Popular Enka. Latest Rankings [2026]

YosakuKitajima Saburō91rank/position

This song celebrates the quiet life of a mountain village and the kindness of its people.

Its powerful melody and heartwarming story, which express Japan’s traditional values and an honest way of living, have moved many listeners.

Saburo Kitajima’s warmly human vocals leave an even deeper impression of that world.

Released in March 1978, the song has remained beloved across generations.

It’s a perfect piece for everyone to hum together during music time at care facilities or to liven up seasonal events.

Freeze my heartTakayama Iwao92rank/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.

Blues of the DawnItsuki Hiroshi93rank/position

"Dawn Blues" Hiroshi Itsuki [Official PV]

This is about television, but now that viewers’ channel options are no longer limited to terrestrial broadcasting, the number of enka programs is steadily increasing.

I wonder if Japan’s aging population has something to do with it.

“Yoake no Blues” leans more toward mood-kayo-style enka.

Its catchy melody follows a different line from shamisen and shakuhachi-based tunes, so even young listeners can enjoy it without any sense of mismatch.

The lyrics, depicting the push-and-pull between a man and a woman set against the nightlife of the city, spin a tale of romance that’s a true stage for adults.

Hiroshi Itsuki’s relaxed vocal delivery feels wonderfully light.

Sake InnKouzai Kaori94rank/position

Kaori Kozai – “Sake no Yado”

Released to commemorate the 25th anniversary of her debut, Kaori Kozai’s masterpiece “Sake no Yado.” As a recent enka song, it achieved a fairly major hit, so many of you may already know it.

It’s classic, straight-ahead enka, characterized by lyrics that beautifully capture a woman’s bittersweet melancholy.

The vocal line, while slightly wide in range, contains no long sustained notes that require powerful projection, and the use of kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) is kept to a minimum.

With proper key adjustment, the range is accessible for anyone, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

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freezing rainHino Mika95rank/position

Mika Hino Cold Rain

This song is a quintessential example of enka, where a catchy melody and emotionally rich lyrics blend beautifully.

Released in December 1982, it remains beloved by many as one of Mika Hino’s signature numbers.

The lyrics, which intertwine the chill of winter rain with the pain of heartbreak, portray a universal theme that anyone can relate to.

Hino, renowned for her vocal prowess, conveys the aching heart of a forlorn love with remarkable expressiveness.

With its relaxed tempo and relatively modest melodic shifts, it’s a song that even beginners to enka will find approachable.

Why not sing it slowly, savoring the lyrics that resonate so deeply?