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.
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Sayuri Ishikawa Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (11–20)
Love Song of Kaze no BonIshikawa Sayuri11rank/position
This is a classic released in 1989, in which Sayuri Ishikawa, a grand dame of enka, delivers Ryo Nakanishi’s lyrics—based on Osamu Takahashi’s novel “Kazeno-Bon Koika (The Love Song of the Owara Kaze-no-Bon)”—with a gentle, heartfelt touch.
It’s also a so-called regional song, and it was highly acclaimed, winning the 31st Japan Record Award that same year.
Although the lyrics revolve around the theme of an extramarital affair, Nakanishi’s choice of words is delicate and beautiful, and Ishikawa’s singing avoids any sense of murky melodrama—truly superb.
It’s true that a song like this demands advanced expressive ability, but the enka-style vocal ornaments and vibrato are relatively restrained, so even those who aren’t confident in such techniques should give it a try.
Overall, the key is on the higher side, but the vocal range required is relatively average; if you struggle with high notes, consider adjusting the key.
Hide-and-seekIshikawa Sayuri12rank/position
This is the memorable debut single released in 1973 by Sayuri Ishikawa, who would go on to become a leading figure in the enka world.
She was only 15 when the song came out! Quite different from the powerful image of “Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene,” her charming, idol-like vocals here feel wonderfully fresh.
The nostalgic melody, reminiscent of a children’s song, pairs perfectly with lyrics that evoke faint memories of playing in back alleys at dusk.
It might even be overlaying the bittersweet feelings of first love for someone special with a game of hide-and-seek in search of “that child” who can no longer be found.
A sentimental track that lets you glimpse the precious starting point of a great singer.
smartphone boatIshikawa Sayuri13rank/position
Studying on a smartphone—people who aren’t familiar with it might indeed be surprised.
This is SoftBank’s commercial “Smartphone Boat.” The CM song is sung by the legendary enka singer Sayuri Ishikawa.
As the title suggests, it’s an original song themed around smartphones.
The official music video has also been released, so if you’re curious about the full version, please check it out.
Harbor Pier DrizzleIshikawa Sayuri14rank/position
The single song “Hatoba Shigure,” released in 1985, is a local tune set at Tonosho Port on Shodoshima in Kagawa Prefecture.
It became a milestone masterpiece that marked Ishikawa’s transition into a mature enka singer, winning the 27th Japan Record Award and being performed at the 36th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, following life experiences such as marriage and the birth of her first daughter.
A commemorative monument was erected in 1992 in Tonosho Town, Shōzu District, Kagawa Prefecture, and in 2012 a monument honoring Osamu Yoshioka, who wrote the lyrics, was also built on Shodoshima.
Hugely popular in karaoke, the song exudes the classic, heartfelt feel of traditional enka, and those accustomed to singing enka should be able to handle it with ease.
As the song builds, the pitch gradually rises, then drops to a deep note before climbing again.
Take your time and sing carefully to avoid going off pitch as the melody intensifies!
Noto PeninsulaIshikawa Sayuri15rank/position
Following “Tsugaru Strait Winter Landscape” and “Amagi-goe,” Sayuri Ishikawa’s masterpiece “Noto Peninsula.” While this piece firmly carries the hallmarks of enka, it also features plenty of vocal lines closer to kayōkyoku.
In particular, the transition from the B section into the chorus has qualities reminiscent of 1970s kayōkyoku and pop ballads.
There are passages that use falsetto, so the range is somewhat wide; however, for a Sayuri Ishikawa song, the overall difficulty is relatively low because there are notably fewer kobushi (ornamental vocal turns).
If the early-chorus falsetto is difficult, I recommend lowering the key—or conversely, raising it slightly to make producing the falsetto easier.
warm currentIshikawa Sayuri16rank/position
This is a local song released by Sayuri Ishikawa in 1977, which peaked at No.
11 on the Oricon weekly chart.
The lyrics depict the feelings of a woman who has broken free from her past.
The song was written by Yu Aku, known for numerous hit songs, and composed by Takashi Miki.
Echizen Bamboo DanceIshikawa Sayuri17rank/position
Echizen Take-Mai by Sayuri Ishikawa, a charismatic icon of the enka world, is a masterpiece that beautifully weaves together the majestic nature of Fukui and the ache of unrequited love.
This song distills her appeal into a single track that deeply moves listeners.
Loved for many years since its 1983 release, it showcases the depth of Ishikawa’s expressive power.
Experience the moment when Echizen Take-Mai colors your heart with rich hues!
The Strait of HungerIshikawa Sayuri18rank/position
Sayuri Ishikawa’s 64th single, “Kiga Kaikyō,” was released in 1994.
The song is based on the 1964 film Kiga Kaikyō (The Hungry Strait).
From the very start of the lyrics, you’re struck by something shocking that makes you ask, “Why?”, and yet you can’t look away as you’re drawn further and further in.
Depending on how you listen, it can be heard as a song of profound love, with feelings that come through clearly—but it’s also a track that makes you tremble with a chilling fear, as if to say that when love goes too far, it becomes frightening.
Tokyo Meguri-ai (Tokyo Serendipitous Encounters/Love by Chance in Tokyo)Ishikawa Sayuri / Kotokaze19rank/position
This is a duet released in August 1984 by the unusual pairing of Sayuri Ishikawa, known as a treasure of the enka world, and Masanori Kotonofuji (formerly the sumo wrestler Kotonofuji) after his transition from professional sumo.
The story portrays lovers who reunite in Tokyo after being apart and reaffirm their love, expressed through Rei Nakanishi’s emotionally rich lyrics and Shosuke Ichikawa’s wistful melody.
The work received the Planning Award at the 26th Japan Record Awards and was also performed at the 35th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year.
It’s a perfect song to sing in sync with a duet partner at karaoke or in a snack bar.
Eternal JourneyIshikawa Sayuri20rank/position
The single song “Tokoshie no Tabi,” released in June 2024, is a single by Sayuri Ishikawa, with lyrics by Goro Matsui, music by Tokiko Kato, and arrangement by Neko Saito.
It conveys a sense of compassionate, Buddha-like serenity that reflects her long career, while her unchangingly beautiful voice leaves you feeling purified.
While retaining elements of enka, the song has the vibe of a medium-tempo J-pop ballad, so Ishikawa refrains from kobushi ornamentation and heavy vibrato, instead delivering the wistful melody gently—making it easy to sing even for those who aren’t fond of enka.
Take time to read the lyrics thoroughly, and try to sing with heartfelt feeling.