Popular Enka. Latest Rankings [2026]

Man BoatHosokawa Takashi61rank/position

Takashi Hosokawa / Otokobune

A classic enka masterpiece portraying the brave figure of a fisherman confronting the rough northern seas.

The powerful melody woven by Tsugaru shamisen and trumpet vividly captures the image of a boat drifting upon a raging ocean.

The man’s feelings for his mother and the pathos surrounding a man’s way of life tug at the heart.

Released in July 2024 to commemorate Takashi Hosokawa’s 50th anniversary in the performing arts, this work is set in Esashi, Hokkaido, and sings of a man’s solitude and indomitable spirit.

The coupling track also includes “Oenka, Ikimasu,” with lyrics by Shigesato Itoi.

Highly recommended not only for enka fans but also for anyone seeking the courage to face life’s stormy seas.

Woman of ShinjukuFuji Keiko62rank/position

Keiko Fuji — Woman of Shinjuku

Some people may only know Keiko Fuji as the mother of Hikaru Utada, but Fuji, with her powerful, gravelly voice that belied her teenage years and her innate vocal talent, was truly worthy of being called a genius singer.

If you listen to her debut single “Shinjuku no Onna,” released when she was just 18, you’ll understand how extraordinary she was.

It’s a classic that achieved commercial success and catapulted her to stardom, and it fully showcases the appeal of her husky voice—lush yet tinged with melancholy.

While it’s an enka song, it also carries a kayōkyoku flavor, so those who aren’t fond of traditional enka might find it easier to sing.

That said, actually mastering it is another matter entirely; it’s extremely difficult to capture Fuji’s phrasing, which spans a wide vocal range.

Not only the high notes and vibrato, but also clearly articulated low melodies are challenging—keep that in mind as you practice.

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KOH-1

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Naniwa SpiritSakamoto Fuyumi63rank/position

Fuyumi Sakamoto “Naniwa Spirit” Short Ver.

It’s a powerful song that makes you want to call it the spirit of Osaka.

It’s Fuyumi Sakamoto’s first cheer song themed around Osaka, released in March 2025.

Selected as a recommended track by TBS Radio, the piece also drew attention for reuniting her with composer Chiaki Oka after roughly nine years.

The lyrics’ worldview—emphasizing the importance of moving forward without succumbing to adversity and portraying people who grow through perseverance—really hits home.

Sing it at karaoke, and you’re sure to lift your listeners’ spirits.

Keiko’s Dream Opens at NightFuji Keiko64rank/position

Keiko Fuji — Keiko’s Dream Opens at Night

A signature song by Keiko Fuji that stirs listeners’ hearts with her poignant, melancholic voice.

The lyrics vividly portray the loneliness and hope of a woman living in the night world, and Fuji’s distinctive vocal prowess further elevates the song’s appeal.

Released in April 1970, it won that year’s Japan Record Awards for popular song and marked her first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, catapulting her to fame.

While it may be hard to imitate her resonant low notes and naturally husky tone, it’s a masterpiece that beginners who struggle with high notes should definitely try.

Enduring RainGodai Natsuko65rank/position

Natsuko Godai 'Shinobu Ame' Music Video (1 chorus)

Natsuko Godai’s “Shinobu Ame” is one of the signature songs of her music career.

Released on May 21, 1990, the track left a significant mark on Japan’s enka scene.

It peaked at No.

12 on the weekly Oricon chart and became a long-running hit, staying on the charts for a total of 52 weeks and selling 421,000 copies.

It also received numerous awards, including the Broadcast Music Award at the 21st Japan Kayō Awards.

The song’s appeal lies in its delicate, rain-themed lyrics and Godai’s emotionally rich vocals.

Comparing deep feelings for a lover to falling rain, the lyrics resonate with many listeners, delivering a quiet yet powerful message.

As one of Natsuko Godai’s representative works, it’s a must-listen not only for enka fans but also for those who don’t usually listen to enka.

Silent SlopeKouzai Kaori66rank/position

Kaori Kozai – "Silent Slope"

This is a masterpiece by Kaori Kozai, created by an exceptionally illustrious team: music by Koji Tamaki and lyrics by Mitsuhiko Kuse (under the pen name Mutsuki Ichikawa).

Released in March 1993, the song won the 35th Japan Record Award.

The protagonist’s inexpressible, heartrending cry—wanting to go back but unable to, needing neither consolation nor excuses—reaches the listener’s heart through Kozai’s richly emotive vocals.

It’s a song that gently stays by your side when you’re carrying the pain of a hopeless love.

It may even make your chest tighten as memories of past romances come rushing back.

marine snowjero67rank/position

Jero – Sea Snow (Music Video)

This is a landmark song by Jero, who made a sensational debut in 2008.

With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and music by Ryudo Uzaki, it not only became a huge hit but also set various records as an enka song, making it a masterpiece that will go down in Japanese music history.

Beyond the difficulty of a melody that spans a wide vocal range, the song itself is highly intricate—blending enka elements with straightforward, J-pop-style developments and funky rhythms—yet Jero delivers a flawless performance that really underscores the power of his vocals.

The track has been popular at karaoke since its release, but to be honest, it’s a very challenging song to sing there.

Listen to the original repeatedly and practice until the rhythm and melody are ingrained in your body!

Two-person sakekawanaka miyuki68rank/position

Two-person sake

Miyuki Kawanaka’s classic “Futari Sake” is distinguished by its warm, memorable melody.

It’s an orthodox enka piece imbued with a sense of melancholy.

As with typical enka, the challenging kobushi ornament appears multiple times; however, roughly a third of these are not pitch-bending turns so much as kobushi that apply vibrato.

Because this type of kobushi is far easier than the regular kind, the song can definitely be considered an easy one.

Do add it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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As I am in love…Akimoto Junko69rank/position

As I am in love…

A classic song that pours deep affection and pure emotions into a distinctive husky voice was released in January 2008.

Created by a veteran singer active across diverse genres such as jazz and Latin, the track gradually gained popularity after its release and achieved an extraordinary feat by reaching No.

1 on the weekly charts a year later.

The artist also performed at the 2008 Kōhaku Uta Gassen, capturing the hearts of many.

Set to a wistful melody featuring a memorable accordion timbre, the lyrics convey sincere feelings for a beloved person and resonate with listeners of all generations.

When tackling it at karaoke, consider emphasizing rich expressiveness and singing along to the relaxed tempo.

Sanriku ElegyMizumori Kaori70rank/position

Kaori Mizumori “Sanriku Elegy” MV (Released January 23, 2024) [Official]

When you think of Kaori Mizumori, her warm enka style is memorable, but she also has some powerful songs.

Among them, I especially recommend “Sanriku Banka.” The vocal range is a bit wide and there are many strong sections, but there aren’t any shout-like, raspy power vocals, so anyone with a reasonable range should be able to sing it without issue.

It also features relatively few kobushi (melismatic enka ornamentation), so consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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