[2026] Compilation of Enka Singers from Kumamoto

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.

When you hear “Kumamoto Prefecture and enka,” which singers or songs come to mind?

There’s the legendary enka singer born in Kumamoto, Sayuri Ishikawa, who sang the local Kumamoto song Hinokuni e.

And while she isn’t from Kumamoto, many will also recall Fuyumi Sakamoto scoring a hit with another classic Kumamoto local song, Hinokuni no Onna.

In this article, we’ve put together a roundup of enka singers hailing from Kumamoto, the so-called “Land of Fire.”

Be sure to check it out.

[2026] Compilation of Enka Singers from Kumamoto (11–20)

patrinia (Japanese valerian)Nishikawa Hitomi

[MV Full Chorus] Hitomi Nishikawa “Ominaeshi” [Official]

patrinia (Japanese valerian)Nishikawa Hitomi

Hitomi Nishikawa is an enka singer from Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, who was born the daughter of a rokyokushi (narrative singer) and nurtured her passion for singing while growing up on the road around stages from an early age.

She debuted in 1994 under the name Hitomi Nishimura, releasing songs such as “Beppu Kōro” (Beppu Route).

After a temporary hiatus, she made her re-debut in 2005 as Hitomi Nishikawa.

With emotionally rich songs like “Yorisoi-bana” and “Haha Koi Tayori,” she has captured the hearts of enka fans.

Nishikawa’s appeal lies in her deep, resonant voice and expressive emotional delivery, and her performances in kimono leave a strong impression.

While honoring the traditions of enka, her voice also resonates with contemporary audiences, and her future endeavors are eagerly anticipated.

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In conclusion

In researching enka singers from Kumamoto Prefecture for this article, I was struck by how many legendary female artists it has produced, such as Aki Yashiro, Sayuri Ishikawa, and Kiyoko Suizenji, as mentioned at the beginning.

Of course, there are many captivating male singers as well, so if you’re interested in enka singers that Kumamoto is proud of, please use this article as a starting point and delve deeper!