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Popular Enka. Latest Rankings [2026]
We’re excited to present the latest top 100 enka hits from the monthly popularity rankings, listed in order of most views! Enka is a uniquely Japanese music genre.
With a long history, it continues to captivate devoted fans today—so be sure to check it out! The playlist is updated every month.
Popular enka. Latest ranking [2026] (1–10)
A Love Like Ephemeral LightSakishima Jun1rank/position
This is a Japanese-style ballad that captures the fleeting beauty of love.
Jun Sakishima’s translucent vocals exquisitely convey a dreamlike world.
While honoring traditional Japanese melodies, the modern arrangement draws out a fresh allure.
Released in March 2025, the piece pairs a lyrical melody with gentle vocals that deeply resonate with listeners.
Its artistic quality has been highly praised, including a nomination as a candidate work for the Japan Music Authors Association’s “Songs of the Heart Concert.” It’s recommended for anyone who wants to connect with the delicacy and poignancy of being in love, or who seeks the soothing comfort of a tender voice.
Rhapsody at MidnightMatsushima Mami2rank/position
This song showcases a new side of Mami Matsushima, whose gently enveloping vocals are her signature charm.
It’s a danceable, mysteriously tinged kayōkyoku track released in November 2024.
The poetic lyrics, themed around the stillness and madness of the night, leave a strong impression, conjuring the image of a woman possessed by love.
You can sense both inner strength and a fragile, ephemeral beauty.
This passionate, dramatic piece might be the perfect companion for a nighttime drive.
Grazioso LoveMegumi Sakino3rank/position
A track defined by its graceful, sophisticated melody.
This is Megumi Sakino’s debut single, slated for release in December 2024.
True to its title, which means “gracefully,” her calm, soothing vocals leave a strong impression.
The lyrics, which gently look back on days gone by, resonate deeply with listeners.
Created in collaboration with Terumi Takaoka, the song has a warm finish that evokes the essence of Showa-era kayōkyoku.
Filled with Sakino’s heartfelt emotions, it’s a must-listen for fans of classic Japanese pop.
Recommended for those who seek the comforting blend of nostalgia and freshness in her voice.
Boat SongYashiro Aki4rank/position
A signature enka single by Aki Yashiro, released on May 25, 1979.
This masterpiece conveys the melancholy and inner landscapes of a sailor pining for the woman he parted with, expressed through her husky, resonant voice.
Beloved across generations, it has been featured in Suntory’s “BOSS” commercials and even reclaimed the No.
1 spot in the Reiwa era.
Though it’s a gentle, mellow song, it’s one almost everyone has heard, so the chorus is sure to get people going.
When you sing it, a calm, deep voice will capture the mood well—try placing a hand over your heart as you sing.
Let’s call it good with this.Mikawa Ken’ichi5rank/position
The song announced in September 2024 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Kenichi Mikawa’s singing career is a life-affirming anthem brimming with his signature style.
Created in collaboration with the distinguished artists Takahiro Matsumoto of B’z and TAKURO of GLAY, the piece portrays the ups and downs of life with humor and warmth.
Set to a medium-tempo groove, Mikawa’s voice—singing about facing forward with the message that “it’s enough just to be alive”—is sure to resonate with listeners.
As the culmination of Mikawa’s six decades as a vocalist, it has earned wide support across generations.
It’s a recommended track for anyone feeling lost in life or ready to take a new step forward.
Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri6rank/position
This is a classic masterpiece in the history of Japanese popular music that won the Gold Prize at the 28th Japan Record Awards.
Set at the Amagi Pass in Izu, it dramatically portrays a woman’s intense passion and has been performed many times on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
When you think of Sayuri Ishikawa, the two top songs that come to mind are Amagi-goe and Tsugaru Kaikyō Fuyugeshiki.
The overall vocal range of the song is F3 to D#5, with a structure that surges from the chorus.
Since the A and B sections are quite calm, be careful not to strain when you enter the chorus.
If you take a solid breath right before the chorus and imagine projecting your voice with momentum, it should come out more easily.
The trick is to sing as if you’re aiming your voice as far into the distance as possible.
Oh, sake!Yoshi Ikuzo7rank/position
Ikuzo Yoshi’s masterpiece “Sake yo.” If you’re asked, “What are Ikuzo Yoshi’s masterpieces besides his comic songs?” this title will almost certainly be the one mentioned most.
This song centers on a sense of withered maturity, suffused with melancholy throughout.
The vocal line matches that mood—very calm, with a touch of kobushi ornamentation, but it doesn’t require complex pitch movement.
It’s also a big hit at karaoke, so be sure to add it to your repertoire.
