Sayuri Ishikawa Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Noto PeninsulaIshikawa Sayuri15rank/position

Noto Peninsula

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.

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Ryo

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warm currentIshikawa Sayuri16rank/position

Warm Current - Sayuri Ishikawa (1987)

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 Bamboo Dance – Sayuri Ishikawa

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

Hunger Strait Ishikawa Sayuri 2004 Ishikawa Sayuri

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.

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utatane

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Tokyo Meguri-ai (Tokyo Serendipitous Encounters/Love by Chance in Tokyo)Ishikawa Sayuri / Kotokaze19rank/position

Tokyo Meguri-ai (Fateful Encounter) - Sayuri Ishikawa & Kotozakura

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

Sayuri Ishikawa “Eternal Journey” Music Video

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.

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KOH-1

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Burn my lifeIshikawa Sayuri21rank/position

Sayuri Ishikawa - Burning My Life

Sayuri Ishikawa, who was already active as a young enka star with hits like “Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene” and “Noto Peninsula,” released the song “Inochi Moyashite” in 1979.

Following the previous year’s “Hi no Kuni e,” this track also secured her a spot on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and it’s a beloved classic that’s very popular for karaoke.

The song sits somewhere between enka and kayōkyoku, and Ishikawa’s vocals—she was 21 at the time—still carry a fresh, innocent quality.

With no complex melodic developments and lyrics that are easy to remember, it’s an ideal choice for karaoke.

I highly recommend it not only to enka fans but also to lovers of Shōwa-era pop.

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KOH-1

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