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Kohei Fukuda Popular Song Ranking [2026]
Kohei Fukuda, who learned folk songs while working at a kimono shop, made a late-blooming debut as an enka singer at the age of 36.
His warm, gentle voice has captured the hearts of many enka fans.
His debut single, “Nanbu Semi Shigure,” is a karaoke favorite and a staple of the enka genre.
This time, we present a ranking of Kohei Fukuda’s most popular songs.
Kohei Fukuda Popular Song Ranking [2026] (1–10)
Saitaro-bushiFukuda Kouhei1rank/position
This is a rock-style rendition of Miyagi Prefecture’s representative folk song, “Shōsaitarō-bushi.” It conveys how folk music transforms over time.
There is also a song with lyrics by Tomio Oka titled “Kodomo Saitarō Rock,” which children sometimes dance to at recitals and school performances.
Nambu Cicada ChorusFukuda Kouhei2rank/position
A heartwarming song that evokes the scenery of Iwate Prefecture.
Released in October 2012 as Kohei Fukuda’s debut work, it reached No.
8 on the Oricon chart.
It beautifully portrays a deep affection for one’s hometown and the feelings of people living in the big city, with lyrics that resonate with listeners.
Fukuda’s powerful yet gentle voice further enhances the song’s appeal.
For karaoke, we recommend singing it while picturing your own hometown.
It can also spark nostalgic conversations with older listeners.
How about singing it together at a relaxed pace?
Shonai Shigure SakeFukuda Kouhei3rank/position
Kohei Fukuda’s single “Shonai Shigure-zake,” released on January 1, 2024, is a tear-jerking song that portrays the pride of a man who will never return home as he thinks of his native Shonai.
The nostalgic lyrics seep into the listener’s heart.
The lyrics by Toyohisa Araki and composition by Hiroshi Tokuhisa blend beautifully with Fukuda’s powerful vocals, bringing each emotion to life.
Filled with both urban loneliness and hometown love, the piece balances familiarity across generations with a sense of freshness, opening a new stage for enka.
It’s especially recommended for those living away from their hometowns and for listeners who want to savor the emotional depth of enka.
Nanbu Cattle Drover’s SongFukuda Kouhei4rank/position
Japan has preserved many folk songs rooted in everyday life and local climates, such as boat songs and lullabies.
This piece, “Nanbu Ushioi-uta” (Nanbu Cattle Driver’s Song), is a folk song once sung by cattle herders as they drove pack-laden oxen along transport routes.
During the Azuchi–Momoyama period, the areas now known as Iwate, Aomori, and Akita Prefectures were called the Nanbu Domain.
The cattle raised there, known as Nanbu-ushi and commonly called “Akabeko,” were famous throughout the country.
This folk song, handed down in the Nanbu region, is a tasteful tune that enlivened long journeys as people drove their cattle—the transport technology of the time.
Its lyrics offer a glimpse into the specialties and culture of the Nanbu Domain.
O north wind…Fukuda Kouhei5rank/position
Kohei Fukuda is known for having many extremely difficult songs, but among them, the one I especially recommend as easy to sing is Kitakaze yo….
While it firmly inherits the essence of enka, it also features a catchy quality that hints at kayōkyoku influences here and there.
Since there aren’t many passages with consecutive, intricate kobushi (ornamental turns), this piece can be considered quite easy to sing by his standards.
However, because the song emphasizes sustained notes, you will need to deliver high-tone long notes.
like father, like sonFukuda Kouhei6rank/position
There is a saying, “A kite gives birth to a hawk,” which means a child surpasses their parent.
In contrast, ‘Oyako-daka’ means that both the parent and the child are outstanding.
Long ago there was a novel with the same title, ‘Oyako-daka,’ whose protagonist is Katsu Kokichi, the father of the famous Katsu Kaishū.
The brilliant Katsu Kaishū and Kokichi—though poor, always acting for the good of society and others—both embody the spirit of these proverbs.
The Northern Ship of SuccessFukuda Kouhei7rank/position
A magnificent enka song that celebrates the spirit of the sea and its fishermen has been born.
Released in August 2016 by Kohei Fukuda from Iwate Prefecture, this work is characterized by a powerful singing voice and exhilarating sound.
Set against the Tsugaru Sea, the lyrics portray a man chasing big dreams and the bonds he shares with his comrades, resonating deeply with listeners.
It was well received on the Oricon charts, reaching 13th place for the week.
As Fukuda’s first “sea-themed” piece, it is recommended not only for enka fans but also for those seeking a song with a grand sense of scale.
Why not immerse yourself in the moving vocals while picturing the scenes of a port town and the life of its fishermen?