[Mysterious Enka] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Midori Oka [2026]
Although she showed talent in the field of folk music from a young age, Midori Oka made her debut as an idol in her teens, then—after a brief period of activity—made the unusual shift to becoming an enka singer.
It took time for her to truly break through, but a series of songs known as the “Mysterious Enka Trilogy,” beginning with Kiri no Kawa (composed by Tetsuya Gen) released in 2016, became hits, and she appeared on Kōhaku the following year.
In recent years, she has showcased her overwhelming vocal ability on the popular show Chidori no Oni Renchan, and her wide-ranging activities have earned her attention among younger generations as well.
This article compiles relatively easy, approachable songs for those who want to try singing Oka’s tracks at karaoke.
Enka beginners are welcome to take a look!
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- [People・Songs・Heart] A Collection of Miyuki Kawanaka’s Easy-to-Sing Songs [2026]
- The Most Idol-Like Star in the Enka World: Easy-to-Sing Songs by Kiyoshi Hikawa
- [For Men] Masterpiece Enka Songs with High Difficulty
- [Wakayama’s Treasure] Fuyumi Sakamoto’s Easy-to-Sing Songs
- [Queen of Enka] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Sayuri Ishikawa [2026]
- [For Women] Masterpiece Enka Songs with a High Degree of Difficulty
- [2026] Summary of Enka Singers from Aomori
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Classics for Karaoke — Women Singers Edition
- Enka songs that are easy for men to sing: a roundup of tracks to try at karaoke
- [Enka] Songs That Are Easy to Sing Even for the Tone-Deaf [Male Singer Edition]
[Mysterious Enka] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Midori Oka [2026] (1–10)
paper craneOka Midori
Released in February 2019, “Kami no Tsuru” (Paper Crane) is a memorable single for Midori Oka, as it marked her first entry into the top 20 of the Oricon charts.
While the melody is bright, it carries a certain poignancy and wistfulness—a classic enka sound that resonates with the Japanese heart.
That said, the typical enka-style vocal ornaments like strong kobushi and intense vibrato are relatively restrained here.
If you focus on singing gently and sincerely, as Oka does, it’s quite approachable even for beginners to enka.
Interestingly, the lower notes can be more challenging than the high ones, so I recommend practicing with clear enunciation and working to apply solid vibrato on the low passages.
rotating lantern; life-flashing-before-your-eyes (metaphor)Oka Midori
“Soumatou,” included as the coupling track to the single “Namidauta” released in February 2024, is a distinctive song that retains an enka flavor while also evoking elements of Showa-era folk.
Set in Asakusa, Tokyo, its lyrics skillfully interweave past and present, and it truly shines as a masterpiece thanks to Oka’s assured vocal technique and expressive power that fully capture the protagonist’s feelings.
Because the rhythm—especially in the A-melody—places accents on the offbeats, it’s good to sing with a conscious contrast between the rhythmic passages and the more sustained, flowing lines.
In particular, Oka delivers a lustrous and powerful vocal in the chorus, so be sure to listen closely to the original before trying it yourself.
Kiyamachi in the RainOka Midori
Composed by Tetsuya Gen, who is said to have helped establish Midori Oka’s signature style, Ameno Kiyamachi was released in 2017 as a double A-side single with Sado no Yuubue, one of the three works in the “Mysterious Enka Trilogy.” It’s a classic, heart-wrenching enka song where vivid scenes of falling rain are artfully interwoven with the psychology of a love that has ended.
Overall, the pitch sits on the higher side, so it may be challenging for those who struggle with high notes.
However, the melody is straightforward and easy to remember, and the intonation is easy to grasp, so lowering the key should make it quite singable.
[Mysterious Enka] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Songs by Midori Oka [2026] (11–20)
Goto Koi TsubakiOka Midori
As the title suggests, Gotō Koi Tsubaki is a so-called “local song” set on the Gotō Islands in Nagasaki, released as a single by Midori Oka in January 2020.
Oka’s rendition, poignantly conveying the lyrics that portray a woman who keeps waiting for the man she loves, is nothing short of masterful.
If you plan to sing Gotō Koi Tsubaki at karaoke—an orthodox enka number steeped in melancholy—you’ll want to at least grasp essential enka techniques like kobushi (ornamental turns).
That said, the melody is relatively approachable even for enka beginners.
Just be careful not to let your voice crack on the brief highest note that appears in the chorus!
Ticket of PartingOka Midori
This song, Betsuri no Kippu (Ticket of Parting), is the coupling track to Kiri no Kawa (River of Mist), a masterpiece that marked a fresh start after switching record labels and arguably changed Midori Oka’s career.
Like Kiri no Kawa, it was composed by Tetsuya Gen, and with lyrics featuring words like “night train” and “cape,” it lets you fully enjoy the classic world of enka.
Since the melody is generally built around higher notes, those who find that difficult should try lowering the key.
The chorus stays in the high range continuously, so it’s good to be mindful of your breathing points as well.
The camellia princess has bloomed.Oka Midori
It’s a masterpiece that marks a new frontier—glamorous and dramatic yet tinged with a certain melancholy—expressing the world of La Traviata in Midori Oka’s own style! There’s a playful touch in quoting famous melodies from the opera, and fans will be delighted by the music video featuring Oka’s striking oiran costume.
It leans more toward kayōkyoku than straight enka, so those who struggle with traditional enka ornamentation like kobushi may find it easier to sing.
That said, the progression from the quiet opening into a vivid, sustained high note leading into the chorus demands solid vocal technique and stability.
The chorus is catchy and easy to hum right away, so don’t sweat the details at first—immerse yourself in the song’s world, and once you’re comfortable, start practicing the finer techniques.
Crimson Japanese lantern (plant)Oka Midori
It’s a hidden gem that, while reminiscing about the Hozuki Market held in Asakusa, highlights its intense passion even more by choosing a calm, beautiful delivery instead of putting overt resentment over betrayal front and center.
Although it’s positioned as the coupling track to the single “Namidauta,” released in February 2024, it’s sure to be irresistible for those who love Midori Oka’s mysterious side.
The melody doesn’t demand particularly difficult techniques and is relatively easy to sing, so I encourage you to give it a try at karaoke.
With songs like this, it’s harder to express the simmering, uncontrollable emotions in a restrained way than to showcase technique, so be sure to read the lyrics carefully before you sing!