[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 Women] Masterpiece Enka Songs with a High Degree of Difficulty
- [2026] Amazing If You Can Sing It! Classic Enka Masterpieces [Male Singers Edition]
- [Enka] Songs That Are Easy to Sing Even for the Tone-Deaf [Male Singer Edition]
- A roundup of male enka singers who represent the Showa era
- [Male Singers Edition] The face of New Year’s Eve! Enka singers who appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen
- Enka songs that are easy for men to sing: a roundup of tracks to try at karaoke
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Masterpieces for Karaoke — Male Singers Edition
- [Men] Enka Songs That Can Score High in Karaoke
- Men’s enka: a collection of classic songs portraying the way men live and their fighting spirit
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Classics for Karaoke — Women Singers Edition
- [Original Endoru] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Junko Ishihara [2026]
- [2026] Enka Songs That Are Hard to Sing – Male Singers Edition
- [2026] Idol-Worthy! A Roundup of Handsome Male Enka Singers
[For Men] Masterpieces of Enka with High Difficulty (1–10)
ancient castleMitsubishi Michiya
When it comes to timeless, melancholy Japanese classics, this song is the first that comes to mind.
Its lyrical poetry and rich melody blend beautifully, stirring the listener’s heart.
Through the image of a decayed castle, it poignantly sings of lost glory and nostalgia for bygone days—truly the essence of enka.
Since its 1959 release, it has remained beloved by many and is a karaoke staple.
Yet its difficulty is well known: Mihashi’s distinctive vocal timbre and expressive power, along with the wide-ranging melody, put any singer to the test.
Even so, it’s a song I especially hope those with a wealth of life experience will try.
Solo Journey with the Tsugaru ShamisenSaisei
Set against the harsh climate of Tsugaru, this song portrays the lonely feelings of a protagonist who leaves their hometown and continues their journey.
The powerful timbre of the Tsugaru shamisen blends beautifully with Ayasei’s emotionally rich vocals, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in May 2020, the track drew attention as Ayasei’s second single.
The unique tone of the Tsugaru shamisen and Ayasei’s vocal prowess create a soundscape that will feel fresh not only to enka enthusiasts but also to listeners across generations.
While the song is relatively challenging to sing, imagining the landscapes of Tsugaru while performing will surely make it a piece that touches the heart.
Tears and a solitary drinkAoyama Shin
Portraying in poignant detail the feelings of someone who has lost a lover, this work is likely to become one of Arata Aoyama’s signature songs.
Its profound sadness and sense of loneliness are powerfully conveyed, with lyrics that tighten the listener’s chest and a wistful melody that resonates deeply.
Aoyama’s clear, translucent voice beautifully enhances this heartrending worldview, and the emotionally rich singing in the chorus is especially striking.
Although it’s a highly challenging piece that demands enka-specific vocal techniques—such as vibrato and nuanced dynamics—it also allows the singer to fully express their emotions.
When attempting it at karaoke, it’s key to relax and sing while visualizing the scenes depicted in the lyrics.
[For Men] Masterpiece Enka Songs with High Difficulty (11–20)
Drunken SongYoshi Ikuzo
With its wistful melody and lyrically rich verses, this classic resonates deeply in many people’s hearts.
Through the image of a man drinking in a corner of the city, it expresses memories of the past, feelings for family, and a sense of loneliness.
The recurring chorus phrase “Yāren Sōran yo” is a line from the traditional Japanese folk song “Sōran Bushi,” reflecting a deep connection to Yosh Ikuzo’s roots.
Released in June 1990, it became a hit, selling 100,000 copies that year alone.
It’s said to have boosted bar sales as avid drinkers frequently sang it as karaoke at snack bars.
This is a song we especially recommend to those with a wealth of life experience.
Motherly bondedoarudo
The debut song released in 2015 by Eduardo, an enka singer from Brazil, is a moving piece that sings of the bond with his mother.
Its lyrics portray a parent and child striving to live through poverty, and they match perfectly with Eduardo’s emotionally rich vocals, deeply touching many listeners.
Eduardo’s commanding vocal ability, effortlessly spanning from low to high notes, is stunning, and the sustained notes in the chorus are especially captivating.
This piece demands techniques such as maintaining precise pitch and rhythm while applying vibrato, making it a song that seasoned enka singers in particular should try.
Listening to Eduardo’s soul-stirring voice will renew your appreciation for the profound depth of enka.
Mother’s Seaside SongFukuda Kouhei
One of Kohei Fukuda’s signature songs, it portrays a mother working on the beach before dawn.
The mother’s diligence and love as she labors by the shore are expressed with rich emotion.
The line calling out, “Fresh sardines! Come and get them! In seven days they’ll turn into sea bream,” is particularly striking, and the encouragement imbued in those words is deeply moving.
Released in February 2017, this is an enka number that highlights Fukuda’s powerful yet wistful vocals.
It features a wide vocal range from low to high notes and a distinctive phrasing honed through folk song traditions.
The technical difficulty is very high, including subtle nuances in the lyrics, the use of kobushi (ornamental turns), and other details.
It’s a song I’d highly recommend not only to enka lovers but also to singers confident in their vocal skills.
marine snowjero
This is a landmark song by Jero, who made a sensational debut in 2008.
With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and music by Ryudo Uzaki, it not only became a huge hit but also set various records as an enka song, making it a masterpiece that will go down in Japanese music history.
Beyond the difficulty of a melody that spans a wide vocal range, the song itself is highly intricate—blending enka elements with straightforward, J-pop-style developments and funky rhythms—yet Jero delivers a flawless performance that really underscores the power of his vocals.
The track has been popular at karaoke since its release, but to be honest, it’s a very challenging song to sing there.
Listen to the original repeatedly and practice until the rhythm and melody are ingrained in your body!