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[For Beginners] Recommended Enka Masterpieces for Karaoke — Male Singers Edition
Enka, which has continued to sing the heart of Japan, has enjoyed unwavering popularity from the Showa era to the present Reiwa period.
In recent years, thanks in part to the resurgence of Showa-era pop songs, classic enka hits have been drawing attention across generations.
So there are surely many people who want to start listening to enka or try singing it at karaoke.
This article is for enka beginners, introducing famous enka songs by male singers that are easy to tackle at karaoke.
While enka does require techniques such as applying vibrato-like kobushi, the songs introduced here are all well-known hits that even beginners are likely to recognize, making it easy to slip into their world.
By the way, we also introduce a version featuring female singers in another article, so be sure to check that out too!
[For Beginners] Recommended Classic Enka Songs for Karaoke – Male Singers (1–10)
Northern SpringSen Masao
It’s a classic enka song that portrays the feelings of a city dweller nostalgic for their hometown.
The imagery is wonderful—you can almost see the northern spring landscapes with white birches, Japanese kerria blossoms, and a watermill.
Released in April 1977, this piece achieved the remarkable feat of being performed at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen three years in a row.
If you sing it at karaoke, I recommend picturing the scenes in the lyrics and filling your voice with the sentiment of longing for home.
Prioritize gentle, heartfelt expression over sheer power.
Even if you’re not used to singing, the melody is easy to remember, so it’s a comfortable song to try.
It’s perfect for those living away from their hometown or anyone who wants to recall familiar, nostalgic landscapes.
Oh, sake!Yoshi Ikuzo
A signature song by Ikuzo Yoshi that movingly portrays the feelings of a man drinking alone.
Released in September 1988, it won the Grand Prix at the All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards and has long been cherished as a classic enka number.
Yoshi’s deep vocals blend perfectly with the wistful melody, creating a piece that resonates with listeners.
It has also been performed twice on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, earning wide popularity.
When trying it at karaoke, pay attention to Yoshi’s distinctive vocal projection and emotive expression.
It’s recommended to sing it gently while imagining a scene of reflecting on life over a drink.
North TavernHosokawa Takashi
A song set in a northern-country tavern that portrays a man and woman’s meeting and the beginning of their romance.
It features a lively rhythm and pop elements, giving it an appeal that transcends the boundaries of enka.
Released in March 1982, it became a massive hit after being performed on the TV show “Kin-chan no Doko Made Yaru no!” It won the Japan Record Award that same year and was also performed on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
When singing it at karaoke, the key is to savor the emotionally rich lyrics while riding the light tempo.
It’s approachable even for beginners to enka, and it’s a song you can enjoy singing while soaking in the atmosphere of a tavern.
Nagaragawa ElegyItsuki Hiroshi
It’s no exaggeration to call this song one of the signature works of Hiroshi Itsuki, the singer-songwriter Japan is proud of.
Released in 1984, it’s a regional song set in Gifu Prefecture and became a major hit.
Skillfully depicting the scenery of the Nagara River and the bittersweetness of a one-night romance, the piece resonates with lyrics woven in beautiful Japanese and an emotionally rich melody.
Starting with an intro marked by an evocative shamisen tone, the story unfolds through Itsuki’s soaring vocals.
The song garnered numerous music awards, including the Grand Prize at the 26th Japan Record Awards.
It’s relatively easy to sing and recommended for newcomers to enka; when trying it at karaoke, listen closely to Itsuki’s performance and sing with heartfelt expression—that’s the key.
Will you marry me?Niinuma Kenji
A signature song from just after Kenji Niinuma’s debut, depicting a rustic young man proposing to the woman he loves.
Its gentle, heart-soothing melody and lyrics that convey the earnest feelings of a pure-hearted youth resonated with many listeners.
Released in June 1976, the song led to Niinuma winning the Newcomer Award at the Japan Record Awards that year and making his first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
With lyrics by Yū Aku and music by Makoto Kawaguchi, this classic showcases Niinuma’s warm, appealing vocals.
It’s also recommended for karaoke beginners—sing it with sincerity and it’s sure to touch listeners’ hearts.
If you’d like to try enka, give this one a go.
A solitary journey to MichinokuYamamoto Jōji
A signature work by Joji Yamamoto whose lyrical lyrics and beautiful melody move the heart.
Depicting a parting and a new journey with a loved one, this piece is a masterpiece that even newcomers to enka can fully appreciate.
Released in August 1980 and selling over one million copies, the song led to Yamamoto’s first appearance at the 32nd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen the following year.
Overall, the pitch is relatively low and easy to sing, highlighting the charm of the middle to lower registers.
When attempting it at karaoke, savor the lyrics that evoke the scenery of the Tohoku region and try to convey a world rich with the sentiment of travel.
The Northern LandKitajima Saburō
It’s a classic enka song that portrays the vast nature of Hokkaido and the people who live there.
Saburo Kitajima’s powerful voice beautifully captures Hokkaido’s scenery—like the Yezo spruce forests, lily of the valley, and rugosa roses.
Released in January 1991, it won the Grand Prize in the Enka/Kayōkyoku category at the 33rd Japan Record Awards that same year.
It was also used as the commercial song for Kowa’s “Una Kowa,” helping it gain widespread recognition.
This work has long been cherished as one of Kitajima’s signature songs.
It’s approachable even for beginners to enka, and if you sing it at karaoke, why not deliver it with strength and a heartfelt love for Hokkaido?