Popular Enka Singers Ranking [2026]

Maria of the Labyrinthtatsumi yūto11rank/position

Yuto Tatsumi “Maria of the Labyrinth” Music Video

It’s a truly dazzling and glamorous classic that feels as if the atmosphere of the 1970s golden age of Showa pop has been revived in the Reiwa era! It’s the eighth single released in May 2024 by Yuto Tatsumi, one of the leading young enka singers, with lyrics by Goro Matsui, composition by Kohei Sachi, and arrangement by Mitsuo Hagita—industry heavyweights who have crafted a song that fully brings out the sexy charm of Tatsumi, the “prince” of the enka world.

As mentioned, it’s a straightforward, Showa-style pop number, so the melody is easy to remember and it’s definitely the kind of song that will liven up any karaoke session.

The kobushi and vibrato are kept modest, making it easy to sing even for those not skilled in enka techniques.

Let yourself sink into the song’s atmosphere and sing with the mindset of becoming Tatsumi himself!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

With a fiery heartKobayashi Akira12rank/position

With a Fiery Heart ☆ Akira Kobayashi

A work notable for its distinctive sound featuring strings, “Atsuki Kokoro ni.” This piece includes few of Akira Kobayashi’s trademark upward-climbing long tones.

Since most of the long tones occur while the melody descends, even those who struggle with upward vibrato can sing it without issue.

It’s a kayōkyoku with a strong pop flavor, and advanced vocal techniques like kobushi do not appear at all.

However, the rhythm at the beginning of the chorus is somewhat irregular, so you’ll need to practice that part thoroughly.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Chikumagawa RiverItsuki Hiroshi13rank/position

Chikumagawa River

Hiroshi Itsuki, a singer Japan is proud of, has performed numerous beloved national hits.

Among his many classics, Chikumagawa, released in 1975, is one of his signature songs set in Nagano Prefecture.

Sung gracefully over a triple meter, its melody is challenging, spanning a wide range from the low notes of the verse to the high notes of the chorus.

Even Itsuki himself has described it as “not to be sung carelessly.” The key is to convey a rich sense of travel and scenery while taking care not to let the words become muddy in the lower register.

Let’s call it good with this.Mikawa Ken’ichi14rank/position

Kenichi Mikawa 'This Will Do' Music Video

The song announced in September 2024 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Kenichi Mikawa’s singing career is a life-affirming anthem brimming with his signature style.

Created in collaboration with the distinguished artists Takahiro Matsumoto of B’z and TAKURO of GLAY, the piece portrays the ups and downs of life with humor and warmth.

Set to a medium-tempo groove, Mikawa’s voice—singing about facing forward with the message that “it’s enough just to be alive”—is sure to resonate with listeners.

As the culmination of Mikawa’s six decades as a vocalist, it has earned wide support across generations.

It’s a recommended track for anyone feeling lost in life or ready to take a new step forward.

Memories SakeKobayashi Sachiko15rank/position

Omoidezake

A masterpiece whose wistful melody and heartrending lyrics resonate deeply.

The lyrics portray a woman recalling a past love as she drinks, a theme that has struck a chord with many and kept the song beloved for years.

Released in January 1979, it was originally a B-side, but its popularity on cable radio led to it becoming the A-side.

It ranked No.

1 on that year’s “The Best Ten” annual chart and also won the 21st Japan Record Awards’ Best Vocal Performance.

The song is extremely demanding to sing, requiring rich expressiveness and a wide vocal range.

It’s a perfect piece for testing one’s enka singing ability.

Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi16rank/position

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Hanzirō of Hakone Hachiri [Official]

The debut song of the prince of the enka world is a traveling ballad that seeps into the listener’s heart.

You can almost picture Hanjiro in his mawashi-gappa outfit making his way along the Hakone mountain path.

Many younger listeners have probably heard the memorable phrase from the chorus, and it’s the kind of line that makes you want to hum along.

Released in February 2000 and used in a Taisho Pharmaceutical commercial, this piece is recommended even for newcomers to enka.

That said, many of Kiyoshi Hikawa’s songs are technically challenging, and this one is no exception.

For starters, enjoy the lyrical world and melody, and practice repeatedly so you can sing it better little by little!

Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten17rank/position

Let yourself go with the flow of time

Teresa Teng has many timeless songs, but if we had to name her most famous work, it would surely be “Toki no Nagare ni Mi wo Makase” (“I Only Care About You”).

This song about a bittersweet love became a major hit thanks to its lyrics and emotional melody.

Many listeners are especially moved by the falsetto near the end of the chorus.

While that falsetto is somewhat challenging, the vocal line that follows is relatively simple, so those comfortable with head voice will likely not find it a major hurdle.

If it still feels difficult, lowering the key and singing with a restrained volume in mixed voice is recommended.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Hokkai Port FestivalMiyama Hiroshi18rank/position

Hiroshi Miyama “Hokkai Minato-bushi” MUSIC VIDEO

This song by Hiroshi Miyama, an enka singer from Kochi Prefecture, was released in 2023 and powerfully portrays the life of a fisherman.

Miyama’s warm “vitamin voice” expressively conveys the hardships and resolve of fishermen with deep emotion.

Depicting a man facing raging waves, it also weaves in bonds with family and mentors, becoming a hymn to life.

Characterized by a driving tempo and powerful vocals known as “gangan enka,” the song demands considerable vocal skill, with a wide range, sharp pitch shifts, and a bold singing style.

Even those familiar with enka will need substantial practice to master it.

When singing it at karaoke, it’s recommended to first grasp the rhythm and practice section by section.

Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari19rank/position

Like the flow of a river

This work is the final single released during the lifetime of the legendary songstress Hibari Misora, and among her monumental discography that has long sung to the hearts of the Japanese people, it is a particularly renowned masterpiece among masterpieces.

Hibari’s vocal performance, which flawlessly delivers the life philosophy penned by Yasushi Akimoto and the beautiful melody composed by Masao Hirao, continues to move many people today.

Released in January 1989, it was also performed at that year’s Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Even beginners can enjoy singing it comfortably at karaoke by feeling the wonderful melody that naturally draws you in!

From the northern innMiyako Harumi20rank/position

Harumi Miyako / From the Northern Inn [Lyric Video]

When it comes to classic enka songs, this one is indispensable.

Set against the backdrop of a cold northern winter, it conveys the heart-wrenching feelings of a heartbroken woman through a voice that is both gentle and powerful.

Asei Kobayashi’s richly emotive melody and Yū Aku’s profound lyrics blend beautifully, resulting in a masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in December 1975 as Harumi Miyako’s 68th single, it quickly soared in popularity after being performed at the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen the following year.

It won numerous awards, including the Japan Record Award, and became a massive hit, selling over 1.435 million copies.

It’s the perfect song for healing the pain of heartbreak or reaffirming your feelings for someone special.