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

For real☆Why though?☆I dunno, thoughNEW!Monaki

Monaki – Honma yade☆ Nande ya nen☆ Shiran kedo (Official Music Video)

Monaki is a male kayō chorus group produced by Kazuyoshi Sakai.

Their debut single, “Honma yade☆Nandeyanen☆Shirankedo,” released in April 2026, is an uptempo number with Kansai-dialect phrases that stick in your head.

Its sound blends approachability with the high energy of a tokusatsu-style song, and it features an irresistibly singable melody line.

I think it’s perfect for getting hyped with friends at karaoke.

Back Alley Fireflieskoori kenta

Kenta Koori “Backstreet Firefly” [Official Full Chorus MV]

Kenta Koori’s new song, which portrays a heartrending love inspired by the glow of fireflies blooming in back alleys, is creating a buzz.

Commemorating the 15th anniversary of his debut, this gem of a ballad features lyrics by Naoto Takahashi, composition by Satoshi Hibara, and arrangement by Koichi Takeuchi.

It fully expresses the world of the “onna-uta” style that is Koori’s true forte, resonating deeply with listeners’ hearts.

Released in September 2024, the single also includes a karaoke version.

Together with the B-side track “Otaru… Hitori Tabi,” it delivers exactly what enka fans are hoping for.

Highly recommended for those who want to feel the subtleties of human relationships and the ache of unrequited love.

246Sanada Naoki

Naoki Sanada “246” Music Video

A rousing Reiwa-era kayōkyoku set against National Route 246 has arrived from Naoki Sanada.

The lyrics, penned by his mentor Ikuzo Yoshi, depict a drive where two people enjoy their time alone together.

Filled with freedom and hope, the words are sure to resonate with listeners.

Released digitally in April 2024, this track showcases Sanada’s powerful vocals.

It’s perfect not only for driving, but also for those moments when you need an extra boost in daily life—sure to give listeners a push forward.

Alone in Nagoya at the end of a loveNEW!Mizumori Kaori

Kaori Mizumori “Alone in Nagoya at the End of Love” MV Full Chorus (Released March 31, 2026) [Official]

Kaori Mizumori, who continues to enjoy overwhelming support as the queen of local-themed songs, offers a track that, while centered on heartbreak, features a bright, major-key melody that feels refreshing.

It includes a wordplay that links “Owari,” the old provincial name around Nagoya, with the “owari” (end) of a romance, giving the song a certain uplifting clarity amid the sadness.

Why not listen to it while reflecting on past loves?

Travel it is, OjarumaruNEW!Hikawa Kiyoshi

Anime Ojarumaru Series 29 Ending Video / Ending Theme: Kiyoshi Hikawa “Tabi de Gozansu Ojarumaru”

The song “Tabi de Gozansu Ojarumaru,” released as a digital-only single in March 2026.

Written as the ending theme for E-TV’s long-running anime Ojarumaru, this piece is a “traveling minstrel enka” that beautifully fuses the approachability of anime songs with the formal elegance of enka.

With lyrics by Yukinojo Mori humorously portraying the joy of strolling through familiar neighborhoods, and a lively melody composed by Hideo Mizumori, it sets the heart dancing.

Its warm, sing-along-worthy world is its charm—perfect as a soundtrack for a walk or for fun moments with family.

Rain at Hase-dera — On the Yamato Road in Late AutumnNEW!Toba Ichirō

Rain at Hase-dera — Late Autumn on the Yamato Road

The single “Hasedera no Ame ~Banshū no Yamatoji~,” sung by Ichirō Toba, will be released in April 2026.

It was originally the B-side to the single “Tomobai yo,” released in February 2025, but was promoted to the title track thanks to strong local support.

Set at Hasedera, an ancient temple in Nara Prefecture, this local enka song portrays a man’s heart swaying with an unbreakable love.

Recommended for those nursing the pain of heartbreak.

I’ll give you everything.Shinhama Reon

Leon Niihama "I'll Give You Everything" Music Video (Full Ver.) [Official]

This piece can truly be called a new-era enka, with the potential to be loved across generations.

Released in February 2024 by Leon Niihama, it was created by a star-studded team: lyrics and composition by George Tokoro and production by Noritake Kinashi.

It presents a new genre—an energetic, sexy “return-of-the-star-style kayō rock”—delivering a track that resonates not only with traditional enka fans but also with younger listeners.

The lyrics, which sing of devoted love for a cherished person, are sure to strike a deep chord with listeners.

With its potential to ignite live performances, this song seems perfect for enjoying together with fans at concert venues.

Packed with Niihama’s bold new challenge, it’s a track you’ll definitely want to check out.