Hiroshi Itsuki Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

And… a fateful encounterItsuki Hiroshi11rank/position

Hiroshi Itsuki - And... A Fateful Encounter (cover)

It’s sad but a reality of this world that sometimes a man and a woman must part ways even while still in love.

If I were to meet the woman I once longed for after we’d separated with lingering feelings, the song I’d want to sing to her, as if talking over drinks, would be Hiroshi Itsuki’s “Soshite Meguriai (And Then, We Meet Again).” Let yourself be carried away by its wistful, melancholic melody.

Nagaragawa ElegyItsuki Hiroshi12rank/position

Nagaragawa Enka

It’s no exaggeration to call this song one of the signature works of Hiroshi Itsuki, the singer-songwriter Japan is proud of.

Released in 1984, it’s a regional song set in Gifu Prefecture and became a major hit.

Skillfully depicting the scenery of the Nagara River and the bittersweetness of a one-night romance, the piece resonates with lyrics woven in beautiful Japanese and an emotionally rich melody.

Starting with an intro marked by an evocative shamisen tone, the story unfolds through Itsuki’s soaring vocals.

The song garnered numerous music awards, including the Grand Prize at the 26th Japan Record Awards.

It’s relatively easy to sing and recommended for newcomers to enka; when trying it at karaoke, listen closely to Itsuki’s performance and sing with heartfelt expression—that’s the key.

Shijō YoshiiItsuki Hiroshi13rank/position

Shijō Yoshii - Hiroshi Itsuki - Local Song Okayama No. 18 - With Lyrics

The Yoshii River is counted as one of the three major rivers of Okayama Prefecture and flows through the eastern part of the prefecture.

Not only the river itself but also the charms of the Yoshii area along its basin are celebrated in song.

Incidentally, the Yoshii River is home to a fish called the Ayumodoki (Parabotia curtus), which is an endemic species.

Get on a boat from NagasakiItsuki Hiroshi14rank/position

Get on a boat from Nagasaki

A song by Hiroshi Itsuki set in the port town of Nagasaki, depicting encounters with women from across Japan.

Released in August 1971, it became a major hit, reaching No.

4 on the Oricon charts.

The journey continues from Nagasaki to Kobe, from Yokohama to Beppu, and from Hakodate to Tokyo, told through an emotionally rich voice and wistful lyrics.

The unique loneliness of port towns and the women’s bittersweet feelings are beautifully expressed, making it a classic that deeply resonates with listeners.

It’s recommended for those who want to feel the charm of Nagasaki or savor the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa era.

Time passes…Itsuki Hiroshi15rank/position

"Time Flows On..." by Hiroshi Itsuki

This song depicts a quiet reflection on the many events experienced along a long journey.

The gentle, piano-centered sound is striking, and the overlap with Hiroshi Itsuki’s powerful vocals is truly moving.

Another noteworthy point is how it portrays overcoming hardships; precisely because life wasn’t only happiness, the gratitude toward those who offered support comes through even more clearly.

The song conveys a strong determination about one’s path forward, while also powerfully singing of hope for future generations.

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Izakayaitsuki hiroshi, kinomi nana16rank/position

Izakaya

A gem of a duet overflowing with nostalgia and warmth.

This is a collaborative work by Hiroshi Itsuki and Nana Kinomi, released in 1982.

It was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and a new version by Hiroshi Itsuki and Fuyumi Sakamoto appeared in 2017.

Set in an izakaya, it gently sings about the human connections born from chance encounters.

The unadorned lyrics and pleasant melody seep into the listener’s heart.

It’s easy for older audiences to enjoy and is sure to be a hit at karaoke.

Why not join voices with everyone and sing it while savoring the subtleties of life?

Life Hide-and-SeekItsuki Hiroshi17rank/position

Life Hide-and-Seek

This is a song released by Hiroshi Itsuki in 1981, with lyrics by Taka Takashi and music composed by Tetsuya Gen.

It expresses the sorrow of a man’s broken heart and is one of Itsuki’s early signature songs.

The song won the Gold Prize at the 23rd Japan Record Awards.

Tokyo Crescent ClubItsuki Hiroshi18rank/position

Tokyo Crescent Moon Club / Hiroshi Itsuki (Vocals) Hiroshi Take

Sung by enka legend Hiroshi Itsuki, this song likens the moon to the heart, satirically suggesting that what was once a full moon has worn down into a crescent.

It’s a truly tasteful gem.

I wonder if the “Tokyo Crescent Moon Club,” which soothes a betrayed heart, is that kind of club.

I’m curious.

cherry shellItsuki Hiroshi19rank/position

“Sakuragai” Hiroshi Itsuki [Official PV]

This is a single released by Hiroshi Itsuki in 2014 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his entertainment career.

Although it was originally included on a 1997 album, the song was re-recorded and released as a single.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon Enka/Kayō single chart dated March 31 and April 7, 2014, making it a fitting highlight for his 50th anniversary.

Deai BridgeItsuki Hiroshi20rank/position

Deai-bashi / Hiroshi Itsuki

This is a song that beautifully portrays scenes of meetings and farewells.

Set in the calm of the evening lull, the way the heart is moved in a fleeting moment is striking.

“Deai-bashi” (Bridge of Encounter) likely symbolizes parting with the past and a new meeting.

Hiroshi Itsuki’s rich, mature voice expresses adult romance with deep emotion.

Released in April 2013, the song was included as the B-side to the single “Hakata à la mode.” Packed with the charm of a veteran enka singer, this work is perfect for those who want to savor an adult romance.

It’s also recommended for people whose hearts are dancing with the excitement of a new encounter or who fondly remember a love from the past.