Popular Enka. Latest Rankings [2026]

Two-person sakekawanaka miyuki71rank/position

Two-person sake

Miyuki Kawanaka’s classic “Futari Sake” is distinguished by its warm, memorable melody.

It’s an orthodox enka piece imbued with a sense of melancholy.

As with typical enka, the challenging kobushi ornament appears multiple times; however, roughly a third of these are not pitch-bending turns so much as kobushi that apply vibrato.

Because this type of kobushi is far easier than the regular kind, the song can definitely be considered an easy one.

Do add it to your repertoire.

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Sanriku ElegyMizumori Kaori72rank/position

Kaori Mizumori “Sanriku Elegy” MV (Released January 23, 2024) [Official]

When you think of Kaori Mizumori, her warm enka style is memorable, but she also has some powerful songs.

Among them, I especially recommend “Sanriku Banka.” The vocal range is a bit wide and there are many strong sections, but there aren’t any shout-like, raspy power vocals, so anyone with a reasonable range should be able to sing it without issue.

It also features relatively few kobushi (melismatic enka ornamentation), so consider adding it to your repertoire.

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freezing rainKayama Akio73rank/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.

You can just cry.Futami Souichi74rank/position

Soichi Futami “You Can Cry” MUSIC VIDEO

Souichi Futami’s song is a poignant love ballad that sings of deep feelings for a beloved person from whom one has been separated.

It features a sweeping melody and dynamic arrangement, with Futami’s clear, translucent vocals brilliantly conveying the song’s emotions.

Released in August 2024, the composition was handled by singer-songwriter Takao Horiuchi.

Futami won the Grand Prix at the Nippon Crown newcomer audition in 2017, marking his debut.

This work resonates with listeners who have experienced the pain of parting or loss.

Its heartfelt lyrics and refreshing vocals make it a captivating track.

Shirakami-SanchiNagayama Yōko75rank/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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KOH-1

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Our LullabyToba Ichirō · Yutaka Yamakawa76rank/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.

Big brotherYamakawa Yutaka77rank/position

Yutaka Yamakawa “Aniki” Music Video

A work that leaves a strong impression of masculinity and sincerity, “Aniki” honors an older brother and is known for its moving lyrics.

While the piece firmly inherits elements of enka, the vocal line is surprisingly understated, with none of the intricate kobushi runs typical of the genre.

If the presence of kobushi is used to define enka, this work would be classified as kayōkyoku, as every part features a simple vocal line.

As a result, even those who are not confident in their singing ability should be able to perform it without difficulty.

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