Fujii Ayako Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Two FlowersFuji Ayako8rank/position

Ayako Fuji “Futari Bana” Music Video (1 chorus)

This is a single by Ayako Fuji, released in August 2000.

Many listeners were likely moved by the earnest figure of a woman who dedicates herself to the one she loves, supporting him with a smile even in hard times.

The song is a classic number created by a leading enka duo: lyricist Yasuteru Miura and composer Hideo Mizumori.

At the 51st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen that year, it was performed as the eighth act for the Red Team in a duet with Joji Yamamoto, gracing the stage with brilliance.

Listening to it while quietly reflecting on the journey you and your longtime partner have walked together may fill you with gratitude for one another.

It’s a masterpiece that reminds us of the happiness found in everyday life and the warmth of an unwavering bond.

Two-person roadFuji Ayako9rank/position

Ayako Fuji “Futari Michi” Music Video (1 Chorus)

Released in 2019 as Aya-ko Fuji’s first single of the Reiwa era, “Futarimichi” became a hot topic as a Reiwa-era enka masterpiece, also because it was composed by Norimasa Nakamura, who wrote Fuji’s signature songs “Kokoro-zake” and “Murasaki Ujō.” Sung from a woman’s perspective about a traditional husband-and-wife relationship, Fuji’s characteristically sultry vocals are truly moving.

With its major key and unhurried, classic enka feel, it’s perfect for beginners—give it a try at karaoke.

It’s also ideal for practicing essential enka techniques like kobushi (melismatic scoops) and vibrato!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

regret; lingering attachment; reluctance to let goFuji Ayako10rank/position

regret; lingering attachment; reluctance to let go

It’s a quintessential Fuji Ayako-style masterpiece of classic enka: a bright melody tinged with a certain melancholy, paired with lyrics that carry considerable weight.

True to the title, Fuji’s lustrous, assured vocals carefully give voice to lingering feelings for the one who abandoned her, striking a perfect balance—neither too heavy nor overly dramatic.

While it covers the full range of enka techniques, the difficulty isn’t that high, making it approachable even for beginners to the genre.

Definitely give it a try at karaoke.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

I won’t forgetFuji Ayako11rank/position

I won't forget

“Wasurenai,” released in 2012, is a single that showcases Ayako Fuji’s appeal as a singer of pop music distinct from her enka persona.

It served as the theme song for the Tohoku arc of NHK’s popular anime Little Charo, and the lyrics—imbued with hopes for Tohoku’s recovery—were written by Fuji herself, who hails from Akita.

As mentioned at the outset, it’s not enka but a fully pop medium-tempo ballad, with a straightforward melodic progression that’s very easy to sing—perfect for karaoke with kids!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

A woman aloneFuji Ayako12rank/position

Ayako Fuji “A Woman Alone” Music Video

Aya Koji, a popular enka singer who debuted toward the end of the Showa era and has remained an active, top-tier performer through the Heisei and Reiwa eras, continues to shine today.

She has many beloved karaoke favorites, and the song featured here, “Onna ga Hitori” (A Woman Alone), is a cover of a classic by Saburo Kitajima, released as a single in 2023 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of her debut.

The excellence of the original goes without saying, but as you can hear in Koji’s version, the song is a perfect fit for her—sung with elegant, lustrous tone and great care.

At first listen it sounds like a straightforward, classic enka number, but the pitch movement is quite dramatic, and smoothly transitioning between the low and high notes takes familiarity and practice.

Be mindful of singing expansively and smoothly while feeling the relaxed 3/4, waltz-like rhythm.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

A Woman’s True HeartFuji Ayako13rank/position

A Woman’s True Heart

Although it’s in a major key with a bright feel, the way it sings about a fairly heavy-hearted woman’s feelings is quintessentially classic enka, which is great, isn’t it? “Onna no Magokoro” is a single released in 1999 by Ayako Fuji, and it’s a superb masterpiece featuring her characteristically sultry yet refined vocals and melody.

As I mentioned at the start, it’s orthodox enka, so anyone reasonably used to singing enka should be able to handle it without trouble, and it seems like a good practice song for beginners as well.

Of course, techniques like kobushi are important, and while the high notes in the chorus get attention, the low notes in the A melody might actually be a bit difficult for those who struggle with lower registers.

Still, try practicing repeatedly, articulating the lyrics clearly and aiming to bring out a seductive nuance like Fuji-san’s!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

Making MemoriesFuji Ayako14rank/position

Making Memories

Prompted by her producer’s suggestion to “sing your own song,” this is a track for which Ayako Fuji herself handled both lyrics and composition.

It was released in July 2025 as part of the double A-side single “Omoide-zukuri / Chiisana Kane no Ne ~La Campanella~.” Like flipping through the pages of a diary, the song traces memories, singing of bonds with family and friends as well as love for a partner.

With a melody that evokes the nostalgia of Showa-era kayōkyoku and folk music, and lyrics that chart the journey of a life, it’s the kind of song that will bring a loved one’s face to mind and surely make your heart swell.