[Male Singers Edition] The face of New Year’s Eve! Enka singers who appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen

Oh, sake!Yoshi Ikuzo

Oh, sake!

Ikuzo Yoshi is known as a distinctive singer who represents the Showa-era enka scene.

He debuted in 1977 with the folk-style song “Ore wa Zettai! Presley,” and has continued to be active across a wide range of genres, from comical dialect songs to authentic enka.

In 1984, the song he wrote for Masao Sen, “Tsugaru Heiya,” became a hit.

That same year, his own song “Ora Tokyo sa Iguda” was a breakout success, earning him nationwide recognition.

In 1986, he won the Gold Prize at the Japan Record Awards for “Yukiguni.” Since then, he has produced numerous hits such as “Sake yo” and “Suika,” solidifying his status as an enka singer.

In 2019, he even released a rap song entirely in the Tsugaru dialect, continuing to take on new challenges.

Itako GasaHashi Yukio

Itako-gasa / Yukio Hashi

Yukio Hashi is a venerable figure in the enka world, born on May 3, 1943.

In 1960, at just 17, he made a spectacular debut with Itako Gasa and won a newcomer’s award for the song.

He gained attention not only in enka but also in kayōkyoku, and Itsudemo Yume o—a seamless duet with Sayuri Yoshinaga—became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.

Through his expressive performances that reflect a rich life, his songs continue to resonate across generations.

His voice, which evokes memories of youth and romance, is sure to captivate new fans as well.

marine snowjero

Jero – Sea Snow (Music Video)

Jero, who brought a fresh breeze to the enka world, made a sensational debut in 2008 as the “first Black enka singer in history.” His debut single Umiyuki reached No.

4 on the Oricon overall singles chart, setting a new record for a rookie enka singer.

That same year, he won Best New Artist at the Best Hit Kayosai, the Japan Cable Awards, and the Japan Record Awards, and also made his first appearance on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Influenced by his grandmother, Jero grew up familiar with enka, and drew attention for his authentic vocal prowess and innovative style.

While employing traditional enka vibrato techniques, he incorporated hip-hop–inspired fashion into a unique look that captivated not only enka fans but music listeners across generations.

Scorpio womanMikawa Ken’ichi

Kenichi Mikawa “Woman of Scorpio (New Recording)” (Official Audio)

Kenichi Mikawa made his debut in 1965 with “Dakedo Dakedo Dakedo.” The following year, “Yanagase Blues” became a massive hit, selling 1.2 million copies and catapulting him to stardom.

He went on to release a string of hits such as “Niigata Blues” and “Kushiro no Yoru,” establishing a solid position in the enka/kayōkyoku genre.

In 1970, he received the Special Award at the 3rd Japan Cable Radio Awards for “Yanagase Blues.” Known for his distinctive way of speaking and flamboyant costumes, his costume face-offs with Sachiko Kobayashi became an annual tradition on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

In 2021, he launched his official YouTube channel.

Declaring that he will “keep singing as long as his voice holds, even if he has to use a cane,” Mikawa’s singing voice remains indispensable to enlivening the New Year’s Eve Kōhaku.

Love…passionMiyama Hiroshi

Hiroshi Miyama “Love… Obsession” [75th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen Performance Song] MUSIC VIDEO

Mr.

Hiroshi Miyama, affectionately known as ‘Vitamin Voice.’ He made his debut in 2009 with the single ‘Hitokoi Sakaba,’ which became a hit the following year, selling over 100,000 copies.

In 2015, he sold 150,000 copies of ‘O-Iwakisan’ and made his first appearance at the 66th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that same year.

He has continued to appear for ten consecutive years since then.

Captivating many fans with his steady vocal ability and warm voice, Miyama is also drawing attention as a ‘kendama enka singer’ who showcases kendama performances.

At the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, there was even a segment where participants attempted to set a Guinness record with a kendama relay.

Nambu Semi-shigureFukuda Kouhei

[Official Full] Kohei Fukuda “Nambu Semi-shigure” Music Video

Kohei Fukuda grew up in a family of folk singers and won numerous folk song competitions.

In October 2012, he made his debut as an enka singer with the single “Nanbu Semi Shigure.” With solid vocal technique honed through folk music and richly expressive delivery, he captured the hearts of many fans.

In 2013, he received the New Artist Award at both the Japan Cable Radio Awards and the Japan Record Awards, and made his first appearance on NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen the same year.

He has taken the Kohaku stage multiple times since.

In 2020, he won the Excellence in Singing Award at the Japan Record Awards, continuing to demonstrate his growing prowess.

Cherishing the appeal of traditional enka while breathing new life into it, Fukuda’s voice is recommended for listeners of all generations.

A solitary journey to MichinokuYamamoto Jōji

Joji Yamamoto “Michinoku Solo Journey” Music Video (full ver.)

Joji Yamamoto became an overnight sensation with a folk-song-style piece themed around Michinoku.

He debuted in 1976 under his real name after winning through on Yomiuri TV’s “All-Japan Kayō Championship,” but a major hit eluded him.

Amid this, a song he released in 1980 took off after his appearance the following year on Fuji TV’s “Night Hit Studio,” leading to a massive breakthrough.

He received the Japan Record Award’s Long Seller Award and made his first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Yamamoto continues to captivate many fans with his uniquely wistful voice and delicate expressiveness.

In recent years, under the banner “Joji Yamamoto Heavy Metal Transformation Project,” he has even ventured into collaborations with heavy metal.