than that of typical enka, resulting in a vocal line that’s easier for beginners to sing.

In addition, the tempo is particularly slow even among her works, and there are well-placed rests before executing the kobushi, which also makes it easier to perform.

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Forgetfulness SakeNakamura Mitsuko

Forgetfulness Sake

Forgetfulness SakeNakamura Mitsuko

Mitsuko Nakamura’s classic “Wasure-zake” is memorable for its orthodox phrasing.

Because it’s solidly enka, the number of kobushi (melismatic turns) is fairly high, but the overall difficulty is low since the song’s kobushi incorporate a hiccup-style flip into falsetto.

Among the various types of kobushi, the flipping kind is relatively easy to sing; however, if the key is too low, the voice may not flip, so it’s best to set the key slightly on the high side.

The vocal range itself is on the narrow side, so boldly raising the key is recommended.

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In conclusion

After all, starting with famous enka or kayōkyoku might be the easiest! Don’t overthink it—begin by choosing songs that feel good to sing, and then polish the technical aspects afterward.

I’d love to hear your passionate kobushi—really make it count!