Hiroshi Itsuki Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

night skyItsuki Hiroshi8rank/position

night sky

Hiroshi Itsuki is a giant in the enka world.

Even with his deliberately constricted singing style, the solid depth of his voice is truly overwhelming.

Among his songs, the one I especially recommend is Yozora (Night Sky).

While it has a somewhat wide vocal range, it features relatively few kobushi (ornamental turns) for an enka piece, making it very approachable for those who struggle with them.

If the high notes are too difficult, try lowering the key and give it a shot.

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Ryo

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You and me, just the two of usItsuki Hiroshi9rank/position

You and me, just the two of us

Hiroshi Itsuki’s “Omae to Futari” is a gem of a love song released in 1979.

Its lyrics, which sing of the bond between two people who have endured hardships together, and its wistful melody resonate deeply.

The repeated phrases in the lyrics carry a sense of hope for the future.

Itsuki’s emotionally rich vocals beautifully express the couple’s profound love.

The song won the Japan Record Award’s Gold Prize and became a massive hit, selling 917,000 copies.

It remains a beloved classic to this day—a track you’ll want to listen to while sitting close to someone special.

It’s sure to warm your heart.

pledge; vow; promise; (contextually also) bond of love/sexual unionItsuki Hiroshi10rank/position

pledge; vow; promise; (contextually also) bond of love/sexual union

“Chigiri” is a masterpiece imbued with Hiroshi Itsuki’s deep emotion.

Aku Yu’s lyrics, themed around bonds and vows in life, speak powerfully to the listener’s heart.

It’s also striking that Itsuki himself composed the music.

While honoring the tradition of enka, the song offers a fresh sense of moving emotion.

Released in March 2008, it’s an indispensable track in Itsuki’s career.

The melody especially resonates with generations at life’s turning points, offering comfort.

It’s a song I particularly recommend to adults who have experienced the full range of life’s joys and sorrows.

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.