Popular Enka Singers Ranking [2026]

Rainy Harbor StationHanasaki Yukimi50rank/position

Yukimi Hanasaki “Rainy Harbor Station” MUSIC VIDEO

A new song by Yukimi Hanasaki that portrays the poignant scenery of a port town.

It’s a work that lets you fully savor the charm of a gently expressive enka ballad.

The feelings of a woman lingering over a farewell at a rainy train station are exquisitely conveyed through Hanasaki’s rich, sultry vocals.

Released in June 2024, about a year and a half after her previous single.

While preserving the best of traditional enka, the song also incorporates a contemporary sensibility, making it enjoyable for listeners across generations.

It’s a perfect track for the rainy season.

Please take your time and listen.

Our LullabyToba Ichirō · Yutaka Yamakawa51rank/position

Ichiro Toba & Yutaka Yamakawa “Our Lullaby” MUSIC VIDEO

A song by the brother duo Ichiro Toba and Yutaka Yamakawa, released in December 2024.

Centered on the themes of brotherly bonds and family love, this work is deeply moving.

It opens with the desolation of city life, then gradually swells with a longing for their hometown.

The dramatic musical style—and of course, their solid, resonant vocals—are captivating.

Their first-ever duet, realized more than 40 years after their debuts, is truly stirring.

Okesa migratory birdOka Midori52rank/position

Midori Oka - Okesa Migratory Bird (PV) Enka Hyakusen

Back in 2005, anyone who saw Midori Oka performing classic enka flawlessly while wearing a mini-skirt and a midriff-baring outfit must have been surprised—and those who only know her current image would be even more shocked.

Her song “Okesa Wataridori” was her memorable debut as an enka singer, and it drew attention not only for her background as a former idol but also for the fashion mentioned above.

Despite the contrast with her appearance, the song itself has the charm of good old-fashioned enka, featuring enka-style techniques and phrasing throughout.

It opens with a high note at the start of the first verse, and while there’s a fair amount of pitch movement, the overall melody is straightforward and easy to remember.

Be sure to practice the long high notes leading up to the chorus so you don’t run out of breath!

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Sinful LoveFutami Souichi53rank/position

Soichi Futami “Sinful Love” MUSIC VIDEO

A sultry song by Soichi Futami themed around mature romance.

Released in October 2023, it commemorates the fifth anniversary of his debut.

It poignantly conveys the bittersweet feelings of a man and woman who fall into a forbidden love, sung with rich emotional expression.

Distinct from Futami’s previous works, it features a minor-key arrangement that evokes an alluring, seductive atmosphere.

The music video, set in a hidden bar, portrays a secret, unspoken love.

The striking contrast between his soaring high notes and velvety low register leaves a strong impression, making it a perfect track not only for enka fans but also for those who enjoy adult romance dramas.

Flowers of TsugaruHarada Yuuri54rank/position

Song: Yuri Harada - Tsugaru no Hana (sung by the artist) HD 1080p60

With the arrival of spring, the flowers of Tsugaru bloom in full glory.

Depicting apple blossoms and cherry blossoms blooming together, this work symbolizes the rebirth of life and new beginnings after a harsh winter.

Delving deeply into the human psyche through the joys and sorrows of love and life, it leaves listeners profoundly moved.

Released in February 1999, Yūri Harada’s 24th single peaked at No.

42 on the Oricon chart and became a long-running hit.

It sold a total of 600,000 copies, won the Excellent Work Award at the 41st Japan Record Awards, and marked her first appearance at the 50th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, among other achievements.

When you stand at a crossroads in life, listening to this song—which celebrates the challenges and beauty faced by both nature and humanity—is sure to give you the courage to take a new step forward.

Shigure Moon in KinosakiŌe Yutaka55rank/position

Hiroshi Oe “Kinosaki Shigure Moon” MUSIC VIDEO

This is a genuine local enka number by Hiroshi Oe that conjures up images of steam rising from hot springs and rows of willow trees.

Released in August 2023 to mark the 15th anniversary of his debut, it is set in Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo’s famed hot spring town, and portrays a man’s lingering attachment to someone he parted with.

Oe’s rich, resonant kobushi vocal ornamentation further highlights the protagonist’s helpless feelings and stirs the listener’s heart.

The music video—featuring his first attempt at acting in a yukata and expressive facial performance—is also a highlight.

It’s the perfect song for when you want to immerse yourself in the mood of travel, or for nights when you’d like a companion to your sentimental feelings.

Yugiri PortMori Konomi56rank/position

Konomi Mori “Yugiri Port” Music Video

A powerful enka released by Konomi Mori in July 2024.

Set in a fog-shrouded port town, it portrays a heart-wrenching love.

Drawing on her unique vocal prowess honed through folk music, she conveys both the misty harbor scenery and the protagonist’s feelings with rich emotion.

Said to be modeled on Kojōhama in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, the lyrics—written by Madoka No—were inspired by her amazement at the fog-covered landscape, and Chiaki Oka set them to a poignant melody.

Mori shares behind-the-scenes stories on her blog, and the song has been generating buzz among fans.

It’s the kind of piece you’ll want to listen to when you’re remembering someone dear or spending a quiet night alone.