Popular Enka. Latest Rankings [2026]

Yugiri PortMori Konomi57rank/position

Konomi Mori “Yugiri Port” Music Video

A powerful enka released by Konomi Mori in July 2024.

Set in a fog-shrouded port town, it portrays a heart-wrenching love.

Drawing on her unique vocal prowess honed through folk music, she conveys both the misty harbor scenery and the protagonist’s feelings with rich emotion.

Said to be modeled on Kojōhama in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, the lyrics—written by Madoka No—were inspired by her amazement at the fog-covered landscape, and Chiaki Oka set them to a poignant melody.

Mori shares behind-the-scenes stories on her blog, and the song has been generating buzz among fans.

It’s the kind of piece you’ll want to listen to when you’re remembering someone dear or spending a quiet night alone.

Lake FurenYamauchi Keisuke58rank/position

Keisuke Yamauchi 'Furenko' Music Video

As a single released in 2009, this song, “Furen-ko,” lets you enjoy Keisuke Yamauchi’s still fresh, youthful singing.

As the title suggests, it’s themed around Hokkaido’s Lake Furen, and it’s a celebrated enka classic that became a long-running hit thanks to its deeply emotional, wistful atmosphere.

The overall structure is simple in a very enka-like way, making it a good study piece for beginners.

It’s also a great song to learn from—things like kobushi and vibrato—and then use that experience to take on various other enka songs!

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Yokohama TwilightItsuki Hiroshi59rank/position

Yokohama Twilight

Set in the port city of Yokohama and depicting a bittersweet romantic parting, this song has continued to capture many hearts since its release in March 1971.

Serving as Hiroshi Itsuki’s re-debut track, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart and won numerous awards, including the Vocal Performance Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards.

The poignant farewell unfolding in a hotel room at dusk and the protagonist wandering the city with the ache of heartbreak vividly express universal emotions that almost everyone has experienced at least once.

It’s a must-listen not only for fans of enka and mood kayō, but also for younger music listeners interested in Shōwa-era pop songs.

Man BoatHosokawa Takashi60rank/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 Keiko61rank/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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Naniwa SpiritSakamoto Fuyumi62rank/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 Keiko63rank/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.