Popular Enka. Latest Rankings [2026]

Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri11rank/position

Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene

Among Sayuri Ishikawa’s songs, Tsugaru Strait – Winter Landscape is one of the most widely known.

It’s a classic that represents the enka genre, familiar even to younger people who aren’t well-versed in enka.

Because the vocal line makes effective use of head voice, the song is often considered difficult.

It’s true that for those who struggle with head voice, the end of the chorus can be a tricky part.

However, for singers who are comfortable with head voice, the song is actually quite approachable, since the kobushi (ornamental bends) are not very demanding.

By paying close attention to dynamics, you can give the performance contrast and shape; try singing the A section with one level less volume than you might initially expect.

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Headwind InnocenceTakeshima Hiroshi12rank/position

[MV] Hiroshi Takeshima / Headwind Innocence (Full version)

Released in 2021 and peaking at No.

5 on the Oricon chart, the hit song “Mukaikaze Junjō” is a track that showcases Hiroshi Takeshima’s refined vocals and is also known as the theme song for the NHK BS drama “Daifugō Dōshin 2.” With lyrics by Goro Matsui and composition by Takashi Toshimi—both giants in the field—it’s a killer tune that evokes the golden era of Showa-era pop.

Many people will likely want to try it at karaoke.

When singing it at karaoke, be sure to pronounce each word clearly, and consciously create contrast between the crisp, rhythmic parts and the expansive, sustained phrases.

While recreating the choreography that drew attention in the music video, don’t be shy—go all in and sing with bold, stylish flair, even to the point of overdoing it.

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Nostalgic JonkaraHosokawa Takashi13rank/position

Nostalgic Jonkara

Takashi Hosokawa is known for his naturally expansive high notes and exceptional vocal ability and expressiveness, grounded in a background in folk music.

This work is one of his signature songs, released in 1985—a masterpiece among masterpieces that overwhelms with its striking shamisen tones in the intro and Hosokawa’s folk-influenced singing.

Even an amateur can grasp the difficulty of mastering this song from the very beginning, but the folk-style sections are arguably the toughest part.

That said, the main sections also feature many performances marked by Hosokawa’s trademark powerful high notes and sustained tones, demanding considerable lung capacity.

You’ll likely find it very difficult to keep time in the folk-style parts as well, so listen to the original track repeatedly and train your body to internalize the rhythm and melody.

Love Town CounterTakeshima Hiroshi14rank/position

Hiroshi Takeshima “Koimachi Counter” Music Video (full ver.)

Released in 2018 as the first installment of Hiroshi Takeshima’s “Songs That Make You Dance” series, Koimachi Counter is a masterpiece that marked a new frontier for Takeshima, packed with the flavor of Showa-era kayōkyoku and popular songs.

The choreography known as the “Koimachi Dance” also became a hot topic, and it’s unquestionably a killer tune for karaoke.

There’s even a video where he performs the choreography together with fans, so be sure to check that out.

Koimachi Counter is easy to sing for anyone who loves Showa kayōkyoku, regardless of generation, and it’s perfect for getting everyone at a karaoke gathering to join in the choreography and get the party going—so definitely give it a try!

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The first person I fell in love withTakeshima Hiroshi15rank/position

[MV] Hiroshi Takeshima / The First Person I Ever Loved (full ver.)

Following the so-called “Trilogy of Being Led to Dance” — Koimachi Counter, Uwasa no Futari, and Yume no Furiko — Hatsumete Suki ni Natta Hito, released in 2020, is a beautiful, gently paced medium ballad that showcases Hiroshi Takeshima’s signature sweet and heartrending vocals to the fullest.

With its melody built almost entirely in the mid range and pitched quite low overall, it may feel refreshing to listeners accustomed to contemporary J-pop where high notes tend to take center stage.

Takeshima himself said at the time of the song’s release that he was “returning to basics and competing with just the singing,” so please take the time to fully grasp the world depicted in the lyrics by Goro Matsui — which earned the Special Jury Prize at the 53rd Japan Lyrics Awards — and sing it with all your heart!

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The Rumored TwoTakeshima Hiroshi16rank/position

Hiroshi Takeshima / The Rumored Two

Following Koinmachi Counter—which also made waves for its choreography known as the “Koinmachi Dance”—Rumor Duo was released in 2019 as the second installment of the “irresistibly danceable kayōkyoku,” once again created with the golden duo of Goro Matsui and Takashi Toshimi.

You can also watch a performance video with the School Mates from a concert on the official YouTube channel, so be sure to check that out.

The song is packed with a Showa-era kayōkyoku vibe and has an up-tempo feel that’s perfect for karaoke, and its catchy melody is so easy to remember you’ll have it down after just one listen.

If possible, I’d love for you to aim for a complete copy, choreography and all!

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I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi17rank/position

Fuyumi Sakamoto – I'm Falling in Love with You Again

This is a famous song by Fuyumi Sakamoto that portrays how love for a longtime partner deepens over time and blooms anew.

Even the scars born of youthful folly turn into cherished memories as the two share their days together.

Those warm feelings soak into the heart, carried by a gentle melody.

The song was released in January 2009 as the B-side to the single “Asia no Kaizoku,” and was later included on the acclaimed album “Love Songs ~ Mata Kimi ni Koishiteru ~.” It also gained widespread recognition as the theme song for Sanwa Shurui’s barley shochu “iichiko,” and in 2010 it reached No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Why not listen when you want to reflect anew on the preciousness of the days you spend with someone dear?

With a fiery heartKobayashi Akira18rank/position

With a Fiery Heart ☆ Akira Kobayashi

A work notable for its distinctive sound featuring strings, “Atsuki Kokoro ni.” This piece includes few of Akira Kobayashi’s trademark upward-climbing long tones.

Since most of the long tones occur while the melody descends, even those who struggle with upward vibrato can sing it without issue.

It’s a kayōkyoku with a strong pop flavor, and advanced vocal techniques like kobushi do not appear at all.

However, the rhythm at the beginning of the chorus is somewhat irregular, so you’ll need to practice that part thoroughly.

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moon pillowTakeshima Hiroshi19rank/position

Hiroshi Takeshima / Moon Pillow

Tsukimakura, released in May 2017 as a commemorative work for Hiroshi Takeshima’s 15th debut anniversary, became a long-running hit and was later certified Gold Disc.

Created by the golden duo of Goro Matsui and Takashi Toshimi—who gave rise to the “songs that make you dance (odorasarechau kayōkyoku)” series—it’s a masterpiece that lets you fully savor Takeshima’s refined, elegant vocal charm.

While retaining some enka-like elements, its core is a kayōkyoku-style medium ballad, so those who often sing Showa-era pop in karaoke should be able to handle it smoothly.

That said, delivering a mature, restrained performance without becoming overly emotional—like Takeshima does—is not easy to imitate.

I recommend listening to the original many times to deeply understand the song’s world before giving it a try!

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From the northern innMiyako Harumi20rank/position

Harumi Miyako / From the Northern Inn [Lyric Video]

When it comes to classic enka songs, this one is indispensable.

Set against the backdrop of a cold northern winter, it conveys the heart-wrenching feelings of a heartbroken woman through a voice that is both gentle and powerful.

Asei Kobayashi’s richly emotive melody and Yū Aku’s profound lyrics blend beautifully, resulting in a masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in December 1975 as Harumi Miyako’s 68th single, it quickly soared in popularity after being performed at the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen the following year.

It won numerous awards, including the Japan Record Award, and became a massive hit, selling over 1.435 million copies.

It’s the perfect song for healing the pain of heartbreak or reaffirming your feelings for someone special.