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Hiroshi Itsuki Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
This time, we’re introducing the most popular songs by the enka legend Hiroshi Itsuki in a ranked list.
His deep, vibrato-rich voice has captivated fans ever since his debut.
His performances on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen have also become a year-end staple in Japan.
We’ve gathered only masterpieces that we especially want younger listeners—who may not have heard enka before—to discover.
Hiroshi Itsuki Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
Blues of the DawnItsuki Hiroshi1rank/position
Thanks to the percussion timbre, I think you can really get into the groove when singing it! It’s a huge hit by singer Hiroshi Itsuki, released in 2012.
The lyrics evoke the melancholy of a man set in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, and as the title suggests, the bluesy feel of the song is striking.
As you listen, it makes you want to sing it yourself! It’s rhythmic, but the melody isn’t particularly fast, so as long as you decide where to add your vocal inflections, you should be able to handle it.
And of course, you’ll want to bring out that “mature, rugged coolness.”
Yokohama TwilightItsuki Hiroshi2rank/position
Let me introduce a classic song perfectly suited to Yokohama Port Opening Day.
This elegant piece, which beautifully portrays the atmosphere and scenes of a port town, was released by Hiroshi Itsuki in March 1971.
The lyrics were written by Yoko Yamaguchi and the music composed by Masaaki Hirao.
With its distinctive rhythm and lyrics that string together evocative nouns, it resonates deeply with listeners.
The song tenderly tells a bittersweet love story set in a port town, garnered a huge response, and reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
It was also performed at Hiroshi Itsuki’s first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and has become one of his signature songs.
It’s a great choice for karaoke recreation—easy to sing in a gentle tone—and is likely to spark conversations filled with Yokohama memories.
IzakayaItsuki Hiroshi / Kinomi Nana3rank/position
A masterpiece that beautifully portrays the delicate emotions of a man and a woman who meet by chance in the corner of an izakaya.
The perfectly synchronized duet by Hiroshi Itsuki and Nana Kinomi creates a mood that is both heartrending and warm.
Released in November 1991, this song has also become a karaoke classic.
In the unadorned setting, it gently sings of the preciousness of human connections that arise.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on nights when you want to linger in memories with someone special, or when a quiet loneliness creeps in.
Savor this gem that depicts an unforgettable, fleeting encounter—one that will stay close to your heart.
mountains and riversItsuki Hiroshi4rank/position
This is a single released by Hiroshi Itsuki in 2000, with lyrics by Kei Ogura and music composed by Takao Horiuchi.
The song likens life to mountains and rivers, and at the 51st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2000, it was performed as the White Team’s finale and the event’s overall closing number.
It is a powerful, emotionally resonant piece.
Chikumagawa RiverItsuki Hiroshi5rank/position
Hiroshi Itsuki, a singer Japan is proud of, has performed numerous beloved national hits.
Among his many classics, Chikumagawa, released in 1975, is one of his signature songs set in Nagano Prefecture.
Sung gracefully over a triple meter, its melody is challenging, spanning a wide range from the low notes of the verse to the high notes of the chorus.
Even Itsuki himself has described it as “not to be sung carelessly.” The key is to convey a rich sense of travel and scenery while taking care not to let the words become muddy in the lower register.
The Makioka SistersItsuki Hiroshi6rank/position
Set against the wintry scenery of a snow country, this song portrays a fleeting love.
Hiroshi Itsuki’s warm, resonant low voice beautifully conveys the world of the heartrending lyrics.
Released in September 1983, it peaked at No.
9 on the Oricon chart and stayed on the charts for 33 weeks, becoming one of Itsuki’s signature songs.
Composed mainly in the low to mid range, it’s a great choice even for those who find high notes challenging.
When the winter cold feels like it might freeze your heart, why not sing this song and regain a little warmth within?
Capital of KoshiItsuki Hiroshi7rank/position
A heartfelt song by Hiroshi Itsuki, spun with a nostalgic longing for his hometown.
It elegantly portrays the history and culture of Echizen-Fukui, brimming with love and pride for the region.
Through his expressive vocals, you can feel the lives of people who endure like daffodils in the snow and the craftsmanship that still breathes today.
Released in March 2024, it was presented to the public in his hometown of Echizen City on March 23.
It’s the perfect piece to listen to when visiting places connected to Fukui Prefecture or when you want to deepen your feelings for your homeland.
Why not let Itsuki’s voice guide you as you imagine the rich nature and romantic history of Echizen?