[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)

I’ve fallen for you.Ishihara Junko

Junko Ishihara “Have Fallen in Love” Music Video (1 Chorus)

I’ve fallen for you.Ishihara Junko

Junko Ishihara’s classic “Horemashita.” Released in 1988, this piece marked her memorable debut and is still beloved by many fans today.

While it inherits elements of enka, the song as a whole features an easy-to-sing vocal line reminiscent of kayōkyoku.

In particular, the kobushi (ornamental vocal turns) are very easy—there are no difficult kobushi in this piece at all.

They’re limited to, at most, a one-step pitch change, so anyone with experience singing enka should be able to perform it with ease.

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I want to see you—I wish I could be with you right now.Ishihara Junko

Junko Ishihara “I Want to See You, Right Now…” Music Video (1 Chorus)

I want to see you—I wish I could be with you right now.Ishihara Junko

Junko Ishihara’s classic “Aitai, Ima Sugu Anata ni….” Among her songs, this one is particularly easy to sing.

Rather than enka, it leans more toward kayōkyoku, with a melody that evokes the style of Machiko Watanabe or Mariko Takahashi.

The key reason it’s easy to sing is the gentle rise and fall of the pitch.

The tempo is slow and there’s no kobushi ornamentation, so if you focus on solid pitch control and sustained vibrato on long tones, you can even aim for a high karaoke score.

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Eternal JourneyIshikawa Sayuri

Sayuri Ishikawa “Eternal Journey” Music Video

Eternal JourneyIshikawa Sayuri

The single song “Tokoshie no Tabi,” released in June 2024, is a single by Sayuri Ishikawa, with lyrics by Goro Matsui, music by Tokiko Kato, and arrangement by Neko Saito.

It conveys a sense of compassionate, Buddha-like serenity that reflects her long career, while her unchangingly beautiful voice leaves you feeling purified.

While retaining elements of enka, the song has the vibe of a medium-tempo J-pop ballad, so Ishikawa refrains from kobushi ornamentation and heavy vibrato, instead delivering the wistful melody gently—making it easy to sing even for those who aren’t fond of enka.

Take time to read the lyrics thoroughly, and try to sing with heartfelt feeling.

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human dramaIshikawa Sayuri

Sayuri Ishikawa “Human Patterns” Music Video (full ver.)

human dramaIshikawa Sayuri

Human Moyo (Human Patterns), with lyrics by Aku Yū and music by Sugimoto Mahito, is a single released by Sayuri Ishikawa in 2003.

It’s a love song in a major key that feels bright yet somehow wistful, featuring warmly toned guitar and Ishikawa’s intimate, conversational singing—such a lovely combination.

It’s also very popular for karaoke, and many people likely have it in their repertoire.

The characteristic enka-style vocal ornamentation (kobushi) is used relatively lightly, and the song includes J-pop elements, making it approachable even for beginners to enka.

Among Ishikawa’s songs, the pitch range is set on the lower side, so it’s easier to sing for those who struggle with high notes.

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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!