Popular Enka. Latest Rankings [2026]

Chikumagawa RiverItsuki Hiroshi29rank/position

Chikumagawa River

Hiroshi Itsuki, a singer Japan is proud of, has performed numerous beloved national hits.

Among his many classics, Chikumagawa, released in 1975, is one of his signature songs set in Nagano Prefecture.

Sung gracefully over a triple meter, its melody is challenging, spanning a wide range from the low notes of the verse to the high notes of the chorus.

Even Itsuki himself has described it as “not to be sung carelessly.” The key is to convey a rich sense of travel and scenery while taking care not to let the words become muddy in the lower register.

Maria of the Labyrinthtatsumi yūto30rank/position

Yuto Tatsumi “Maria of the Labyrinth” Music Video

It’s a truly dazzling and glamorous classic that feels as if the atmosphere of the 1970s golden age of Showa pop has been revived in the Reiwa era! It’s the eighth single released in May 2024 by Yuto Tatsumi, one of the leading young enka singers, with lyrics by Goro Matsui, composition by Kohei Sachi, and arrangement by Mitsuo Hagita—industry heavyweights who have crafted a song that fully brings out the sexy charm of Tatsumi, the “prince” of the enka world.

As mentioned, it’s a straightforward, Showa-style pop number, so the melody is easy to remember and it’s definitely the kind of song that will liven up any karaoke session.

The kobushi and vibrato are kept modest, making it easy to sing even for those not skilled in enka techniques.

Let yourself sink into the song’s atmosphere and sing with the mindset of becoming Tatsumi himself!

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Cape ErimoMori Shinichi31rank/position

Cape Erimo

Shinichi Mori’s classic “Erimo Misaki.” For anyone in their 50s or older, it’s no exaggeration to say there’s hardly a person who doesn’t know this song.

With its powerful vocals, it can seem difficult, but in fact it’s one of the easiest enka songs to sing.

The biggest reason it’s so singable is the minimal use of kobushi (melismatic ornamentation).

Since kobushi is the most challenging technique in enka, having less of it is a huge relief for us amateurs.

The pitch movement isn’t overly dramatic, either, so give it a try.

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Ryo

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Kamuro-zaka in the chill of cherry-blossom seasonNahomi32rank/position

[MV Full Chorus] Nahomi “Kanzaki’s Chilly Bloom” [Official]

This enka piece weaves a poignantly bittersweet love in rich emotion against a backdrop of cherry blossoms fluttering along an urban slope that still carries the lingering air of Edo.

Set at Shinagawa’s symbolic cherry-blossom landmark, it portrays the inner feelings of a person harboring unspoken love with lyrical sensitivity.

Nahomi’s delicate vocals evoke the quiet yet resilient strength of a mature woman, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in March 2025 by Tokuma Japan Communications, with lyrics by Naofumi Yanagida and composition by Akito Shikata, it’s a song perfect for the season when spring arrives—recommended for those who think of a cherished someone during cherry blossom time.

Like sakura blooming in a corner of the city, its fragile yet beautiful portrait of love will surely touch the hearts of those who can relate.

Sapporo ElegyTakeshima Hiroshi33rank/position

Sapporo Elegy

Released in 2004, “Sapporo Elegy” is the third single by Takeshima, who debuted in 2002.

Following his previous song “Hakodate Melancholy,” it’s a wistful number that evokes the feeling of travel, and its mood—somewhere between enka and kayōkyoku—highlights Takeshima’s unique character.

Without relying on enka-style vocal ornaments, he captivates with a refined, urbane, and well-poised voice—his signature style already in full bloom at this point—while also showcasing the allure of his sultry lower register.

The vibrato resonating in those low notes is actually quite challenging, but once you get past that, even beginners to enka should be able to sing it well.

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A solitary journey to MichinokuYamamoto Jōji34rank/position

Joji Yamamoto “Michinoku Solo Journey” Music Video (full ver.)

Michinoku Hitoritabi is the signature song that made Joji Yamamoto a household name nationwide, and it stands as the biggest hit in his long career discography.

Released in 1980, it steadily gained sales and became a long-running hit from the following year—a true classic.

Because it’s so well-known, many people can hum along to it, and it’s consistently a top choice for karaoke.

Although it’s enka, it carries a strong kayōkyoku (Japanese pop ballad) flavor, making it a great recommendation for beginners who aren’t quite ready to dive into orthodox enka.

The key isn’t particularly high, but there are some noticeable rises and falls in pitch, so focus on producing a solid, powerful, and lustrous low register, and make the contrast with the high parts clear.

Try singing it the way Yamamoto does—savoring the melancholic lyrics and melody.

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Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko35rank/position

Life is full of ups and downs.

This masterpiece, which portrays the subtleties of life, is a song that brought out a new charm in Chiyoko Shimakura.

Released in 1987, it features lyrics by Daisaburo Nakayama and music by Kuranosuke Hamaguchi.

Its melody line, characterized by a fusion of kayōkyoku and pop elements, resonates deeply with listeners.

While the lyrics candidly depict life’s ups and downs, the tune is friendly and the vocal range isn’t very wide, making it relatively easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident singers.

It’s a great pick for livening up a karaoke session or for times when you feel reflective about life.