Popular Enka. Latest Rankings [2026]

Mist-bound feelingsYamauchi Keisuke85rank/position

Keisuke Yamauchi “Foggy Affection” Music Video

As the catchphrase “I’m an enka high-schooler” suggests, this is Keisuke Yamauchi’s memorable debut song, Kijō! Released in April 2001, Kijō features lyrics by none other than the grand master Tetsurō Hoshino, and composition by Hideo Mizumori—who is quintessentially associated with Yamauchi—resulting in a classic enka in a minor key.

Though youthful and fresh, his poised, self-assured singing is astonishing even now, hardly what you’d expect from a high school student.

Hallmark enka techniques like kobushi are woven throughout, and to be honest, it’s tough to sing right off the bat if you’re not used to enka.

The melody is easy to learn, so start by humming along, and gradually practice incorporating elements like kobushi and vibrato over time!

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KOH-1

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Nyōnin KōyaTagawa Toshi-mi86rank/position

BKTAi027 Women’s Koyasan ⑦ TOSHIMI TAGAWA (2002) 111117 vL FC HD

‘Nyonin Kōya,’ whose lyrics by author Hiroyuki Itsuki have drawn attention, is a striking song featuring Toshi Tagawa singing while strumming an electric guitar in an outfit that mixes kimono and dress styles.

‘Nyonin Kōya’ is said to be the nickname of Murō-ji Temple, where women were free to worship, in contrast to Kongōbu-ji on Mount Kōya, which historically prohibited women.

This masterpiece depicts a woman who, after a broken romance, arrives at Murō-ji, and Tagawa powerfully conveys the resolve of a determined woman through her expressive, emotionally rich performance.

The phrase from ‘Tōryanse’ adds a spicy touch that heightens the song’s impact!

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miyabi

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Wharf of TransienceYamauchi Keisuke87rank/position

Keisuke Yamauchi “Rutenn no Hatoba” Music Video

Released in 2016, “Ruten no Hatoba” was also performed at the 67th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, so many of you have probably heard it.

Although it’s an upbeat, refreshing enka in a major key, Yamauchi’s vocals bring out the fullest charm of its clumsy, stubborn protagonist tinged with a certain pathos.

While the song spans a wide range, the overall pitch sits on the lower side, which can be reassuring for those who struggle with high notes.

That said, naturally, some practice is required to master the quintessential enka techniques.

In particular, the final line of the chorus is easy to go off pitch, so be sure to sing it repeatedly until you get used to it.

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KOH-1

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Snow SongKimura Tetsuji88rank/position

Snow Song

This is a work by Tetsuji Kimura that poignantly sings of snow swirling through the air.

While regretting past mistakes, the protagonist discovers renewal and hope, rendered alongside a beautiful melody.

Released in February 2025, this song is Kimura’s third single.

Through depictions of nature—snow, the moon, and the wind—it symbolically expresses the purification and rebirth of the human heart.

For those feeling lost in life, it may serve as a guiding light.

MotherMori Shinichi89rank/position

Mother

It is a quintessential enka masterpiece that sings of gratitude to one’s mother.

Its beautiful lyrics blend a universal theme with images of nature, and Shinichi Mori’s deeply expressive vocals resonate with listeners’ hearts.

Released as a single in May 1971, the song won the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance that same year.

A popular number performed eight times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it was also featured in films and commercials.

The lyrics convey feelings anyone can relate to.

When singing it at karaoke, try to channel Mori’s rich vocal timbre while delivering the song with gentle warmth.

duckweedKouzai Kaori90rank/position

Ukinegusa

Kaori Kozai is known for her sensuous, silky vocals, but she actually has a wide expressive range and has released some powerfully impactful songs as well.

Among them, the one I especially recommend is Ukinegusa.

The opening employs a Western-style, forward-projected vocal technique rarely heard in enka, giving it a dramatically different atmosphere from her other works.

While the vocal line is full of intensity, it also contains surprisingly mellow passages, and most of the long tones sit at mid-range or lower, making it relatively easy to sing for a song of this type.

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Ryo

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Freeze my heartTakayama Iwao91rank/position

Freeze My Heart - Iwao Takayama

Kiyoshi Takayama’s “Kokoro Koorasete,” released in 1992, left a significant mark on the enka scene of the Heisei era.

The song was chosen as the theme for the NTV morning serial drama “Shugyoku no Onna,” becoming a hit beloved by a wide range of generations.

Its appeal lies in lyrics that delve deeply into the complexities of relationships with the ones we love.

The pain and inner conflict that lurk within love, as well as the strong will to hold on to it despite everything, resonate profoundly with listeners.

Takayama’s powerful vocals further heighten the song’s emotional impact.

“Kokoro Koorasete” offers empathy and encouragement to those trying to overcome heartbreak and the complexities of love.

It is highly recommended for those who enjoy moving narratives and seek songs that speak to the heart.