Popular Enka Singers Ranking [2026]

TATSUYATanaka Aimi78rank/position

Aimi Tanaka 'TATSUYA' [57th Japan Lyricist Awards]

Aimi Tanaka is an enka singer known as the beloved disciple of Takashi Hosokawa.

She possesses a remarkably deep voice for someone in her early twenties, and on top of that, her expressive power is extraordinary.

She is undoubtedly expected to play a leading role in the future enka scene, yet she has also released many songs that are easy to sing.

Among them, the one you can especially expect to get the crowd going is “TATSUYA.” While the lyrics are sad, depicting a widow, the melody is powerful and still brings out a feminine quality, so you can expect it to be quite exciting.

It leans more toward kayōkyoku in style, and the absence of difficult pitch movements—such as the dramatic ups and downs often associated with kobushi—makes it notably easy to sing.

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Ryo

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Nyōnin KōyaTagawa Toshi-mi79rank/position

BKTAi027 Women’s Koyasan ⑦ TOSHIMI TAGAWA (2002) 111117 vL FC HD

‘Nyonin Kōya,’ whose lyrics by author Hiroyuki Itsuki have drawn attention, is a striking song featuring Toshi Tagawa singing while strumming an electric guitar in an outfit that mixes kimono and dress styles.

‘Nyonin Kōya’ is said to be the nickname of Murō-ji Temple, where women were free to worship, in contrast to Kongōbu-ji on Mount Kōya, which historically prohibited women.

This masterpiece depicts a woman who, after a broken romance, arrives at Murō-ji, and Tagawa powerfully conveys the resolve of a determined woman through her expressive, emotionally rich performance.

The phrase from ‘Tōryanse’ adds a spicy touch that heightens the song’s impact!

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miyabi

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Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō80rank/position

Ishihara Yujiro "Traveler of the North"

A gem of a song by Yujiro Ishihara that tenderly portrays a man’s aching heart as he searches for a lost love against the backdrop of the northern lands.

Blended with the harsh natural environment, his melancholic vocals resonate deeply.

Released in August 1987, the piece was also used as an insert song for the TV Asahi drama “Seibu Keisatsu.” A mood-kayo number that makes the most of his deep voice, it vividly conveys northern landscapes and the sentiment of travel.

With a narrow melodic range and a relaxed tempo, it’s a song that’s easy to try at karaoke.

Recommended for those who want to savor Ishihara’s unique aura.

Johana Hikiyama FestivalAoi Kawori81rank/position

[MV Full Chorus] Kawori Aoi “Johana Hikiyama Festival” [Official]

This is a song themed around the Hikiyama Festival held in the Johana district of Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture.

Sung by enka artist Kauri Aoi, the piece is inspired by the local specialty “tama-mayu” (silk cocoons), and expresses fleeting dreams with a loved one and an unforgettable longing for love.

The lyrics vividly depict the festival’s lanterns and the sound of flutes, making you feel as if you’re right there.

Released in March 2024, the song commemorates the 20th anniversary of Kauri Aoi’s debut.

The coupling track, “Meoto-daki” (Husband-and-Wife Falls), also draws on Toyama’s natural scenery, making this a release brimming with local pride.

It’s a perfect song for summertime nights when you want to linger over bittersweet memories.

Melancholy PierNomura Mina82rank/position

Mina Nomura “Aishū Futō” MUSIC VIDEO

This is a masterpiece that conveys a bittersweet feeling hidden deep in the heart, seeping gently into the listener.

Released in November 2024 to commemorate Mina Nomura’s 20th anniversary since her debut, this work vividly depicts the scenery of a port town through her resounding, soaring vocals.

As you listen, the sense of presence grows so strong you can almost hear the waves.

The poignant emotions of a woman are exquisitely expressed through Nomura’s richly emotive singing.

Whether you wish to heal the pain of heartbreak or overcome a farewell with someone dear, this song will surely become a source of support for your heart.

Not even worth confessingKitahara Mirei83rank/position

No Worth Even in Confession — Mirei Kitahara

When I listened to this song, released in October 1970, I was still just a child—barely in middle school—and I remember it being a shocking song, interpreted in my own childish way.

What is now called the “phantom fourth verse” seems to exist, and I recall the word “iron bars” sticking in my ears back then, so I believe it was sung at the time.

From the standpoint that it wouldn’t see the light of day in today’s world, I consider it a hidden masterpiece.

Alone on the Kuji RiverYajima Akiyo84rank/position

Akiyo Yajima “Alone on the Kuji River” Music Video

Set along the Kuji River flowing through Ibaraki Prefecture, this enka ballad poignantly sings of a bittersweet love.

Released in January 2025, the song boasts a stellar creative team: lyrics by Koyomi Asa and composition by Hideo Mizumori.

Akiyo Yajima’s clear, pure vocals ride on the chill of the river breeze, resonating deeply with listeners.

While honoring the traditional elements of enka, it features contemporary arrangements that make it enjoyable for a wide range of generations.

You’ll find yourself empathizing with the woman who, despite the pain of heartbreak, strives to move forward.