[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!
- [Enka] Songs That Are Easy to Sing Even for the Tone-Deaf [Male Singer Edition]
- [2026] Easy Enka Songs Recommended for Karaoke – Male Singers Edition
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Classics for Karaoke — Women Singers Edition
- [2026] Recommended for those who find high notes difficult! Enka by male singers that you can sing in a low register
- [Mighty Guy] A Selection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Akira Kobayashi
- [2026] Easy-to-Sing Enka: From Timeless Classics to Recent Hits [Male Singers Edition]
- A roundup of male enka singers who represent the Showa era
- Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
- [2026] Enka Songs That Are Hard to Sing – Male Singers Edition
- [Sub-chan] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Saburo Kitajima [2026]
- [Enka] Songs that are easy to sing even for those who are tone-deaf [Female singers edition]
- Enka songs that are easy for men to sing: a roundup of tracks to try at karaoke
- 【2026】Recommended Enka by Male Singers with Captivating High Notes
[For Beginners] Recommended Classic Enka Songs for Karaoke – Male Singers (1–10)
In a dreamKobayashi Akira
Akira Kobayashi, beloved by people of all ages for his strikingly memorable singing voice and acting, recorded this song with lyrics by Yu Aku and music by Koichi Morita.
Released in 1978, it was used as the theme song for TV dramas such as “Edo Professional: Hissatsu Shōbainin.” Its appeal lies in lyrics that delicately depict the transience of life and the love between men and women, paired with a wistful melody.
When tackling it at karaoke, it’s good to channel Kobayashi’s powerful yet deeply expressive singing style.
This is a classic that even beginners to enka will find approachable, so why not give it a try?
MotherMori Shinichi
It is a quintessential enka masterpiece that sings of gratitude to one’s mother.
Its beautiful lyrics blend a universal theme with images of nature, and Shinichi Mori’s deeply expressive vocals resonate with listeners’ hearts.
Released as a single in May 1971, the song won the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance that same year.
A popular number performed eight times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it was also featured in films and commercials.
The lyrics convey feelings anyone can relate to.
When singing it at karaoke, try to channel Mori’s rich vocal timbre while delivering the song with gentle warmth.
Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō
A classic song that depicts the harsh northern landscapes and a bittersweet love, it is one of Yujiro Ishihara’s signature works.
The protagonist’s feelings as he travels through Kushiro, Hakodate, and Otaru are woven together with a wistful melody.
Released as a single in August 1987, it was also used as an insert song for the TV Asahi drama “Seibu Keisatsu.” Ishihara’s distinctive low voice is captivating, and the song is popular for karaoke.
Even beginners will find it easy to sing thanks to its relaxed tempo and straightforward melody.
Why not picture the great northern land and take your time singing it?
For Beginners: Recommended Enka Classics for Karaoke – Male Singers (11–20)
Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi
The debut song of the prince of the enka world is a traveling ballad that seeps into the listener’s heart.
You can almost picture Hanjiro in his mawashi-gappa outfit making his way along the Hakone mountain path.
Many younger listeners have probably heard the memorable phrase from the chorus, and it’s the kind of line that makes you want to hum along.
Released in February 2000 and used in a Taisho Pharmaceutical commercial, this piece is recommended even for newcomers to enka.
That said, many of Kiyoshi Hikawa’s songs are technically challenging, and this one is no exception.
For starters, enjoy the lyrical world and melody, and practice repeatedly so you can sing it better little by little!
The Camellia Sasanqua InnŌkawa Eisaku
Eisaku Okawa’s signature song, whose passionate vocals move listeners to the core.
The lyrics depict a heartrending love story with the theme of an affair, beautifully harmonized with an emotive melody.
Released in August 1982, it became a massive hit with total sales of 1.8 million copies.
At the 1983 Japan Record Awards, it won the Long-Seller Award, and in the same year he made his first appearance on NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Even those new to enka are likely familiar with this song, though it does require a certain level of vocal technique.
It’s recommended to start by carefully listening to Okawa’s delivery and studying elements like breathing timing.
king (shogi piece)Murata Hideo
A quintessential classic of the Showa era, this song powerfully portrays a man’s pride and poignant loneliness.
Using a shogi grandmaster as its motif, it movingly depicts a man who refuses to abandon his dreams despite a life of poverty, as well as his gratitude toward his beloved wife.
Released in November 1961, it became an instant smash after Hideo Murata performed it on that year’s NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
The following year, it was chosen as the theme song for a film of the same name, ultimately selling over three million copies.
Marked by its distinctive waltz (3/4) rhythm, the chorus is meant to be sung with powerful conviction.
It’s a perfect choice not only for shogi fans, but also for anyone striving toward their dreams or wishing to sing with heartfelt thanks to someone dear.
12th graderFunaki Kazuo
A school building bathed in the red glow of the setting sun, memories of folk dancing, farewells and new beginnings.
Richly portraying the final year of high school, this piece was released in June 1963 as Kazuo Funaki’s debut single and quickly became a massive hit, surpassing one million copies sold.
Its friendly, march-like melody and lyrics that gently embrace the joys and sorrows of youth have continued to resonate across generations.
A film of the same title was released in November of the same year, further boosting the song’s popularity.
While it leans more toward kayōkyoku than enka, its nostalgic warmth makes it a great choice even for karaoke beginners.
Why not sing it softly as you reminisce about your youthful days?