Popular Enka Singers Ranking [2026]

Let life shinekomadori・Toshiko & Midori64rank/position

Komadori Toshiko & Midori 'Inochi Kagayake' Official Music Video

This is a hymn to life performed by the duo of Toshiko Osanai—the younger of the Komadori Sisters who brightened the Showa-era pop scene—and Midori Ishioka.

It’s a remake by Toshiko Osanai herself of the Komadori Sisters’ classic released in 1981, revisited more than 40 years later.

The lyrics, which portray someone carrying their late father’s words in their heart and striving to live strongly through sorrow, are deeply moving.

If you listen to it when you’re at a crossroads and feel close to breaking, it may give you a warm sense of courage.

Great Catch Festivalsakuramaya65rank/position

Big Catch Festival - Sakura Maya

It was released in 2008 as Maya Sakura’s debut single.

The song was used in a Takara Tomy commercial for “Oyako no Taiyaki-kun.” She debuted from Nippon Crown as the youngest enka singer in history, and with this song she won the New Artist Award at the 51st Japan Record Awards and the New Artist Award at the 42nd Japan Cable Radio Awards.

Great Catch TaikoIchijō Kanta66rank/position

Kanta Ichijo “Bountiful Catch Taiko” MUSIC VIDEO

With lively drum beats and spirited calls, it’s guaranteed to lift the mood for both singers and listeners alike! This is a work by Kanta Ichijo, released in May 2024.

Following “Otoko no Gyoba,” it’s the second installment in the “Men of the Sea” series.

The bustling energy of a port celebrating a big catch and the pride of those who live by the sea come through directly in his powerful vocals.

The music video was filmed in Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, featuring a collaboration with an authentic taiko group.

Shouting the “Yoisho!” call together will definitely crank up the excitement.

ancient castleMitsubishi Michiya67rank/position

Mitsuhashi Michiya [Kojo (Old Castle)]

When it comes to timeless, melancholy Japanese classics, this song is the first that comes to mind.

Its lyrical poetry and rich melody blend beautifully, stirring the listener’s heart.

Through the image of a decayed castle, it poignantly sings of lost glory and nostalgia for bygone days—truly the essence of enka.

Since its 1959 release, it has remained beloved by many and is a karaoke staple.

Yet its difficulty is well known: Mihashi’s distinctive vocal timbre and expressive power, along with the wide-ranging melody, put any singer to the test.

Even so, it’s a song I especially hope those with a wealth of life experience will try.

Osaka RainMikado Tadaji68rank/position

Tadashi Mikado “Osaka Ujo” Music Video (Short Ver.)

Set in Osaka, this work gives voice to a woman whose heart is soaked by a farewell in the rain.

The richly expressive vocals will captivate not only fans of Tadaji Mikado but new listeners as well.

Interweaving the imagery of rain and Osaka with finesse, it vividly portrays the woman’s aching emotions.

Released in September 2024, this song can be called the culmination of Mikado’s career.

The coupling track includes a classic from the Showa era, making it unmissable for enka fans.

Highly recommended for those who want to savor a soulful voice while feeling the charm of Osaka.

Listen on a rainy day, and you might be drawn into an even deeper, more sentimental mood.

Person Sought in the NorthNakazawa Takuya69rank/position

Takuya Nakazawa “The Person I Seek in the North” MUSIC VIDEO

Here’s a song that truly conveys Takuya Nakazawa’s charm.

Within its light, easy-listening enka style, his passionate yet gentle vocals leave a strong impression.

It tells the story of a man who travels to the northern country in search of an unforgettable woman, sung over a melody that lingers in the heart.

Released in January 2020, the track drew attention as a new step following his previous work, “Akane-iro no Koi.” Though it has a light enka feel, Nakazawa’s expansive vocals shine throughout.

It’s approachable even for enka beginners and comes recommended as a song you’ll want to sing at karaoke.

freezing rainKayama Akio70rank/position

Hiyusame by Akio Kayama

A signature work by Akio Kayama that poignantly sings of the heartache of unrequited love through the figure of a woman enjoying a solitary drink at a bar.

This classic captivates many fans with its bittersweet vocals and richly expressive delivery.

Released in 1977 as his debut single, it has gradually seeped into people’s hearts over time.

In 1983, it won the Long-Seller Award at the Japan Record Awards and is highly regarded as a beloved song of the Showa era.

With a light, folk-tinged melody, the key is to value rhythm and hold back overt power, emphasizing restrained emotion over force.

For karaoke, try singing up to the chorus as if speaking to the listener, and have fun by getting friends to handle the tricky parts.