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[For Men] Masterpiece Enka Songs with High Difficulty
Needless to say, singing enka requires above-standard vocal ability and expressive power, and it also involves enka-specific techniques like kobushi (melodic ornamentation), so it’s anything but easy.
Even people who aren’t very interested in enka will likely think, “This person is a really good singer,” when they hear someone handle enka well at karaoke.
Here, we’ve researched and compiled masterpieces by male singers that are particularly tough to sing—high-difficulty enka songs.
Along with timeless classics, we also include recent hits.
If you’re confident in your singing, we’d love for you to try these at karaoke—so be sure to check them out.
By the way, we’ve also published another article featuring songs by female singers, so don’t miss that one either!
[For Men] Masterpieces of Enka with High Difficulty (1–10)
Nostalgic JonkaraHosokawa Takashi
Takashi Hosokawa is known for his naturally expansive high notes and exceptional vocal ability and expressiveness, grounded in a background in folk music.
This work is one of his signature songs, released in 1985—a masterpiece among masterpieces that overwhelms with its striking shamisen tones in the intro and Hosokawa’s folk-influenced singing.
Even an amateur can grasp the difficulty of mastering this song from the very beginning, but the folk-style sections are arguably the toughest part.
That said, the main sections also feature many performances marked by Hosokawa’s trademark powerful high notes and sustained tones, demanding considerable lung capacity.
You’ll likely find it very difficult to keep time in the folk-style parts as well, so listen to the original track repeatedly and train your body to internalize the rhythm and melody.
Hokkai Port FestivalMiyama Hiroshi
This song by Hiroshi Miyama, an enka singer from Kochi Prefecture, was released in 2023 and powerfully portrays the life of a fisherman.
Miyama’s warm “vitamin voice” expressively conveys the hardships and resolve of fishermen with deep emotion.
Depicting a man facing raging waves, it also weaves in bonds with family and mentors, becoming a hymn to life.
Characterized by a driving tempo and powerful vocals known as “gangan enka,” the song demands considerable vocal skill, with a wide range, sharp pitch shifts, and a bold singing style.
Even those familiar with enka will need substantial practice to master it.
When singing it at karaoke, it’s recommended to first grasp the rhythm and practice section by section.
Kiyoshi’s Soran BushiHikawa Kiyoshi
This modern arrangement of the traditional Hokkaido folk song “Soran Bushi,” combined with Kiyoshi Hikawa’s powerful vocals, is a track that gives listeners courage and energy.
Released in May 2007, it achieved major success on the Oricon Singles Chart and won the Gold Award at the 49th Japan Record Awards.
It was also performed at the 58th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, drawing widespread attention.
Characterized by an up-tempo, energetic rhythm, it is a challenging piece that demands a wide vocal range from high to low.
The song strikes a perfect balance between innovative elements that transcend the enka genre and traditional influences.
Chikumagawa RiverItsuki Hiroshi
Hiroshi Itsuki, a singer Japan is proud of, has performed numerous beloved national hits.
Among his many classics, Chikumagawa, released in 1975, is one of his signature songs set in Nagano Prefecture.
Sung gracefully over a triple meter, its melody is challenging, spanning a wide range from the low notes of the verse to the high notes of the chorus.
Even Itsuki himself has described it as “not to be sung carelessly.” The key is to convey a rich sense of travel and scenery while taking care not to let the words become muddy in the lower register.
A Man’s HarborToba Ichirō
With a fisherman father and an ama diver mother, Ichiro Toba is truly an enka singer worthy of being called a “man of the sea.” Released in 1986, this song became a popular hit and was even performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Characterized by lyrics themed around the sea and fishermen’s lives and a powerful melody, it showcases Toba’s vocal prowess to the fullest.
The overall pitch is on the lower side, but it’s challenging to deliver the lyrics clearly while employing vibrato.
It takes considerable technique to sing the low-register melody with stability.
If you’re not confident with vibrato, you might focus on delivering the lyrics clearly with crisp articulation.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to let their thoughts drift to the world of the sea and its fishermen.
homesicknessMori Shinichi
Known as a classic of Showa-era enka, this song showcases Shinichi Mori’s rich, resonant voice and outstanding expressive power.
It poignantly portrays a woman’s aching feelings for a lover from whom she has been separated, sung with deep emotion.
Since its release in December 1970, it has captured countless hearts and never let go.
As Mori’s 18th single, it became one of his signature tracks, always included on his best-of albums.
Because it demands enka’s distinctive phrasing and finely nuanced emotion, it’s quite difficult to sing.
Still, it’s a song I especially hope will be heard by those living away from their hometowns or thinking of someone far away.
I long for Southern HokkaidoKoyama Yudai
A debut song by Yudai Koyama that sings of Hokkaido’s majestic nature and his love for family.
The lyrics vividly depict the scenery of Southern Hokkaido, and his powerful, folk-influenced vocals leave a strong impression.
Released in April 2024, this work fully expresses his love for his hometown and resonates deeply with listeners.
While honoring the tradition of enka, his performance at the young age of 21 feels fresh.
With its wide vocal range and nuanced kobushi ornamentation, the song is technically demanding, yet Koyama’s “magic voice” captures it beautifully.
Highly recommended for those who have left their hometowns or anyone who wants to savor the depth of enka.