Popular Enka Singers Ranking [2026]

Hokkai Port FestivalMiyama Hiroshi29rank/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.

Northern SpringSen Masao30rank/position

[Audio Sample] Masao Sen "Spring in the Northern Country" (Short ver.)

This heartwarming classic, themed around spring in the northern country, was released in April 1977.

Its lyrics, filled with longing for one’s hometown, blend beautifully with the richly expressive melody.

Vivid depictions—white birch, kobushi magnolias, and murmuring streams—evoke the scenes of a northern spring.

Masao Sen’s resonant vocals further heighten the nostalgia of a protagonist living in the city.

After its release, the song became a major hit, staying on the Oricon charts for 134 weeks and selling a total of 1.309 million copies.

It’s a must-listen for anyone living away from home or those who can relate to the feelings of cherishing someone special.

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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Kamuro-zaka in the chill of cherry-blossom seasonNahomi32rank/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.

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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Women’s FestivalIchikawa Yukino34rank/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 Keiko35rank/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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