[2026] Easy-to-Sing Enka: From Classic Masterpieces to Recent Hits [Female Singers Edition]

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.

“I’m interested in enka, but which songs are easy to sing at karaoke…?” “I want to find recent enka songs I can sing…” If you’ve got those questions, be sure to check out this article!

When it comes to popular enka tunes sung at karaoke, many people likely imagine classic masterpieces that have been loved for decades.

But we also want you to discover standout enka songs by younger artists from the 2020s and beyond.

This time, we’ve put together a lineup of “easy-to-sing enka,” from timeless classics to recent hits and fan favorites—featuring female singers only!

We’ve also published an article featuring male singers only, so please enjoy that one as well.

[2026] Easy-to-Sing Enka — From Classic Masterpieces to Recent Hits [Female Singers Edition] (41–50)

maneNagayama Yōko

Yoko Nagayama “Mane” Music Video

maneNagayama Yōko

Released in 1996, Mane is a song inspired by Yoshiharu Habu that won numerous awards and was even performed at the 48th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It stands as one of Yoko Nagayama’s signature tracks of the 1990s.

While it’s packed with classic enka techniques—such as rises and falls in phrasing, kobushi turns, and semitone catches—it’s still quite manageable for those who are reasonably accustomed to singing enka.

It’s also recommended as a practice piece for beginners.

Learning enka techniques through this song is a great choice!

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abandonedNagayama Yōko

Yoko Nagayama “Suterarete” Music Video

abandonedNagayama Yōko

One of Yoko Nagayama’s signature songs and an absolute karaoke favorite! Released in 1995, “Suterarete” cemented her status as an enka singer after she transitioned from idol singer to enka in 1993.

Her “demo ne” pose also became a hot topic at the time.

While it’s an enka number, it carries a slightly kayōkyoku-like flavor.

Although techniques like subtle kobushi (grace notes) and vibrato appear throughout, the overall difficulty isn’t that high, and there are no extreme high notes, making it relatively easy to sing.

It’s a great choice even for beginners singing Nagayama’s songs for the first time!

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stage lightKouzai Kaori

Stage Light

stage lightKouzai Kaori

Among famous enka singers, Kaori Kozai is particularly known for frequently performing pop songs.

She has many great pop numbers, but the one I especially recommend is Stage Light.

With a melody that follows the tradition of Showa-era ballads, its vocal line evokes artists like Machiko Watanabe and Chikaco Sawada.

Although the song features many long tones, there are no sustained notes in the high register, and the overall range is relatively narrow, making it undeniably easy to sing.

In the second bar of the chorus, there’s a brief appearance of a key-shifting vibrato that hints at a kobushi-like ornamentation.

If you find that part difficult, it’s perfectly fine to sing it with a regular vibrato instead, so feel free to use that as a reference.

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In conclusion

Many of you who looked over the lineup we introduced this time probably thought, “So enka still has new songs coming out.” As I mentioned at the start, enka continues to release new tracks even now in the 2020s, and members of Gen Z are stepping onto the scene as young singers. When it comes to enka, along with timeless classics, be sure to add fresh tracks by up-and-coming artists to your karaoke lineup!