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[2026] Amazing If You Can Sing It! Classic Enka Masterpieces [Male Singers Edition]

Everyone, do you sing enka at karaoke?

Enka has many famous songs that are known across all ages and genders, so I’m sure many of you include them in your repertoire.

Of course, the enka genre itself demands advanced vocal skills, but this time we’re introducing difficult enka songs that, in many respects, would definitely make people say “That’s amazing if you can sing it.”

Whether it’s overwhelming long tones, tricky rhythm, or the need for expressive power—if you overcome all these hurdles and pull it off, you’ll be the star of the karaoke session that day.

This article features songs by male singers, but we also have a separate article compiling songs by female singers, so be sure to check that out too!

[2026] Impressive if You Can Sing Them! Enka Masterpieces [Male Singers Edition] (1–10)

Kokoro KaleidoscopeYamauchi Keisuke

Keisuke Yamauchi “Kokoro Kaleidoscope” Music Video
Kokoro KaleidoscopeYamauchi Keisuke

The song released by Keisuke Yamauchi in 2023 is an expressive enka piece that likens the folds of the heart to a kaleidoscope.

Its unique worldview—woven from emotionally rich lyrics and a modern arrangement that transcends the traditional bounds of enka—is truly captivating.

Yamauchi’s exceptional vocal prowess is on full display, resonating deeply with listeners.

This work drew attention as an ambitious attempt to pioneer a new frontier in enka.

Conveying the subtleties of life and the heart’s shifting emotions embedded in the lyrics is no easy task.

When singing it at karaoke, it’s important to be mindful of Yamauchi’s delicate expressiveness while delivering it with your own interpretation.

It’s a song I’d recommend not only to enka fans but also to those with a modern sensibility who are eager to take on something new.

Castle of White CloudsHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Castle of White Clouds [Official]
Castle of White CloudsHikawa Kiyoshi

A song marked by an unforgettable, grand melody and emotionally rich lyrics.

Kiyoshi Hikawa’s passionate vocals beautifully capture the fragility of life and the relentless passage of time.

Released in 2003, this track was included on the album “Mata-tabi Enka Meikyoku-sen II,” winning the hearts of enka fans.

If you sing it at karaoke, you’ll need a wide vocal range and powerful expressiveness, but if you immerse yourself in the world of the lyrics, it’s sure to resonate with listeners.

It’s also a recommended piece for those interested in Japanese traditions and culture.

Sake DropletsMioka Shota

[MV] Shota Mitsuoka / Sake Shizuku (full ver.)
Sake DropletsMioka Shota

The appeal of enka, a genre sung and passed down since long ago, has not faded even in the Reiwa era.

Released in 2020, this song is a labor of love by young enka singer Shota Mitsuoka.

Centered on themes of hometown pride and sibling bonds, it vividly conveys the bittersweet feelings of a protagonist who has left their hometown.

Mitsuoka’s rich, resonant voice turns it into a masterpiece that truly sinks into the listener’s heart.

While it adheres to the classic enka style, it also features modern arrangements, earning support from a wide range of generations.

When singing it at karaoke, take care with the powerful melody and the emotionally expressive lyrics.

If you can sing it with the same feeling as Mitsuoka, you’re sure to be the hero of the day.

[2026] Amazing if You Can Sing These! Classic Enka Songs [Male Singers Edition] (11–20)

Cape KamuiHosokawa Takashi

Takashi Hosokawa, a grand master beloved in living rooms across Japan for his powerful high notes honed through folk songs and his larger-than-life personality.

Marking the major milestone of 50 years in his art, he released the second commemorative single in January 2026: “Kamui Misaki.” Set at Cape Kamui on the Shakotan Peninsula in his home of Hokkaido, it’s a full-fledged enka number that pours unreachable longing into the rough waves and winds of the Sea of Japan.

The music video, created entirely with AI, also drew attention for its outlandish concept of him blasting into space dressed as a ninja.

Prepare to be overwhelmed by his unwavering vocal power!

marine snowjero

Jero – Sea Snow (Music Video)
marine snowjero

This is the memorable debut single of an enka singer who made a sensational debut.

With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and music by Ryudo Uzaki, it not only became a hit but also set various records for an enka song—a true classic.

The track itself is highly elaborate, blending enka elements with straightforward J-pop-style development and a funky rhythm; within this multifaceted production, you can truly appreciate Jero’s exceptional vocal ability as he delivers a flawless performance.

Beyond the wide vocal range the melody demands, it’s also a very difficult song to sing at karaoke.

Listen to the original repeatedly and practice until the rhythm and melody are ingrained in your body!

HeadlightNiinuma Kenji

In the 1970s, Kenji Niinuma shot to stardom with hit songs like “Yome ni Konai ka.” Known for his overwhelming vocal power and expressive range, one of his signature songs is a classic released in 1977 with lyrics by Yū Aku and music by Hiroshi Tokuhisa.

The lyrics, which liken the feelings of a man and woman leaving Tokyo to the glow of car headlights, symbolically portray a break with the past and hope for the future.

Niinuma’s powerful yet heartrending vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

The song reached No.

12 on the Oricon weekly chart and was performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

If you’re singing it at karaoke, you’ll need considerable practice, as it demands careful expression of subtle emotions as well as strong high notes.

It’s a song I’d especially recommend to anyone standing at a turning point in life.

Pardon me.Ōe Yutaka

Hiroshi Oe “Gomen Nasutte” Music Video
Pardon me.Ōe Yutaka

While evoking the tradition of traveling-hero enka, this captivating song also carries a modern breath.

Set to a lively, rhythmic melody, it sings of the wanderer’s resolve and inner conflict, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in October 2016, the piece drew attention as a work that opened a new frontier for Hiroshi Oe.

If you sing it at karaoke, the key is to ride the rhythm with a light touch while being mindful of a wide vocal range—from powerful low notes to soaring highs.

It’s a song I’d especially recommend to those who feel lost in life or are about to take a new step forward.