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!
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- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Masterpieces for Karaoke — Male Singers Edition
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- [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
Top male enka singers representing the Showa era (1–10)
Northern fishing groundsKitajima Saburō
Saburō Kitajima is not only a singer but also a lyricist and composer, and he has flourished as an actor—one of the great stars of the Showa-era enka world.
He debuted in 1962 with “Bungacha-bushi” and quickly drew widespread attention the same year with “Namida-bune.” In 1986, he won the Japan Record Award’s Best Vocal Performance for “Kita no Gyoba,” and in 1991 he received the Japan Record Award for “Kita no Daichi,” underscoring his proven artistry.
With a powerful voice and rich expressiveness characteristic of a Hokkaido native, he has released numerous classic songs.
As an actor, he has also been active, and he boasts a record 50 appearances on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, the most in history.
Affectionately known as “Sab-chan,” Kitajima’s songs are popular in karaoke, though reproducing his overwhelming vocal prowess and masterful expressiveness is no easy feat.
He is recommended not only for enka fans but also for anyone interested in experiencing Japan’s traditional music.
North TavernHosokawa Takashi
Takashi Hosokawa has continued to thrive as a leading figure in the enka world from the Showa era through Heisei and into today’s Reiwa era.
Since his major debut in 1975, he has captivated audiences with his natural high register and exceptional vocal technique grounded in folk music.
He shot to fame with his debut single “Kokoro no Kori,” and went on to release major hits such as “Kita Sakaba” and “Yagiri no Watashi.” His brilliant career includes consecutive Grand Prix wins at the Japan Record Awards.
His distinctive singing style, rooted in folk traditions, and his operatic-level vocal power remain undiminished.
He is recommended not only for enka fans but also for anyone interested in Japan’s traditional music.
The Camellia Sasanqua InnŌkawa Eisaku
Since making his debut in 1969 with an insert song for Shinuma Kagami, Eisaku Okawa has released a string of major hits such as “Sazanka no Yado” and “Eki,” captivating many fans with his beautiful voice and delicate phrasing.
In addition to an illustrious career that includes winning the Long-Seller Award at the 24th Japan Record Awards and his first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, he has also earned a strong reputation for his acting, successfully headlining a month-long run at the Shinjuku Koma Theater in 1986.
Okawa’s music is recommended not only for lovers of enka, but for all music fans drawn to rich expressiveness and a warm, resonant singing voice.
homesicknessMori Shinichi
With his husky voice and richly expressive singing, Shinichi Mori has led Japan’s music scene for many years.
He debuted in 1966 with “Onna no Tameiki” (A Woman’s Sigh) and won the Best Vocal Performance at the 11th Japan Record Awards for “Minatomachi Blues.” He went on to sweep numerous awards, including the Grand Prix at the 16th Japan Record Awards for “Erimo Misaki.” While rooted in enka, his broad musicality incorporates elements of folk and pop, earning him enduring love across generations.
From the Showa era to Reiwa, Mori has produced many masterpieces that have left their mark on Japanese music history.
His voice is recommended to anyone seeking songs that resonate with the heart.
Dream-Chasing SakeAtsumi Jirō
Jiro Atsumi, known as a representative enka singer of the Showa era, made his debut in 1976 with “Kawaii Omae” and shot to stardom with “Yumeoi-zake.” He won the Long-Seller Award at the 1979 Japan Record Awards and made his first appearance on NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen the same year.
He released numerous hits such as “Wasurete Hoshii” and “Taninzake,” solidifying his status as a leading male enka singer.
In 1989, he overcame scirrhous gastric cancer and recounted the experience in his autobiography “Namida no Hana.” Drawing on his early days as an itinerant enka performer, his concerts—featuring a repertoire of over 1,000 songs and live instrumental performance—continue to captivate many fans to this day.
Yokohama TwilightItsuki Hiroshi
Hiroshi Itsuki is a Showa-era legend who represents the enka world.
He debuted under the name “Hiroshi Itsuki” in 1971 with Yokohama Tasogare, instantly joining the ranks of million-selling artists.
Since then, he has released numerous hit songs and boasts a brilliant list of accolades at the Japan Record Awards, including two Grand Prizes, three Best Vocal Performance awards, and ten Gold Prizes.
Centered on enka yet mastering a wide range of genres such as pop and kayōkyoku, Itsuki’s vocal prowess is overwhelming.
His talent is widely recognized—he appeared in NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen for 50 consecutive years.
He has also performed extensively overseas, bringing Japanese music to audiences around the world, including in Las Vegas and at the Sydney Opera House.
He’s a singer we highly recommend not only to enka fans but also to anyone interested in Japanese musical culture.
Melancholy TrainMitsubishi Michiya
Michiya Mihashi, a giant who defined the Showa era’s enka scene.
Born in Hokkaido, he showed his talent for folk songs from childhood and made his debut in 1954 with “Sake no Nigasa yo.” The following year he released a smash hit, and went on to produce numerous classics.
He was known for his expansive high notes and distinctive kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) honed through folk music, enjoying such popularity that people said, “You start the day with Mihashi and end the day with Mihashi.” In 1962, he received the Japan Record Award for Vocal Performance.
Also famed as a master of the Tsugaru shamisen, he captivated young audiences.
He devoted himself to training the next generation as well, founding the “Mihashi School of Minyo,” among other efforts—achievements that are immeasurable.
He is highly recommended for anyone who loves enka, minyo (folk songs), or kayokyoku (Japanese popular songs).