Hiroshi Itsuki Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Go with the flowItsuki Hiroshi29rank/position

Go with the flow

The song written and composed by Hiroshi Itsuki is a striking piece that combines powerful enka with heartrending lyrics.

It portrays the resolve to find hope while accepting life’s hardships and loneliness.

Released in March 1982, the song was used as the theme for the period drama “Tōyama no Kin-san,” which began airing the same year and ran for a total of 198 episodes starring Hideki Takahashi.

Itsuki himself made guest appearances in the series, drawing additional attention.

This work, one of Itsuki’s signature songs, teaches the importance of holding on to unwavering love and hope while going with the flow of life.

It stands as a gentle yet powerful message of encouragement to everyone struggling with life.

IzakayaKi no Mi Nana / Itsuki Hiroshi30rank/position

Izakaya

This duet by Hiroshi Itsuki and Nana Kinomi is a song that depicts a casual conversation between a man and a woman who happen to sit next to each other in an izakaya.

In an unpretentious setting, without exchanging names or personal stories, the way they simply share the moment expresses the preciousness of human connection.

Released in November 1991, the song has become a karaoke staple, and a new version by Itsuki and Fuyumi Sakamoto was released in 2017.

If you sing it at a drinking party, it’s sure to get everyone going regardless of age.

For even more excitement, split the parts as “male solo → female solo → unison → harmony” and sing together.

Kitamaebune (Kitamae-bune), the Edo–Meiji era coastal merchant ships that sailed the Sea of Japan trade routeItsuki Hiroshi31rank/position

Kitamaebune (Kitamae-bune), the Edo–Meiji era coastal merchant ships that sailed the Sea of Japan trade route

Set against the rough seas of Japan’s northern regions, a powerful song portraying the lives of sailors was released in May 2022.

Created with deep dedication—so much so that Hiroshi Itsuki declared, “I want to make this song a big hit even if it costs me my career as a singer”—the piece depicts, on a grand scale, the courage and hope of the mariners who sailed the Japan Sea on sengokubune (large coastal trading ships).

The men who keep voyaging, loading their dreams while facing harsh nature, seem to embody life itself.

The song also conveys love for family and pride in being sailors, leaving a profound resonance with listeners.

It is a must-listen not only for enka fans but also for anyone feeling lost in life.

mother’s faceItsuki Hiroshi32rank/position

"Mother's Face" by Hiroshi Itsuki

This work is a heartfelt song that sets the warmth of a mother—recalled when you close your eyes—to a melody that sinks deep into the heart.

Released in March 2025 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of his debut, it comes from Hiroshi Itsuki, one of Japan’s foremost enka singers.

Written and composed by Itsuki himself, it tenderly portrays the bonds and kindness of family.

A gem of a song, perfect for times when you want to express gratitude to someone dear.

IzakayaItsuki Hiroshi33rank/position

Izakaya — Kinomi Nana / Hiroshi Itsuki

Set in an izakaya, this song delicately portrays the subtle emotions of lonely men and women.

Yu Aku’s woven lyrics and Katsuo Ono’s soul-stirring melody blend beautifully, evoking a mature worldview steeped in the atmosphere of the Showa era.

The distinctive voices of Hiroshi Itsuki and Nana Kinomi gently envelop a scene where loneliness and warmth intertwine.

Released in October 1982, this work has continued to be loved as one of Hiroshi Itsuki’s signature songs.

A new duet version with Fuyumi Sakamoto was produced in October 2017.

With lyrics that touch on the nuances of life and a familiar, accessible melody, it’s a wonderful choice for everyone to enjoy singing at karaoke.