Popular Enka Singers Ranking [2026]

Shirakami-SanchiNagayama Yōko31rank/position

Yoko Nagayama “Shirakami-Sanchi” Music Video

Released in 2024, Shirakami Sanchi—an upright Tsugaru shamisen performance that epitomizes Yoko Nagayama—is already drawing attention as one of her signature songs of the Reiwa era.

Its major key gives it a fresh, bright, up-tempo feel, and the interplay between the shamisen ensemble and rock-style guitar is seriously cool.

It’s already a big hit at karaoke, and many people are surely eager to give it a try.

While Nagayama’s singing features her characteristic kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), the melodic development isn’t tricky, so we’d love for even enka beginners to take on the challenge.

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Dotonbori SentimentTendō Yoshimi32rank/position

[MV] Yoshimi Tendo / Dotonbori (Tonbori) Ninjō (Full Ver.)

Yoshimi Tendo is an enka singer highly acclaimed for her live performances.

With first-class qualities across the board—vocal power, expressiveness, and fine techniques such as kobushi—she also has songs that are relatively easy to sing.

Among them, the one I especially recommend is Dotonbori Ninjo.

It’s a robust enka number with the flavor of Kawachi Ondo, but most of the kobushi are the type that undulate at the start of each phrase, so it’s not particularly difficult.

Of course, if you aim to replicate every detail, the difficulty is high; however, since most of the Kawachi Ondo-style kobushi occur in the lower register, anyone who can control pitch in the low range should be able to sing it without issue.

By the way, the reading of the title is not “Dotonbori Ninjo,” but “Tonbori Ninjo.”

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Ryo

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Anemone flaccida (nirinsō; literally “two-flowered anemone”)kawanaka miyuki33rank/position

【MV】Miyuki Kawanaka / Nirinso (Two Buttercups)

Among Miyuki Kawanaka’s songs, “Nirinsō” stands out as one of the most well-known, with sales reaching one million copies.

Kawanaka herself released an album titled “Shiawase Enka,” and it’s fitting that “Nirinsō” is the first track—its bright, upbeat tone is distinctive and seems to symbolize the “sunny” side of enka, which expresses the full spectrum of life’s emotions.

For enka fans, it needs no introduction, and it’s also immensely popular at karaoke, so there’s no need for excessive commentary.

For beginners, however, practicing this song can be a great way to learn fundamental enka techniques like vibrato and kobushi.

If the high notes are tough, adjust the key to suit your voice, study the wonderful lyrics, and sing with feeling.

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Kamuro-zaka in the chill of cherry-blossom seasonNahomi34rank/position

[MV Full Chorus] Nahomi “Kanzaki’s Chilly Bloom” [Official]

This enka piece weaves a poignantly bittersweet love in rich emotion against a backdrop of cherry blossoms fluttering along an urban slope that still carries the lingering air of Edo.

Set at Shinagawa’s symbolic cherry-blossom landmark, it portrays the inner feelings of a person harboring unspoken love with lyrical sensitivity.

Nahomi’s delicate vocals evoke the quiet yet resilient strength of a mature woman, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in March 2025 by Tokuma Japan Communications, with lyrics by Naofumi Yanagida and composition by Akito Shikata, it’s a song perfect for the season when spring arrives—recommended for those who think of a cherished someone during cherry blossom time.

Like sakura blooming in a corner of the city, its fragile yet beautiful portrait of love will surely touch the hearts of those who can relate.

It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Uchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five35rank/position

It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.

This was the debut single of Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five, who debuted in 1969, and it’s the group’s biggest hit.

The lead vocal is by Kiyoshi Maekawa, who later self-covered the song as well.

To score high, instead of trying to sing the entire song straight through, it’s effective to practice so you can sing one full verse perfectly without mistakes.

I often introduce this practice method in various places, and especially for enka and kayōkyoku, there are relatively few songs whose melodies change drastically between the first and second verses, so it’s wise to thoroughly learn the melody first.

