Popular Enka. Latest Rankings [2026]

Life’s journeyMisora Hibari36rank/position

A Life’s Journey (Recorded in 1982)

The songstress Hibari Misora, who left behind many masterpieces.

In addition to enka, she worked across a wide range of genres, from kayōkyoku to even jazz.

In this “Jinsei Ichiro,” while firmly retaining the essence of enka, the overall melody is crafted to be closer to a catchy kayōkyoku number.

Although it features many fine kobushi (melismatic turns), if you master the hiccup-style vocal technique, the kobushi remain within a range that can be reproduced without issue.

So if you have a certain understanding of enka, you should be able to sing it smoothly.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Kokoro KaleidoscopeYamauchi Keisuke37rank/position

Keisuke Yamauchi “Kokoro Kaleidoscope” Music Video

It’s no exaggeration to call this a new signature song for Keisuke Yamauchi born in the Reiwa era! “Kokoro Mangekyo,” released in 2023, marked a new challenge for Yamauchi as it’s a song from the year he entered his forties.

It’s a dynamic kayōkyoku that skillfully fuses orchestral and Japanese flavors, and if you nail it, it will definitely liven up any karaoke session.

The spot where the melody shifts at the end of the final chorus while applying vibrato requires particular practice, but overall the key is on the lower side and it doesn’t rely much on traditional enka techniques, so it’s also recommended for beginners to enka.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

a desperate gambleYamauchi Keisuke38rank/position

Keisuke Yamauchi “All-or-Nothing” [Official Audio]

The single “Ichikabachika,” used as the ending theme for the TV anime Hanakappa, is a lively track packed with a flashy rock vibe.

Hearing Keisuke Yamauchi’s signature vibrato delivered through a rock-style song—radiating a power distinct from enka—feels fresh and undeniably cool.

The melody is easy to remember, and since it unexpectedly retains an enka-like atmosphere, it’s a great challenge both for beginners to enka and for those who already count enka as a mainstay of their karaoke repertoire.

The final high-pitched shout is tough, but if you start by projecting powerfully from your diaphragm and let it out, it’s also a great stress reliever!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Uchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five39rank/position

It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.

This was the debut single of Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five, who debuted in 1969, and it’s the group’s biggest hit.

The lead vocal is by Kiyoshi Maekawa, who later self-covered the song as well.

To score high, instead of trying to sing the entire song straight through, it’s effective to practice so you can sing one full verse perfectly without mistakes.

I often introduce this practice method in various places, and especially for enka and kayōkyoku, there are relatively few songs whose melodies change drastically between the first and second verses, so it’s wise to thoroughly learn the melody first.

Also, since the opening lyric starts on a vowel and enters from a low note, if you sing that part with just a slight catch in the throat, you’ll be able to hit the pitch more clearly.

Give it a try!

And, KobeMaekawa Kiyoshi40rank/position

And Kobe

“And Then, Kobe” was released in November 1972 as the 14th single by Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five.

At the 15th Japan Record Awards the following year (1973), it received the Composer’s Prize, and it has been sung ever since not only as a local song of Kobe but also as a classic of enka.

It is also one of the signature songs of Kiyoshi Maekawa, who served as the lead vocalist of the Cool Five, and it encouraged many victims of the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.

In the 46th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year, Maekawa performed the song and received acclaim from all over Japan.

celebratory sakeSakamoto Fuyumi41rank/position

Iwai Zake

This gem of a song weaves feelings of celebration for a new chapter in life into its lyrics.

As a bright, festive enka number, it has been cherished for many years.

With a powerful yet warm voice, it gently sings of the wish for the couple’s happy future.

Released in April 1988 and awarded the Gold Prize at that year’s Japan Record Awards, this work has since been performed many times on the NHK New Year’s Eve music show as one of Fuyumi Sakamoto’s signature songs.

It’s highly recommended across generations as a celebratory song for important life moments—such as weddings or departure days.

Crow of DawnTakeshima Hiroshi42rank/position

[MV] Hiroshi Takeshima / Crow of Dawn (full ver.)

Released in 2016 as a commemorative work for Hiroshi Takeshima’s 15th debut anniversary, “Yoake no Karasu” features lyrics by Kyosuke Kuni—Takeshima’s mentor and the person who helped launch his career—and composition by Kohei Sachi, who has created many masterpieces with Takeshima and in recent years released the “European Trilogy.” It’s a gently romantic kayōkyoku with Takeshima’s signature style on full display, so those accustomed to singing his songs should be able to perform it without issue.

Be mindful to articulate the lyrics clearly so your voice doesn’t get crushed in the lower register, and pour your feelings into the soaring chorus to bring out the song’s climax.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem