[Enka] Songs That Are Easy to Sing Even for the Tone-Deaf [Male Singer Edition]

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

I want to try singing at karaoke, but enka is for people who are good singers, right? There may be many of you who think you’re tone-deaf and worry about it like that.

Of course, enka is a genre that demands advanced technique, so if you try to sing it perfectly, it can be difficult even for people who are fairly confident in their singing ability.

So this time, we’ve put together songs that are easy to sing even for those who consider themselves tone-deaf—tracks that you can still enjoy and that will liven up a karaoke session even if you can’t sing them perfectly.

We’ve chosen not only songs that are easy to sing but also ones you can win over with energy and vibe.

For example, try singing just the famous chorus, or hand off the tricky parts to your friends—get creative and have fun!

[Enka] Easy-to-sing songs even for the tone-deaf [Male singers edition] (21–30)

A Man’s Pure Hearttatsumi yūto

Yuto Tatsumi “A Man’s Pure Heart” Music Video

A Man’s Pure Hearttatsumi yūto

Released in 2019, “Otoko no Junjo” was the second single by Yuto Tatsumi, who at the time was active as an enka singer while still a university student.

It topped the enka charts and reached No.

10 on the Oricon overall chart, helping cement the image of a new star for the Reiwa era in the enka world.

It’s classic enka that powerfully sings of supporting the somewhat awkward way a man lives, but its light, refreshing melody—reflecting Tatsumi’s personality—is easy to remember.

The vocal range isn’t very wide either, making it very easy to sing for an enka song.

I’d love for beginners to give it a try!

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homesicknesstatsumi yūto

Yuto Tatsumi “Hometown Longing” Music Video

homesicknesstatsumi yūto

Released in 2021 as a double A-side with Tatsumi Yuto’s fourth single, “Sasowarete Eden,” this song, “Bokyo,” comes from an artist who’s bringing a fresh breeze to the enka world as part of the seventh generation.

It’s a classic enka piece where Tatsumi’s tender, heartfelt vocals convey deep feelings for one’s hometown and family, moving listeners to the core.

While he firmly incorporates enka-specific techniques like kobushi and vibrato, his clean, unornamented delivery and the accessible melody make it approachable even for beginners to the genre.

The overall pitch is on the lower side, so it’s also recommended for those who struggle with high notes.

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[Enka] Songs that are easy to sing even for the tone-deaf [Male Singers Edition] (31–40)

Could it be… you?Kouzai Kaori

Kaori Kozai – “Could it be… you?”

Could it be... you?Kouzai Kaori

Kaori Kozai’s masterpiece “Moshiyā… Anta ga,” released in partnership with composers like Keisuke Hama and Toyohisa Araki, is a song that hints at enka flavor—such as through its guitar arpeggios—yet remains fundamentally a pop work.

The kobushi (melodic embellishment) appears only once, on a long tone transitioning from the B section to the chorus.

However, because it strongly emphasizes the “crying song” aspect of pop, solid emotional expression is essential.

The basic vocal line itself is on the easier side, so if you’d like to deliver an emotionally charged vocal performance with a little help from some drinks, this is definitely worth checking out.

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In conclusion

As mentioned at the beginning, enka is a genre that demands strong vocal ability, expressive power, and technique, so if you want to sing it well, all of the songs we chose this time are quite difficult. If you’re tone-deaf but still want to enjoy karaoke, don’t be shy—try belting out just the chorus, imitate the singer’s tone, or add some simple choreography to liven things up.