Popular Enka Singers Ranking [2026]

Nanukamachi HanakojiAsō Chigusa22rank/position

Chigusa Aso - 'Nanokamachi Hanakoji' Music Video

We’d like to introduce a heartwarming enka song that evokes nostalgic Showa-era scenes.

Set in Nanokamachi in Yamagata Prefecture, this richly narrative piece is told from the perspective of a bar proprietress.

Chigusa Aso’s powerful vocals beautifully express hometown pride and the subtleties of human kindness.

Released in October 2024, the track strongly reflects Yamagata’s culture, incorporating the local dialect phrase “Oshōshina” (thank you).

Recommended for those who cherish their roots and value human connections.

Listen to this song, and you’re sure to be wrapped in a warmly nostalgic atmosphere.

Premonition of PartingTeresa Ten23rank/position

Premonition of Parting

She has produced numerous masterpieces, and among them, “A Premonition of Parting” is one of her most well-known works.

Although the chorus sits mostly in the mid-to-high range, the pitch movement is very gentle, so even if it feels high, you may find it surprisingly easy to sing.

If you still find the height challenging, don’t hesitate to lower the key.

This song has a narrow vocal range, so even if you lower the key, you won’t struggle with the low parts.

Be sure to add it to your repertoire.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Cape ErimoMori Shinichi24rank/position

Cape Erimo

Shinichi Mori’s classic “Erimo Misaki.” For anyone in their 50s or older, it’s no exaggeration to say there’s hardly a person who doesn’t know this song.

With its powerful vocals, it can seem difficult, but in fact it’s one of the easiest enka songs to sing.

The biggest reason it’s so singable is the minimal use of kobushi (melismatic ornamentation).

Since kobushi is the most challenging technique in enka, having less of it is a huge relief for us amateurs.

The pitch movement isn’t overly dramatic, either, so give it a try.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Brother ShipsToba Ichirō25rank/position

Ichiro Toba “Kyodai-bune (Brothers’ Boat)” (Official Audio)

This work was sung as the debut song by Ichirō Toba, who was born and raised in a fisherman’s family.

With a powerful yet wistful voice, it expresses the bonds among men of the sea and their feelings for their families.

Released in August 1982, it became a million-seller and later was performed seven times on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, making it a classic.

The overall pitch is on the lower side, making it approachable even for those who struggle with high notes.

If vibrato is difficult, try focusing on clear enunciation to convey the lyrics distinctly.

It’s a recommended song for livening up a karaoke session or for singing with heartfelt thoughts for someone special.

And, KobeMaekawa Kiyoshi26rank/position

And Kobe

“And Then, Kobe” was released in November 1972 as the 14th single by Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five.

At the 15th Japan Record Awards the following year (1973), it received the Composer’s Prize, and it has been sung ever since not only as a local song of Kobe but also as a classic of enka.

It is also one of the signature songs of Kiyoshi Maekawa, who served as the lead vocalist of the Cool Five, and it encouraged many victims of the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.

In the 46th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year, Maekawa performed the song and received acclaim from all over Japan.

America BridgeYamakawa Yutaka27rank/position

America Bashi

Among Yutaka Yamakawa’s songs, “America-bashi” stands out for its particularly catchy melody.

As the title hints with “America” in it, the piece is generously infused with pop elements.

While the vocal line strongly evokes the flavor of Showa-era kayōkyoku, the interlude features an accordion that conjures up French jazz.

True to classic Showa pop, the song is characterized by a gentle, relatively even vocal line with few dramatic rises and falls.

Though expressive nuance is required, the scarcity of open vowels relative to the melody allows you to set up a solid pause before each entrance.

If you find breath control or the distinctive kobushi ornamentation of enka challenging, consider adding this song to your repertoire.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

A solitary journey to MichinokuYamamoto Jōji28rank/position

Joji Yamamoto “Michinoku Solo Journey” Music Video (full ver.)

Michinoku Hitoritabi is the signature song that made Joji Yamamoto a household name nationwide, and it stands as the biggest hit in his long career discography.

Released in 1980, it steadily gained sales and became a long-running hit from the following year—a true classic.

Because it’s so well-known, many people can hum along to it, and it’s consistently a top choice for karaoke.

Although it’s enka, it carries a strong kayōkyoku (Japanese pop ballad) flavor, making it a great recommendation for beginners who aren’t quite ready to dive into orthodox enka.

The key isn’t particularly high, but there are some noticeable rises and falls in pitch, so focus on producing a solid, powerful, and lustrous low register, and make the contrast with the high parts clear.

Try singing it the way Yamamoto does—savoring the melancholic lyrics and melody.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem