[For Men] Masterpiece Enka Songs with High Difficulty

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.

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] Masterpiece Enka Songs with High Difficulty (11–20)

A Man’s LifeKitajima Saburō

A Man's Life

A Man's LifeKitajima Saburō

A heartfelt, powerful song that reexamines the joys and sorrows of life and celebrates living with sincerity.

It carefully weaves together a half-life spent overcoming hardships and trials while valuing duty and truth.

Released by Saburo Kitajima in January 2011, this work conveys the sentiments of his more than 50-year career in show business with a mature vocal performance that deeply resonates with listeners.

While honoring the traditional flavor of enka, the song features contemporary arrangements that give it a profoundly moving quality that sinks into the heart.

It is a gem of a masterpiece to listen to when you stand at a crossroads in life or want to savor your gratitude toward someone important.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

The Northern CliffsYamauchi Keisuke

Keisuke Yamauchi “Cliffs of the North” Music Video

The Northern CliffsYamauchi Keisuke

This work gives voice to a woman’s aching heart, as if the sea breeze were piercing her chest.

Released in February 2025 to commemorate Keisuke Yamauchi’s 25th anniversary since debut, it perfectly pairs his powerful vocals with a melody that conveys emotions with no place to go.

Set against the sheer cliffs of the north, it portrays lingering attachment, frustration, and a loss of hope for tomorrow.

It is a song that will surely stay close to the hearts of those bearing the pain of love.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

In conclusion

As mentioned at the outset, enka as a genre is inherently difficult to master unless you have above-average vocal ability.

Among them, the songs introduced here are masterpieces that demand an extra measure of technique and expressiveness—of course, high-level technical skill as well.

If you’re already fairly comfortable singing enka at karaoke, do give these a try as your next step!