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Sayuri Ishikawa Popular Song Ranking [2026]
Sayuri Ishikawa, who debuted as an idol singer in 1973, was highly regarded for her vocal ability but seemed to struggle to really break through.
However, when “Tsugaru Kaikyō Fuyugeshiki” became a massive hit in 1977, she quickly rose into the top ranks of the enka world and followed it with a string of hits, eventually becoming one of the leading figures representing Japanese enka.
Sayuri Ishikawa Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri1rank/position
Set against Amagi Pass on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, this masterpiece of enka portrays the passionate emotions of a woman consumed by a forbidden love.
The beautiful natural scenery of Izu is artfully interwoven with her deep attachment to the one she loves, and Sayuri Ishikawa’s emotionally rich singing resonates deeply.
Released in July 1986, the song initially struggled in sales, but it has continued to be cherished by many, including being performed multiple times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
In 2008, MLB player Ichiro also chose it as his walk-up music, drawing widespread attention.
Steeped in nostalgia and brimming with expressive lyrics, it’s a song that invites listeners into its world and can be enjoyed together with older adults.
Tsugaru Strait Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri2rank/position
There is a classic song that beautifully and poignantly portrays a northern winter landscape and a bittersweet love.
Powerfully sung by Sayuri Ishikawa, the piece recounts the feelings of a woman traveling from Ueno on a night train to Aomori, where she bids a final farewell aboard the Seikan ferry.
Since its 1977 release, it has garnered numerous honors, including the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance, and stands as a monumental work in the enka genre.
Set against the frigid Tsugaru Strait, the image of a woman quietly deciding to part ways amid snow and the roar of the sea is deeply moving.
Please enjoy a wonderful time together, singing along or clapping in rhythm as you savor nostalgic memories.
You like whisky, don’t you?Ishikawa Sayuri3rank/position
Sayuri Ishikawa’s song conjures the image of a grown-up, tranquil scene—lingering over a glass at a bar late at night.
Released in 1991 under the name SAYURI, the track was created as a commercial song for Suntory’s Crest 12-year-old whisky and marked a striking departure from her enka image, embracing a full-on jazz and mood-kayō flavor.
Composed by Makoto Sugii, its refined atmosphere—born from string arrangements and vocals that deliberately forgo enka-style embellishments—harmonizes beautifully with lyrics that feel as if they’re spoken across a bar counter.
Since 2007, it has been revived as the theme for commercials for Kaku-bin and has continued to be covered by many artists, including The Gospellers and Hanaregumi.
Though it presents a different kind of difficulty than enka, why not surrender yourself to its chic vibe and enjoy singing it with ease?
You Were Born to Be Loved ※with KREVA, SEIJI KAMEDAIshikawa Sayuri4rank/position
This is a charity song powerfully sung by Sayuri Ishikawa, filled with the wish for children to live healthy and happy lives.
It’s also noteworthy that Seiji Kameda and KREVA collaborated on the project; the way musicians from different genres join forces evokes a sense of global connection and peace.
The serene soundscape, highlighted by an evocative piano, layered with a gentle yet powerful vocal, conveys a strong resolve to support children.
The song is infused with deep love for the children who have come into this world, and carries a heartfelt hope for a society where children are loved straightforwardly and unconditionally.
Tokyo Olympic Ondo -2020-Ishikawa Sayuri, Kayama Yuzo, Takehara Pisutoru5rank/position
Sung with the concept of “HAPPY & PEACE” for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, this is the Olympic song.
“Tokyo Gorin Ondo -2020-” is a modern remake of “Tokyo Gorin Ondo,” which was created for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
It also suits the Paralympics, and a key point is its choreography based on bon odori so everyone can enjoy it.
Delivered through a special collaboration by Sayuri Ishikawa, Yuzo Kayama, and Pistol Takehara, the song is a stylish track that captures the essence of summer, showcasing both splendor and the spirit of Japanese festivals.
Naniwa SistersShimakura Chiyoko, Ishikawa Sayuri6rank/position
For fans of enka and kayōkyoku, this is an unmissable duet: a song released in October 1987 by Chiyoko Shimakura and Sayuri Ishikawa.
Set in the back alleys of Osaka, its lyrics—sprinkled with Kansai dialect lines—vividly depict the bond of two sisters helping each other.
Carried by a gently flowing enka-style melody, their voices blend beautifully, evoking the feeling of real sisters.
Place names like “Iroha Yokocho” and “Sumiyoshi-san” also appear, steeping the song in Osaka’s atmosphere.
It’s a must for enka fans and a great pick for anyone who wants to savor the mood of the Showa era.
A Married Couple’s Good FortuneIshikawa Sayuri7rank/position
Sayuri Ishikawa’s classic song warmly portrays the bond between husband and wife.
The image of a couple joking about their drifting, rootless life, the alley drizzle dancing on their shoulders, and the phrase “a heart like brocade” all resonate deeply.
On cold nights, they share a drink together and overcome the seven hardships of this world—that kind of conjugal love shines through.
Released in February 1987, the song was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and captured the hearts of many.
It’s a perfect piece to play at weddings or celebrations for married couples.
Ishikawa’s rich vocals will surely deliver a blessing for a happy future.
To the Land of FireIshikawa Sayuri8rank/position
For Sayuri Ishikawa, who hails from Kumamoto Prefecture, this is truly a classic local song that lets her triumphantly return home in glory! Released in 1978, “Hi no Kuni e” is a Kumamoto-themed song set against Mt.
Aso, and Ishikawa even performed it at that year’s Kohaku Uta Gassen.
It’s hard to believe she had just turned 20 at the time—her powerful vocals are truly compelling.
Of course, it’s also very popular for karaoke, but “Hi no Kuni e,” created by the golden duo of Yu Aku and Takashi Miki—icons of the Showa era—blends enka elements with a strong kayokyoku flavor, so you can approach it with a classic Showa pop sensibility.
Feel the so-called 8-beat swing (hachiroku) rhythm, and try singing with careful, crisp articulation of each syllable in the lyrics.
The Promised MoonIshikawa Sayuri9rank/position
Featuring a music video that captivates with Sayuri Ishikawa not in her usual kimono but dressed in a chic outfit, Yakusoku no Tsuki is a commemorative song marking the start of the 51st year of her career.
Released in April 2023, it is said to be the posthumous work of the master composer Takashi Miki.
Ishikawa’s refined and beautiful vocal delivery, which carefully brings out the melody, deeply moves listeners, and it’s a song you’ll surely want to sing with feeling at karaoke.
The enka-style vocals are kept understated, and a relatively J-pop approach is more than enough to convey its appeal, so practice repeatedly to ensure you can produce the high notes cleanly.
Osaka SwallowIshikawa Sayuri10rank/position
This is a song released by Sayuri Ishikawa in 1986.
It’s beloved as a local-themed song featuring famous Osaka landmarks in its lyrics, such as Yodoyabashi, Hōzenji, and Kita-Shinchi.
Comparing a swallow to the bittersweet feelings of a woman in love, it’s an enka piece in which Sayuri Ishikawa’s gentle, delicate vocals resonate deeply.