Popular Enka Singers Ranking [2026]

Back Alley Fireflieskoori kenta61rank/position

Kenta Koori “Backstreet Firefly” [Official Full Chorus MV]

The enka singer Kenta Koori, who is drawing attention in the genre, released a song in September 2024 that richly captures the emotions of a wistful love, likening it to the glow of fireflies.

Released to commemorate the 15th anniversary of his debut, the piece features lyrics depicting the fleeting scenes of love and a passionate vocal performance.

It’s packed with the appeal of enka that makes full use of a wide vocal range, allowing listeners to savor both his soaring high notes and his lustrous low-register expressiveness.

When trying it at karaoke, the key is to value emotional expression while minding the balance between highs and lows.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to touch on the subtleties of love and life.

Great Catch Festivalsakuramaya62rank/position

Big Catch Festival - Sakura Maya

It was released in 2008 as Maya Sakura’s debut single.

The song was used in a Takara Tomy commercial for “Oyako no Taiyaki-kun.” She debuted from Nippon Crown as the youngest enka singer in history, and with this song she won the New Artist Award at the 51st Japan Record Awards and the New Artist Award at the 42nd Japan Cable Radio Awards.

marine snowjero63rank/position

Jero – Sea Snow (Music Video)

This is a landmark song by Jero, who made a sensational debut in 2008.

With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and music by Ryudo Uzaki, it not only became a huge hit but also set various records as an enka song, making it a masterpiece that will go down in Japanese music history.

Beyond the difficulty of a melody that spans a wide vocal range, the song itself is highly intricate—blending enka elements with straightforward, J-pop-style developments and funky rhythms—yet Jero delivers a flawless performance that really underscores the power of his vocals.

The track has been popular at karaoke since its release, but to be honest, it’s a very challenging song to sing there.

Listen to the original repeatedly and practice until the rhythm and melody are ingrained in your body!

Great Catch TaikoIchijō Kanta64rank/position

Kanta Ichijo “Bountiful Catch Taiko” MUSIC VIDEO

With lively drum beats and spirited calls, it’s guaranteed to lift the mood for both singers and listeners alike! This is a work by Kanta Ichijo, released in May 2024.

Following “Otoko no Gyoba,” it’s the second installment in the “Men of the Sea” series.

The bustling energy of a port celebrating a big catch and the pride of those who live by the sea come through directly in his powerful vocals.

The music video was filmed in Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, featuring a collaboration with an authentic taiko group.

Shouting the “Yoisho!” call together will definitely crank up the excitement.

ancient castleMitsubishi Michiya65rank/position

Mitsuhashi Michiya [Kojo (Old Castle)]

When it comes to timeless, melancholy Japanese classics, this song is the first that comes to mind.

Its lyrical poetry and rich melody blend beautifully, stirring the listener’s heart.

Through the image of a decayed castle, it poignantly sings of lost glory and nostalgia for bygone days—truly the essence of enka.

Since its 1959 release, it has remained beloved by many and is a karaoke staple.

Yet its difficulty is well known: Mihashi’s distinctive vocal timbre and expressive power, along with the wide-ranging melody, put any singer to the test.

Even so, it’s a song I especially hope those with a wealth of life experience will try.

Person Sought in the NorthNakazawa Takuya66rank/position

Takuya Nakazawa “The Person I Seek in the North” MUSIC VIDEO

Here’s a song that truly conveys Takuya Nakazawa’s charm.

Within its light, easy-listening enka style, his passionate yet gentle vocals leave a strong impression.

It tells the story of a man who travels to the northern country in search of an unforgettable woman, sung over a melody that lingers in the heart.

Released in January 2020, the track drew attention as a new step following his previous work, “Akane-iro no Koi.” Though it has a light enka feel, Nakazawa’s expansive vocals shine throughout.

It’s approachable even for enka beginners and comes recommended as a song you’ll want to sing at karaoke.

freezing rainKayama Akio67rank/position

Hiyusame by Akio Kayama

A signature work by Akio Kayama that poignantly sings of the heartache of unrequited love through the figure of a woman enjoying a solitary drink at a bar.

This classic captivates many fans with its bittersweet vocals and richly expressive delivery.

Released in 1977 as his debut single, it has gradually seeped into people’s hearts over time.

In 1983, it won the Long-Seller Award at the Japan Record Awards and is highly regarded as a beloved song of the Showa era.

With a light, folk-tinged melody, the key is to value rhythm and hold back overt power, emphasizing restrained emotion over force.

For karaoke, try singing up to the chorus as if speaking to the listener, and have fun by getting friends to handle the tricky parts.

Ishikari ElegyKitahara Mirei68rank/position

Ishikari Banka (2006 Remaster)

A classic song set in Ishikari, Hokkaido, portraying a man devoted to the herring fishery and the bittersweet feelings of the woman who stays by his side.

Released in June 1975 as Mirei Kitahara’s eighth single, it won both the Lyricist Award and the Arrangement Award at the Tokyo Music Festival.

Rei Nakanishi’s lyrically rich words, Keisuke Hama’s wistful melody, and Shunichi Makaino’s emotionally charged arrangement come together as one to dramatically express the sorrow and resignation of people who live by the northern sea.

Brimming with deep lyricism that conjures images of mending nets on a snow-swept winter shore, this piece is perfect for moments when you want to quietly reflect on the scenes of the Showa era.

Moon of lingering coldKitada Emi69rank/position

Emi Kitada “Moon of the Late Cold” MUSIC VIDEO

Emi Kitada is a talented singer who also raises Miyazaki cattle as an agricultural woman.

Her first single after moving to Nippon Crown is “Yokan no Tsuki.” This work is a passionate enka-style song that layers unresolved feelings for a past love onto the still-chilly moon of late winter.

Her understated, narrative-like delivery is breathtaking, drawing you into its world before you realize it.

It’s perfect for a night when you want to savor the subtleties of mature romance in a gentle, reflective mood.

Hydrangea BridgeJōnouchi Sanae70rank/position

Hydrangea Bridge

Speaking of classic enka songs that poignantly sing of the rainy season, this is the piece that catapulted Sanae Jōnouchi to stardom.

Released in June 1986, it features memorable, heartrending lyrics that overlay hydrangeas blooming on a bridge with memories of a lost love.

The lyrics depicting the scenes of the rainy season and the gentle yet sorrowful melody deeply resonate.

As her debut single, frequently featured on television and radio, this work became the foundation of Jōnouchi’s career.

It’s not exactly easy to sing despite appearances, but because the melodic range is relatively narrow and parts of the tune lean toward pop, it’s a great challenge for beginners to enka as well.