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

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.

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The Nightingale’s Unrequited LoveTakeshima Hiroshi

Hiroshi Takeshima “The Nightingale’s Unrequited Love” Music Video
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!

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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.

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The Northern CliffsYamauchi Keisuke

Keisuke Yamauchi “Cliffs of the North” Music Video
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.

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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!