A roundup of male enka singers who represent the Showa era
In the 2020s, the term “Seventh Generation of Enka” has emerged, and the genre is thriving as young talents make their debuts one after another.
While enka is said to trace its origins back to the Meiji era, the style most people associate with “enka” is believed to have been established around the late 1960s.
In this article, we’ve compiled a selection of representative male enka singers who brought color to the Showa era—artists who are indispensable when discussing the history of enka, a genre with enduring popularity.
From those who have already departed to those still actively performing in the Reiwa era, take this opportunity to learn about the legends who built enka.
By the way, we’ve put together a separate article on female singers, so be sure to check that out as well!
- A roundup of male enka singers in their 70s: legendary vocalists who support the enka world
- [Male Singers Edition] The face of New Year’s Eve! Enka singers who appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen
- A roundup of male enka singers in their 80s: veterans who left their mark on the enka world
- [Enka] Songs That Are Easy to Sing Even for the Tone-Deaf [Male Singer Edition]
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Masterpieces for Karaoke — Male Singers Edition
- [2026] Enka Singer from Tohoku
- [2026] Amazing If You Can Sing It! Classic Enka Masterpieces [Male Singers Edition]
- [For Men] Masterpiece Enka Songs with High Difficulty
- A roundup of leading female enka singers representing the Showa era
- [2026] Enka Songs That Are Hard to Sing – Male Singers Edition
- [2026] All-Time Enka Sales Ranking
- [2026] Easy-to-Sing Enka: From Timeless Classics to Recent Hits [Male Singers Edition]
- [2026] Enka’s Seventh Generation! A roundup of young enka singers
Male enka singers representing the Showa era (11–20)
Homeward Journey to the NorthKobayashi Akira
Akira Kobayashi supported the golden age of Nikkatsu action films and reigned as a silver-screen star.
He made his debut in 1956 with the film “Starving Soul,” and his tall stature and powerful physique cemented his nickname “Mighty Guy” for his tough-guy roles.
Alongside his acting career, he also thrived as a singer, boasting a wide repertoire ranging from film theme songs to mood kayō and sophisticated urban enka.
His baritone-leaning mid-to-low range, phrasing that shuttles between spoken delivery and song, and a singing style marked by raspy endings and a distinctive vibrato are truly one of a kind.
Standing 180 cm tall and holding a fifth-dan rank in judo, his martial-arts background contributed to the physicality that brought his on-screen action to life—one of his many charms.
draft (cold air seeping through gaps)Sugi Ryōtarō
As a leading figure representing the enka world of the Showa era, Ryotaro Sugi’s presence is overwhelming.
He made his debut as a singer in 1965 with “Yaro-gasa,” and in 1976 he scored a million-selling hit with “Sukimakaze.” Beyond his work as an enka singer, he has also flourished as an actor, showcasing his wide-ranging talent in period dramas such as “Toyama no Kin-san” and “Mito Komon.” He is also dedicated to social contribution: in 2008, he became the first entertainer to receive the Green Ribbon Medal of Honor, and in 2016 he was recognized as a Person of Cultural Merit.
Sugi’s warm voice and the life-worn expressiveness that comes through in his singing make him a recommendation not only for enka fans but also for anyone who wants to feel the atmosphere of the Showa era.
In conclusion
It turned out to be a lineup packed with legendary, veteran artists—those who left many classic hits in the Showa era and are still active even now in Reiwa.
Their signature songs are all national hits that continue to be sung today, and even younger generations have surely heard them at least once.
How about spending tonight listening to Showa-era enka, accompanied by the superb performances of these masters with their overwhelming vocal prowess?