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Enka Singer Popularity Ranking in Karaoke [2026]
We’ve put together a ranking of popular enka singers, from legendary veterans who have supported the enka world for many years to promising up-and-coming talents.
It’s common to be unsure what song to sing when you go to karaoke, isn’t it?
In those moments, try using this ranking as a reference.
Top 10 Most Popular Enka Singers at Karaoke [2026]
I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi1rank/position
This is a famous song by Fuyumi Sakamoto that portrays how love for a longtime partner deepens over time and blooms anew.
Even the scars born of youthful folly turn into cherished memories as the two share their days together.
Those warm feelings soak into the heart, carried by a gentle melody.
The song was released in January 2009 as the B-side to the single “Asia no Kaizoku,” and was later included on the acclaimed album “Love Songs ~ Mata Kimi ni Koishiteru ~.” It also gained widespread recognition as the theme song for Sanwa Shurui’s barley shochu “iichiko,” and in 2010 it reached No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart.
Why not listen when you want to reflect anew on the preciousness of the days you spend with someone dear?
A Man’s Pure Hearttatsumi yūto2rank/position
Released in 2019, “Otoko no Junjo” was the second single by Yuto Tatsumi, who at the time was active as an enka singer while still a university student.
It topped the enka charts and reached No.
10 on the Oricon overall chart, helping cement the image of a new star for the Reiwa era in the enka world.
It’s classic enka that powerfully sings of supporting the somewhat awkward way a man lives, but its light, refreshing melody—reflecting Tatsumi’s personality—is easy to remember.
The vocal range isn’t very wide either, making it very easy to sing for an enka song.
I’d love for beginners to give it a try!
Oh, sake!Yoshi Ikuzo3rank/position
It’s a masterpiece whose wistful melody and heartrending lyrics resonate deeply.
Yoshikazu Ikuzō’s richly expressive vocals brilliantly portray the loneliness and lingering attachment of a man drowning in drink.
Released in September 1988, the song won the Grand Prix at the All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards and was performed twice on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, capturing the hearts of many.
It remains a karaoke favorite and is recommended even for enka beginners.
With its relatively low vocal range, it’s easy to sing, and conveying emotion can help you score high.
It’s truly a song of life that offers solace to those who have experienced heartbreak or parting.
Fleeting LoveKouzai Kaori4rank/position
Characterized by lyrics that depict a heartrending love and a melody steeped in melancholy, this work is known as one of Kaori Kozai’s signature songs.
Released in March 1991, it reached a peak position of No.
14 on the Oricon charts.
It was performed at the 42nd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen the same year, boosting Kozai’s nationwide recognition.
With a tune that’s approachable even for newcomers to enka, it has remained a long-standing favorite at karaoke.
The lyrics, which convey the transience and ruthlessness of love, are sure to resonate with many.
It’s a song that offers solace to those who have experienced heartbreak or loneliness—why not give it a try?
Longing for RainYashiro Aki5rank/position
Aki Yashiro’s classic “Ame no Bojo” (Yearning in the Rain).
It’s a memorable piece that makes the most of her distinctive husky voice, with a vocal line that stays restrained throughout.
There are no parts that call for belting; it’s the kind of song that’s meant to be sung with a subdued, weathered tone, so it doesn’t require powerful vocals like strong projection or shouts.
For one of her songs, it also features relatively few kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), making it comparatively easy to sing.
Consider adding it to your repertoire.
Northern SpringSen Masao6rank/position
It’s a classic enka song that portrays the feelings of a city dweller nostalgic for their hometown.
The imagery is wonderful—you can almost see the northern spring landscapes with white birches, Japanese kerria blossoms, and a watermill.
Released in April 1977, this piece achieved the remarkable feat of being performed at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen three years in a row.
If you sing it at karaoke, I recommend picturing the scenes in the lyrics and filling your voice with the sentiment of longing for home.
Prioritize gentle, heartfelt expression over sheer power.
Even if you’re not used to singing, the melody is easy to remember, so it’s a comfortable song to try.
It’s perfect for those living away from their hometown or anyone who wants to recall familiar, nostalgic landscapes.
Kiyoshi’s Zundoko SongHikawa Kiyoshi7rank/position
Kiyoshi Hikawa, a figure who sent shockwaves through the enka world.
Though an idol-type enka singer, he possesses solid vocal prowess and has influenced many as an artist who combines skill with catchiness.
“Kiyoshi no Zundoko Bushi” is one of his hit numbers.
While this song spans a fairly wide range—mid1 C to hi B—the pitch shifts in the kobushi (melodic ornaments) are kept to at most two notes, making the overall difficulty as enka relatively low.
If you have a reasonably wide vocal range, you should be able to sing it without trouble.
It’s immensely popular among madams, so consider adding it to your repertoire.
Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari8rank/position
It was the last single released during Hibari Misora’s lifetime, and among her great discography of songs that have continued to sing to the hearts of the Japanese people, it is one of the most famous masterpieces.
With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto that reflect a view of life, and a beautiful melody by Masaaki Hirao, Hibari’s flawless performance continues to move many people even in the Reiwa era.
Released in January 1989, it became a massive hit, selling over two million copies.
Naturally, it has also been extremely popular for karaoke since its release, and when you actually try singing it, you’ll find the vocal range isn’t all that demanding.
The calm tone of the first verse and the soaring melody of the chorus are easy to remember and should feel good to sing.
Vibrato is certainly a plus if you can do it, but don’t force it—let yourself flow with the melody and focus on clearly pronouncing each word of the lyrics as you sing.
freezing rainKayama Akio9rank/position
A signature work by Akio Kayama that poignantly sings of the heartache of unrequited love through the figure of a woman enjoying a solitary drink at a bar.
This classic captivates many fans with its bittersweet vocals and richly expressive delivery.
Released in 1977 as his debut single, it has gradually seeped into people’s hearts over time.
In 1983, it won the Long-Seller Award at the Japan Record Awards and is highly regarded as a beloved song of the Showa era.
With a light, folk-tinged melody, the key is to value rhythm and hold back overt power, emphasizing restrained emotion over force.
For karaoke, try singing up to the chorus as if speaking to the listener, and have fun by getting friends to handle the tricky parts.
Dotonbori SentimentTendō Yoshimi10rank/position
Yoshimi Tendo is an enka singer highly acclaimed for her live performances.
With first-class qualities across the board—vocal power, expressiveness, and fine techniques such as kobushi—she also has songs that are relatively easy to sing.
Among them, the one I especially recommend is Dotonbori Ninjo.
It’s a robust enka number with the flavor of Kawachi Ondo, but most of the kobushi are the type that undulate at the start of each phrase, so it’s not particularly difficult.
Of course, if you aim to replicate every detail, the difficulty is high; however, since most of the Kawachi Ondo-style kobushi occur in the lower register, anyone who can control pitch in the low range should be able to sing it without issue.
By the way, the reading of the title is not “Dotonbori Ninjo,” but “Tonbori Ninjo.”