[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!
- [For Men] Masterpiece Enka Songs with High Difficulty
- [2026] Enka Songs That Are Hard to Sing – Male Singers Edition
- [Enka] Songs That Are Easy to Sing Even for the Tone-Deaf [Male Singer Edition]
- [2026] Amazing if you can sing them! Enka Masterpieces [Women Singers Edition]
- 【2026】Recommended Enka by Male Singers with Captivating High Notes
- [2026] Easy Enka Songs Recommended for Karaoke – Male Singers Edition
- A roundup of male enka singers who represent the Showa era
- [2026] Easy-to-Sing Enka: From Timeless Classics to Recent Hits [Male Singers Edition]
- [2026] Recommended for those who find high notes difficult! Enka by male singers that you can sing in a low register
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Masterpieces for Karaoke — Male Singers Edition
- [2026] Enka’s Seventh Generation! A roundup of young enka singers
- [Male Singers Edition] The face of New Year’s Eve! Enka singers who appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen
- [2026] All-Time Enka Sales Ranking
[2026] Amazing if You Can Sing These! Classic Enka Songs [Male Singers Edition] (11–20)
rime iceHashi Yukio
It’s a classic of Showa-era kayōkyoku that remains beloved by many, a masterpiece released in 1966 that won the 8th Japan Record Award.
The lyrics, inspired by rime ice, beautifully express the poignancy of a lost love.
Yukio Hashi’s powerful yet delicate vocals vividly evoke the cold of winter and a sense of loneliness.
The melody features an arrangement rich in strings, reflecting the high level of craftsmanship typical of 1960s popular songs.
When singing it at karaoke, it’s important to channel deep emotion while keeping in mind Hashi’s excellent vocal projection and expressiveness.
Highly recommended for those carrying the ache of unrequited love, or for anyone who wants to master a classic of Showa-era kayōkyoku.
I can’t get drunk!Sanada Naoki
With his distinctive husky voice that stirs listeners’ hearts, Naoki Sanada’s latest work is marked by a heavy, triple-time rhythm.
Despite its driving, up-tempo feel, the portrayal of a man singing about life’s doubts and anxieties leaves a strong impression.
It transcends the boundaries of enka, resulting in a track that appeals to younger audiences as well.
Released in October 2023, the song reached No.
1 on the Oricon Enka/Kayō singles chart.
Created in collaboration with Ikuzo Yoshi, it fully brings out Sanada’s charm.
Ultimately, this is the kind of song that lives or dies by a voice like Sanada’s, so those accustomed to contemporary J-pop melodies may find it challenging.
If you can deliver this piece—showcasing Yoshi’s signature melodies and Sanada’s exceptional vocal and expressive power—there’s no doubt you’ll be the star of the day!
The Nightingale’s Unrequited LoveTakeshima Hiroshi
A piercing ache for a loved one grips the heart.
This song by Hiroshi Takeshima is a moving tale of tragic love inspired by an Andersen fairytale.
With heartfelt emotion, it portrays a nightingale’s pure resolve to risk its life to save the one it loves.
Released in June 2025 as his 30th single, it even hit No.
1 on the cable enka/kayōkyoku request rankings before it went on sale! Its dramatic melody and heart-grabbing vocals draw listeners irresistibly into the story’s world.
Be sure to listen closely!
The Northern CliffsYamauchi Keisuke
This work gives voice to a woman’s aching heart, as if the sea breeze were piercing her chest.
Released in February 2025 to commemorate Keisuke Yamauchi’s 25th anniversary since debut, it perfectly pairs his powerful vocals with a melody that conveys emotions with no place to go.
Set against the sheer cliffs of the north, it portrays lingering attachment, frustration, and a loss of hope for tomorrow.
It is a song that will surely stay close to the hearts of those bearing the pain of love.
Snow SongKimura Tetsuji
This is a work by Tetsuji Kimura that poignantly sings of snow swirling through the air.
While regretting past mistakes, the protagonist discovers renewal and hope, rendered alongside a beautiful melody.
Released in February 2025, this song is Kimura’s third single.
Through depictions of nature—snow, the moon, and the wind—it symbolically expresses the purification and rebirth of the human heart.
For those feeling lost in life, it may serve as a guiding light.
In conclusion
I’m sure each of you has your own points where certain kinds of songs feel difficult, but the songs I introduced this time will probably seem hard to sing perfectly not only for beginners but even for those who are used to singing enka.
As I mentioned at the beginning, I chose songs both old and new, so even if you only know classic enka, be sure to check out the latest enka and master them too!