Popular Enka Singers Ranking [2026]

Sakura, sakuraHattori Hiroko92rank/position

Sakura Sakura

Hiroko Hattori is known for having many songs with a mature melody, but among her works are some wrapped in a pop atmosphere.

The one I especially recommend is Sakura Sakura.

While this piece retains elements of traditional enka, it leans more toward kayōkyoku, featuring a vocal line with gently rising and falling pitches throughout.

There’s only one instance of kobushi (the characteristic enka vocal ornament) just before the chorus, so even those who aren’t fond of enka’s distinctive singing style should be able to sing it without trouble.

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king (shogi piece)Murata Hideo93rank/position

king (shogi piece)

A quintessential classic of the Showa era, this song powerfully portrays a man’s pride and poignant loneliness.

Using a shogi grandmaster as its motif, it movingly depicts a man who refuses to abandon his dreams despite a life of poverty, as well as his gratitude toward his beloved wife.

Released in November 1961, it became an instant smash after Hideo Murata performed it on that year’s NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

The following year, it was chosen as the theme song for a film of the same name, ultimately selling over three million copies.

Marked by its distinctive waltz (3/4) rhythm, the chorus is meant to be sung with powerful conviction.

It’s a perfect choice not only for shogi fans, but also for anyone striving toward their dreams or wishing to sing with heartfelt thanks to someone dear.

Woman’s DepartureMatsubara Nobue94rank/position

Woman’s Departure

A signature work by Nobue Matsubara that brought a fresh breeze to the world of enka.

The lyrics strikingly depict a woman’s delicate feelings and inner strength.

Centered on the theme of setting sail, it skillfully expresses the anticipation and anxiety of a new life, as well as the poignancy of parting.

Released in 1979, this song is also known as Matsubara’s debut single and won the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards that year.

Highly recommended not only for enka fans, but also for anyone standing at a crossroads in life.

Sing it at karaoke, and you’re sure to feel a moving resonance in your heart.

Strings of TearsTonosama Kingusu95rank/position

Strings of Tears

A signature work by the Tonomama Kings that symbolizes the enka boom of the 1970s and continues to be loved by many to this day.

The lyrics, depicting a woman’s devoted love and life-risking fidelity, strongly reflect the social climate and values of the time, leaving a deep emotional impact on listeners.

Released in November 1973, the song drew wide attention as the opening theme for Fuji TV’s variety program “Aisuru Futari Wakareru Futari.” The following year, it won the Popularity Award at the 16th Japan Record Awards.

It topped the Oricon charts for nine consecutive weeks, ranked first on the year-end singles chart, and became a massive hit with total sales of 1.973 million copies.

It is recommended not only for enka fans but also for those interested in the history of Japanese music.

Osaka RhapsodyUminara Senri · Mari96rank/position

Osaka Rhapsody

This is a signature song by Senri & Mari Unabara, one of Japan’s most iconic female comedy duos.

Released in February 1976, the piece is a kayōkyoku number that portrays the sweet moments of lovers set against the cityscape of Osaka.

With Osaka landmarks like Midosuji and Dotonbori as the backdrop, the protagonists’ emotions are depicted with care.

The seven-colored neon lights are used as a motif symbolizing “sweet dreams,” making the lyrics deeply resonate with listeners.

The song is also included on the album Osaka Rhapsody and reached No.

24 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It became a massive hit, selling around 400,000 copies.

It’s a recommended track not only for those from Osaka, but for anyone who carries feelings of love or nostalgia for their hometown.

Dream-Chasing SakeAtsumi Jirō97rank/position

Dream-Chasing Sake

With an extraordinary hit on his third single since debut, Jiro Atsumi brought a fresh breeze to the enka world.

Released in February 1978, this work topped the annual sales chart the following year and won support not only from enka fans but from a wide audience.

From the lonely tears shed in a bar to the resolve to pursue a new dream, it brilliantly captures the heart’s inner conflict.

Atsumi’s warm voice soothes the pain of heartbreak while giving you the courage to look ahead.

Spurred by this song, he made his first appearance on NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen in 1979, opening the way for a career that transcended the boundaries of enka.

Having sold 1.82 million copies to date, this classic is one you should listen to especially when you feel lost in life.

Okuhida BojoRyū Tetsuya98rank/position

Tetsuya Ryuu – Okuhida Yearning [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Carried by Tetsuya Ryū’s singing voice, you can almost see the scenes woven from Okuhida’s beautiful nature and a heartrending love.

The symbolic expressions are striking too, such as likening a fleeting hope to a white lily in the valley.

Released by Trio Records in June 1980, the song became a massive hit, selling a total of 1.485 million copies.

In 1981, it also earned a spot in the 32nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to feel the landscapes of Okuhida and the atmosphere of its hot spring towns, or for those seeking to heal the pain of heartbreak.

You’re sure to be moved by Ryū’s deeply emotional singing.