Also, since the opening lyric starts on a vowel and enters from a low note, if you sing that part with just a slight catch in the throat, you’ll be able to hit the pitch more clearly.

Give it a try!

Women’s FestivalIchikawa Yukino36rank/position

Yukino Ichikawa / Woman's Festival

Enka singer Yukino Ichikawa’s debut song was “Onna no Matsuri,” released in 1993.

It’s a number inspired by the “Onna Mikoshi” at the Docchan Festival in Imari, Saga Prefecture, where only women carry the portable shrine.

While mikoshi are often associated with men, the Docchan Festival’s “Onna Mikoshi” has a power and energy that rivals any other.

If listening to “Onna no Matsuri” piques your interest, be sure to visit Imari in Saga!

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Hamada Takuya

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Woman of ShinjukuFuji Keiko37rank/position

Keiko Fuji — Woman of Shinjuku

Some people may only know Keiko Fuji as the mother of Hikaru Utada, but Fuji, with her powerful, gravelly voice that belied her teenage years and her innate vocal talent, was truly worthy of being called a genius singer.

If you listen to her debut single “Shinjuku no Onna,” released when she was just 18, you’ll understand how extraordinary she was.

It’s a classic that achieved commercial success and catapulted her to stardom, and it fully showcases the appeal of her husky voice—lush yet tinged with melancholy.

While it’s an enka song, it also carries a kayōkyoku flavor, so those who aren’t fond of traditional enka might find it easier to sing.

That said, actually mastering it is another matter entirely; it’s extremely difficult to capture Fuji’s phrasing, which spans a wide vocal range.

Not only the high notes and vibrato, but also clearly articulated low melodies are challenging—keep that in mind as you practice.

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Snow FlowerFuji Ayako38rank/position

Ayako Fuji “Snow Flower” Music Video

Here is “Yuki no Hana,” a collaboration between Ikuzo Yoshi and Ayako Fuji, two luminaries who support the enka world and share the common bond of being from the Tohoku region.

Released as a single in 2024, it marked the first time in nearly 28 years that a song composed by Ikuzo Yoshi was performed by Ayako Fuji.

The dramatic strings heighten the piece, and the quintessentially Yoshi-style, wistful melody pairs perfectly with Fuji’s rich, powerful vocals.

In terms of enka-specific technique, it’s not especially difficult; however, since triplets appear frequently, try to sing with an awareness of making the melody sound smooth.

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Enduring RainGodai Natsuko39rank/position

Natsuko Godai 'Shinobu Ame' Music Video (1 chorus)

Natsuko Godai’s “Shinobu Ame” is one of the signature songs of her music career.

Released on May 21, 1990, the track left a significant mark on Japan’s enka scene.

It peaked at No.

12 on the weekly Oricon chart and became a long-running hit, staying on the charts for a total of 52 weeks and selling 421,000 copies.

It also received numerous awards, including the Broadcast Music Award at the 21st Japan Kayō Awards.

The song’s appeal lies in its delicate, rain-themed lyrics and Godai’s emotionally rich vocals.

Comparing deep feelings for a lover to falling rain, the lyrics resonate with many listeners, delivering a quiet yet powerful message.

As one of Natsuko Godai’s representative works, it’s a must-listen not only for enka fans but also for those who don’t usually listen to enka.

Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko40rank/position

Life is full of ups and downs.

This masterpiece, which portrays the subtleties of life, is a song that brought out a new charm in Chiyoko Shimakura.

Released in 1987, it features lyrics by Daisaburo Nakayama and music by Kuranosuke Hamaguchi.

Its melody line, characterized by a fusion of kayōkyoku and pop elements, resonates deeply with listeners.

While the lyrics candidly depict life’s ups and downs, the tune is friendly and the vocal range isn’t very wide, making it relatively easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident singers.

It’s a great pick for livening up a karaoke session or for times when you feel reflective about life.