RAG MusicJapanese Enka
Lovely enka

[2026] Enka Songs That Are Hard to Sing – Male Singers Edition

When it comes to enka, there’s an image that only truly skilled singers can pull it off.

Of course, there are relatively easy songs as well, and enka is a very popular genre at karaoke.

This time, we’ve put together a list of classic enka songs that are difficult to sing, aimed at those who are fairly accustomed to singing enka.

Beyond the genre’s signature techniques—like vibrato and kobushi (ornamental turns)—these songs demand high expressive ability, including handling wide vocal ranges.

In this article, we introduce masterpieces by male enka singers, but we also feature difficult-to-sing classics by female singers in another piece, so be sure to check that out as well.

[2026] Difficult-to-Sing Enka Songs — Male Singers Edition (11–20)

Mother of My EyesFukuda Kouhei

Kohei Fukuda is a popular enka singer whose father is the folk singer Iwatsuki Fukuda.

Even before his debut, he had already won many competitions.

With his unique phrasing rooted in folk music and his exceptional vocal ability as his weapons, Fukuda has been highly praised by giants of the enka world, including Saburo Kitajima.

There are surely many people who want to try his songs at karaoke.

Maboroshi no Haha (Mother of My Eyelids) is a cover of a song that has been beloved since the Showa era, included on his 2012 album Mother: Songs for the Mothers of Japan.

Fukuda’s mastery in delivering this classic—covered by many singers—is truly impressive, but to be honest, the bar is even higher when you try to sing it with his kind of phrasing on top of an already difficult song.

First practice until you can sing the melody, with its wide range and sharply rising and falling intervals, entirely by heart including the lyrics.

After that, try imitating Fukuda’s distinctive singing style, refined through his background in folk music.

KOH-1
Report a problem

A man should just cry in silence.Miyashita Kenji

Kenji Miyashita “Men Should Cry in Silence” [Melody Records] Official Performance Video
A man should just cry in silence.Miyashita Kenji

A passionate new work marking the re-debut of veteran enka composer Kenji Miyashita as a singer.

This gem portrays the melancholy of men living through the Showa era, powerfully expressing deep-seated emotions and struggles.

While honoring the traditional enka style, it features modern arrangements for a heartwarming finish.

Released in February 2025, it captivated audiences at the KOBE Ryūkōka Live in Kobe with a fervent performance reminiscent of his days as a traveling street singer.

The coupling track includes “Jinsei Mayoizaka” (Life at the Crossroads).

Sincerely singing of life’s doubts and inner conflicts, this piece is recommended to enka fans as a song that gently soothes hearts weary from everyday life.

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.

Report a problem

In conclusion

Enka as a genre is inherently difficult to master unless you have above-average vocal ability. Even those who are used to singing at karaoke may find the classic enka songs introduced here challenging. They demand an even higher level of difficulty, with balanced pitch, a wide vocal range, and expressive techniques like the genre’s distinctive kobushi (melismatic ornamentation). If you’re confident, definitely give them a try!