Popular Enka Singers Ranking [2026]

Ishikari ElegyKitahara Mirei71rank/position

Ishikari Banka (2006 Remaster)

A classic song set in Ishikari, Hokkaido, portraying a man devoted to the herring fishery and the bittersweet feelings of the woman who stays by his side.

Released in June 1975 as Mirei Kitahara’s eighth single, it won both the Lyricist Award and the Arrangement Award at the Tokyo Music Festival.

Rei Nakanishi’s lyrically rich words, Keisuke Hama’s wistful melody, and Shunichi Makaino’s emotionally charged arrangement come together as one to dramatically express the sorrow and resignation of people who live by the northern sea.

Brimming with deep lyricism that conjures images of mending nets on a snow-swept winter shore, this piece is perfect for moments when you want to quietly reflect on the scenes of the Showa era.

Moon of lingering coldKitada Emi72rank/position

Emi Kitada “Moon of the Late Cold” MUSIC VIDEO

Emi Kitada is a talented singer who also raises Miyazaki cattle as an agricultural woman.

Her first single after moving to Nippon Crown is “Yokan no Tsuki.” This work is a passionate enka-style song that layers unresolved feelings for a past love onto the still-chilly moon of late winter.

Her understated, narrative-like delivery is breathtaking, drawing you into its world before you realize it.

It’s perfect for a night when you want to savor the subtleties of mature romance in a gentle, reflective mood.

Hydrangea BridgeJōnouchi Sanae73rank/position

Hydrangea Bridge

Speaking of classic enka songs that poignantly sing of the rainy season, this is the piece that catapulted Sanae Jōnouchi to stardom.

Released in June 1986, it features memorable, heartrending lyrics that overlay hydrangeas blooming on a bridge with memories of a lost love.

The lyrics depicting the scenes of the rainy season and the gentle yet sorrowful melody deeply resonate.

As her debut single, frequently featured on television and radio, this work became the foundation of Jōnouchi’s career.

It’s not exactly easy to sing despite appearances, but because the melodic range is relatively narrow and parts of the tune lean toward pop, it’s a great challenge for beginners to enka as well.

I long for Southern HokkaidoKoyama Yudai74rank/position

The 66th Shining! Japan Record Awards Newcomer Award | Yudai Koyama “Donan Koishiya” Music Video (Full Ver.)

How about an inspiring number that stirs a burning longing for your hometown? It’s the debut single by Yudai Koyama, known as the “Magic Voice,” released in April 2024.

The song powerfully celebrates the landscapes of his hometown—such as Noboribetsu and Esashi—and the bonds with family.

Close your eyes and you can picture the Sea of Japan and snowy scenes that awaken a deep nostalgia in listeners.

Sing it at karaoke with friends who share that love for home, and it’s sure to resonate deeply in everyone’s hearts.

freezing rainHino Mika75rank/position

Mika Hino Cold Rain

This song is a quintessential example of enka, where a catchy melody and emotionally rich lyrics blend beautifully.

Released in December 1982, it remains beloved by many as one of Mika Hino’s signature numbers.

The lyrics, which intertwine the chill of winter rain with the pain of heartbreak, portray a universal theme that anyone can relate to.

Hino, renowned for her vocal prowess, conveys the aching heart of a forlorn love with remarkable expressiveness.

With its relaxed tempo and relatively modest melodic shifts, it’s a song that even beginners to enka will find approachable.

Why not sing it slowly, savoring the lyrics that resonate so deeply?

draft (cold air seeping through gaps)Sugi Ryōtarō76rank/position

draft (cold air seeping through gaps)

This work has long been cherished as a signature masterpiece of the enka genre.

Since its release in 1976, it has become a major hit, selling over one million copies, and it was also used as the ending theme for the TV drama “Tōyama no Kin-san.” Centered around low to mid-range melodies, it is easy to sing even for those who struggle with high notes, and Ryōtarō Sugi’s gentle, composed vocals further enhance the song’s appeal.

While depicting the subtleties of life and loneliness, the lyrics convey a forward-looking attitude that resonates deeply with listeners.

It’s a recommended choice for those who want to try enka at karaoke or are seeking a calm, mellow song.

Come back.Matsumura Kazuko77rank/position

Come back.

Kazuko Matsumura is an enka singer from Hokkaido.

While she also performs orthodox enka, her essence arguably lies in rock-influenced enka.

Many people have surely been moved by her performances, where she holds a shamisen and sings as if she were a rock musician doing an acoustic set.

“Kaette Koi yo” is one of her signature songs; it maintains the fundamentals of enka yet stands out with a rock-tinged power.

The range is somewhat high, from mid2 A# to hi D#, but since the overall span is narrow, it shouldn’t be difficult to sing if you adjust to a suitable key.

It also features fewer kobushi (ornamental turns) than typical enka, making it a recommended choice.

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