[2026] Recent hit enka songs: must-watch popular kayō tracks

Snow Storysakura zensen

[Enka/Pop Group - Sakura Zensen] 2nd Single: Snow Story [Official Video]

This is a grand ballad depicting a winter scene by Sakura Zensen, a three-piece group that fuses visual kei with enka-kayō.

Written and composed by member Tsukasa Mogamigawa, the song expresses the bittersweetness of a snowy night and vows of love with dramatic live strings.

As you listen, beautiful winter scenery and burning emotions wash over you like a scene from a film.

Released on December 16, 2025, this second single became a hot topic, following their previous work by taking No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Enka/Kayō chart.

Their unique worldbuilding transcends genre boundaries and captures many hearts.

As the weather turns colder, it’s perfect for immersing yourself in its story in a warm room, or for listening while thinking of someone special.

You can just cry.Futami Souichi

Soichi Futami “You Can Cry” MUSIC VIDEO

Souichi Futami’s song is a poignant love ballad that sings of deep feelings for a beloved person from whom one has been separated.

It features a sweeping melody and dynamic arrangement, with Futami’s clear, translucent vocals brilliantly conveying the song’s emotions.

Released in August 2024, the composition was handled by singer-songwriter Takao Horiuchi.

Futami won the Grand Prix at the Nippon Crown newcomer audition in 2017, marking his debut.

This work resonates with listeners who have experienced the pain of parting or loss.

Its heartfelt lyrics and refreshing vocals make it a captivating track.

With hot water (mixed with hot water)Hayama Mizuki

Mizuki Hayama “With Hot Water” MUSIC VIDEO

This is a song released by Mizuki Hayama in December 2025.

It portrays the exchanged glances across the counter of a small Japanese eatery and the intimate atmosphere after closing time when only the two remain.

Crafted as a light, folk-tinged enka number, its understated, warm sound is imbued with Hayama’s gentle vocal inflections, slowly soaking into the listener’s heart.

The composition is by her mentor, Yuh Hijikawa, with arrangement by Shunichi Makaino, who is active on both kayō and pop fronts.

This lineup creates a pleasing sonic image that never fatigues the ear.

spring stormWakayama Kazusa

Kazusa Wakayama / Spring Storm (Haru-arashi)

As the title suggests, this is a classic enka song that overlays a woman’s heart—forever waiting for the man who left—with the imagery of a spring storm.

Released in December 2025, the track features lyrics by Shinichi Ishihara and composition by Hideo Mizumori, with a minor-key melody that carefully weaves a sense of longing.

Unable to forget the one she loves… some listeners may even feel a connection to their own memories.

Take your time and savor the emotion.

moored boatMifune Kazuko

Kazuko Mifune “Moinaibune (Mooring Boat)” MV [Official]

Sixty years after her 1965 debut, a single symbolizing that journey was released in October 2025.

This work, which overlays the feelings of two lovers who cannot be together onto a boat, is a classic enka that captures the subtleties of a heartrending romance.

The emotive lyrics by Chiyo Yoshimi, the wistful melody by Chiaki Oka, and the arrangement by Tatsuo Matsui—fusing tradition with a contemporary sonic balance—are in splendid harmony.

Moreover, Kazuko Mifune’s richly expressive vocals vividly convey the rising passion from the conversational A-melody to the soaring chorus.

A track to savor slowly.