[Tears and Alcohol] A Collection of Kaori Kozai’s Easy-to-Sing Songs [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.

Kaori Kozai has a unique background: she was active as a folk song (minyo) singer from a young age, then worked as a bank employee before embarking on a career in enka.

Her debut single, “Ame Sakaba” (Rain Tavern), became a long-running hit and earned her the New Artist Award at the 30th Japan Record Awards.

Since then, she has been active across a wide range of genres, not only in enka but also in pop, releasing songs for which she herself has written the lyrics.

To be honest, imitating Ms.

Kozai’s highly refined vocal technique—honed through minyo—is difficult for beginners.

However, the songs introduced here are relatively easy to sing, so if you want to try singing Kozai’s songs but feel unsure, please use this as a reference.

[Tears and Sake] A Collection of Kaori Kozai’s Easy-to-Sing Songs [2026] (11–20)

Unreachable feelingsKouzai Kaori

Todokanu Omoi

Unreachable feelingsKouzai Kaori

This work portrays a protagonist single-heartedly longing for a former lover.

It’s a song by Kaori Kozai, slated for release in July 2025.

The heartrending desire to meet, if only in dreams, comes through clearly and tightens the chest.

Her wistful vocals further deepen the piece’s dramatic quality.

Those who carry indelible memories of a lost love will likely find themselves deeply empathizing with its aching emotions.

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In conclusion

Focusing on themes like “tears and alcohol,” Kaori Kozai’s songs portray a variety of female figures, and there are many tracks that even those who aren’t enka fans will want to try singing.

At the same time, as mentioned at the outset, it’s true that the melodies—delivered with the powerful vocal technique Kozai honed through folk singing—are challenging.

Still, using the songs introduced here as a reference, I recommend finding ones that feel singable for you and practicing them!