Popular Enka Singers Ranking [2026]

Dotonbori SentimentTendō Yoshimi36rank/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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Snow FlowerFuji Ayako37rank/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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KOH-1

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Enduring RainGodai Natsuko38rank/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.

It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Uchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five39rank/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!

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.

Kazahana CapeIshihara Junko41rank/position

Junko Ishihara 'Kazahana Misaki' Music Video

Ms.

Junko Ishihara, who once drew public attention as an enka idol, has lately gained a mature presence and has been releasing many refined, deep-toned songs.

Among them, the one I especially recommend is Kazahana Misaki.

While it can be classified as enka due to its melodic line and kobushi ornamentation, its structure is very close to kayōkyoku, so even those who aren’t fond of enka can sing it.

The vocal range is narrow, and there aren’t any particularly complex pitch shifts, making it arguably an ideal warm-up piece.

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Ryo

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Men’s Festival SongFukuda Kouhei42rank/position

Men’s Festival Song

The sound of the taiko drums resonates pleasantly—it’s a song by Kohei Fukuda that seems to turn the vibrant spirit of a festival directly into sound.

The prayers for bountiful harvests and great catches, and the deep gratitude toward nature embedded in the lyrics, come through straight and clear on the wings of Fukuda’s soaring vocals.

As you listen, you might find yourself wanting to shout “Soiya!”—that kind of vigor is part of its charm.

The track was released in January 2024 as part of the CD single “Shonai Shigure-zake / Shinyu yo / Otoko no Matsuri-uta.” It’s perfect not only when you want to soak in a festive mood, but also when you need a boost to tackle something—this song will give you the heartening push you need.